SPA hosts a conversation with Giancarlo Esposito

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Actor Giancarlo Esposito provides insight into how he got to where he is today and a look into what his career is like.

In a compelling fashion, Esposito entered that stage shouting the famous “We Are” chant, which got the crowd excited for what was to come.

Esposito is a prominent and famed actor most well-known for his role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. While he has numerous other iconic roles in various other shows and movies, he actually got his start on Broadway.

Esposito's mother was an opera singer, and he mentioned that there was always music playing in the house growing up. He considers Broadway to have been a “second family” to him.

When performing live, there is instant feedback that is not present on camera. There is “no replacement for that,” said Esposito. He credits a lot of where he is today because of his start on stage.

He also noted the recently passed James Earl Jones many times as a dear friend and a great inspiration.

Many fans in attendance were eager to hear any advice that Esposito might have to share with anyone hoping to be in a similar position as him someday. He told the audience to “find yourself first,” and to “define your talent.”

“If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” declared Esopsito. He always chooses projects that speak to him and encourages aspiring actors to do so as well.

“Be true to yourself and really find what you love and try it now,” he said. “What you do today determines your tomorrow.”

Additional advice that Esposito emphasized multiple times was that the awkward and uncomfortable zone is where creativity lies. “Get used to it!” he proclaimed.

When asked how he prepares for an audition or to film a scene, he stressed the importance of finding where his voice belongs in a character. Esposito said, “Let the inner voice speak,” and “Take command of the characters you chose to play.”

Referring specifically to the character of Gustavo Fring, Esposito shared that he “had to find what the space was in between the lines.” He took the role very seriously and wanted to play a character who truly cared. “I don’t want to be a stereotype,” he said.

Esposito also has a large history in voice acting. Starting with commercials, he loves voice acting because there are “no guideposts.” He stated that embracing his African-American and Italian heritage helped him a lot with this.

Widely known as an actor who plays more “villainous” characters, an audience member asked Esposito if he ever feels typecast. “If you do something really well, why not do it?” he said. However, he mentioned that he has played some “good guys” in smaller projects, and teased that fans might see more of that in the future.

Furthermore, he shared his excitement for his role in the upcoming Marvel movie, “Captain America: Brave New World.” Esposito appeared to be just as excited about the film as the fans were.

With decades of experience in the industry, Esposito had much wisdom and enlightening information to impart. It was an honor to have a talent such as him on campus.

Noah Vickery is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact him, email nmv5292@psu.edu