Stephen Amell is one busy actor who is enjoying a vast array of parts on several different projects and showing off his impressive range of acting skills.
On “Vampire Diaries,” Amell plays the evil Brady who temporarily scars Caroline during a creepy and vicious torture scene, and the actor obviously embraced the dark side of his character. While in “Justice for Natalee Holloway,” the actor’s portrayal of Joran Van Der Sloot it’s less obvious what emotions lay below the surface of the man. Amell delivers a performance that plays up Van Der Sloot’s handsome and charming boyishness but adds a sense of timidness to the mysterious man with the world reknowned reputation clouded in suspicion. Unlike with his “Vampire Diaries” character, the viewer does not detect any judgement on the actor’s part regarding Van Der Sloot’s guilt or innocence.
Amell explains what it took for him to prepare for this role. ” Well the practical side came first. I had to get the accent and I had to figure out his mannerisms. The next aspect was taken care of with the dialogue. But I have to say, this is the first time I’ve played someone who exists in reality and it was very exciting,” he says. “Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it going in, but we filmed a really big scene off the bat and it took a bit of a toll on me. I wouldn’t say it was emotionally challenging, but if I played him right, by the end of the day I was in a funk. That being said, you don’t want to judge the characters you play, so you’re able to bring the truth, but I was very aware this character is a weak person. So where you normally look for strength, I look for weakness,” the actor said.
Amell’s name was on the short list to take over on “Spartacus“, and though the part went to Liam McIntyre, he says he is okay with the producers decision.” I was in the “Spartacus” casting process for about two months. I had four auditions and a great meeting with Steven DeKnight. Then myself, Aiden Turner and Liam McIntyre were flown to New Zealand and worked for three full days. Fitness assessment, screentest and character work. I think Liam will be spectacular, but it worked out because the Tuesday after I didn’t get “Spartacus,” I got a call to get on the plane to Georgia for “Vampire Diaries.” I had auditioned three times before that. I definitely tried out for Mason Lockwood and Elijah. They liked me but didn’t think I was the right fit for those roles. For Brady, I got on the plane not even knowing the part, but knowing it would be super awesome.”
In his new role on “Hung” Amell plays a gigilo and is required to spend a lot of time naked and shooting sex scenes, but he says he takes it all in stride. ” You know what, I actually enjoy them. My first sex scene ever was a blast. Oddly enough, it’s the most physically challenging thing I’ve ever done. At least mine have been. You think, “oh, I’ll support myself with one arm” or “wouldn’t it be neat if I carried her?” That seems like a great idea until the fourth take of the fifth angle and you’re exhausted. I can see how it would be awkward for some people but I like embracing the absurdity of the whole thing.”
via nypost.com
