LORENZO ZURZOLO My childhood in Rome has been very joyful. I grew up with my parents and my sister in a cozy flat right in the center of Rome. I have a really nice relationship with my sister, she’s six years older than me, and she taught me many things as my parents both worked a lot. I have always loved going out and meeting people, and Rome is very welcoming. But it also gives the youth a lot of freedom; at 14 years old, you can go to [night] clubs and drive a motorcycle and at 15 and 16 years old, it’s quite common to drink and smoke at your convenience. Teenagers should be careful not to skip steps and keep their heads on straight.

VM You started acting at the age of 7, correct? Were there any actors who inspired you then? 

LZ I did my first audition when I was [age] 7 for a commercial, at [age] 9 I filmed my first TV series, then I started to study theatre. I grew up on sets — I can’t live without it. When I was younger, my idol was Roberto Benigni, I loved [him in] La Vita è Bella. I saw it for the first time with my mum, and I wish I had played the role of the child, as we were the same age when I saw it.

VM Do you currently have any role models or actors you are inspired by or take notes from?

LZ I’m looking up to a lot of young talent who have made beautiful projects and that are open to interpretation like Xavier Dolan, Zendaya, and Timothèe Chalamet; but I think the real inspiration is given by the characters we meet every day.

VM If you could work with anyone in the industry, who would you want to work with? Why? 

LZ There are a lot of directors I love. In general, I like directors that explore all the psychological sides that bring their character to the extreme, such as David Fincher, Lars Von Trier and Christopher Nolan.

VM You said in an interview with The Face that as you read the script for season two of the Netflix series Baby, “I was a bit embarrassed and not very comfortable with the idea…” Before some of the more “scandalous” scenes, how did/do you prepare mentally, physically? What advice can you give others prepping for scenes that might be uncomfortable?

LZ After you read the script and you accept the role you know you are playing, you have to go deep and find the motivation to do everything you have to do. You have to believe in it, and the only secret is to trust the director.

VM You said in another interview that you enjoy playing a sinister character. Why does this type of role appeal to you so much?

LZ I have always been interested in evil characters because I believe that all people have many nuances inside them. For me, as an actor, it’s fascinating to play a role focusing on certain nuances, I like to explore all the different sides of the character’s personality, I’m curious about the feelings that those characters feel.

VM Can we expect season three for Baby and Niccolo? If so, what will that look like?

LZ Season 3 is the final season so there will be no loose ends. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you much but Niccolo has to [take ownership] of his responsibilities and must put aside pride.

VM Has playing the role of Niccolo shaped you as an actor or a person? 

LZ Every character leaves you something. Niccolo is a very impulsive person and when he wants something he takes it. I learn a lot in this sense because sometimes I think too much.

VM If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing for a living? Why?

LZ I don’t know I really love cinema so maybe something related

VM You have tons of fans here in the United States; will they ever get to see you in any American productions in English? Is that something you’ve thought about or are interested in? If so, what would your ideal American debut look like? What kind of film?

LZ Dreaming big? As I [mentioned], one of my favorite directors is Christopher Nolan, it would be a dream to be directed by him. Despite that, I still have to improve my English and study a lot. For now, I’m focused on Italian cinema, constantly trying to improve.

VM Are you working on anything currently? If not, what do you enjoy doing in your downtime?

LV Now, I’m filming Baby season 3 and immediately after that, I’m going to film a thriller for cinemas, it’s called, Weekend directed by Riccardo Grandi. I’m really excited.

VM Can you tell us what’s in store for your acting career and other projects in 2020 and beyond? Are there any goals you wish to accomplish professionally or personally?

LV This summer I’m in a comedy called, “Sotto il Sole di Riccione” that will be available on Netflix in 198 different countries, in which I play a very particular character.. you will see. For now, I’m having a lot of fun and just want to continue [acting] for the rest of my life.