We recently caught up with actor Brock Ciarlelli who can be seen playing Steve in the new rom-com Bros playing now in theaters. Brock is best known for his role as Brad Bottig on the ABC sitcom The Middle which ran from 2009-2018.

Brock tells us about his acting experiences, what he learned from The Middle, and filming his scenes in Bros.

Check out our conversation below.

When did you decide that storytelling and acting was something you wanted to do?

Brock Ciarlelli (BC): It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was little. As a kid, and now even sometimes as an adult, the way I tap into my emotions is through storytelling. Or watching someone else’s story play out on screen. 

What was it like filming Bros?

BC: It was such a collaborative process. The majority of what was written on page is not exactly what ended up on screen. Rather, during our rehearsal process, we talked about what needed to happen from a storytelling perspective, and then we figured out the funniest way to get there. I know how much Billy [Eichner] has poured into this film, so it meant a lot to have the opportunity to have a voice in the creative and comedic process for my character, Steve.

Has it hit you that the film is now out?

BC: It has! The response has been so overwhelming in the best way possible. When working on any project, it’s hard to step back from it. But seeing the final product in theaters, and hearing real laughter come from the audience… that’s when it hit me that the film was now out in the world, and that it was good, and that people were loving it.

What advice would you give to people pursuing acting?

BC: Be a smart actor. Hone your craft, of course. That’s the baseline. Because as an actor, there are so many things that are out of our control, so take control of the things that you can. And the rest will fall into place.

What can you tell us about your experience working on The Middle? Any learning experiences to take on for future projects?

BC: I learned a lot from working on The Middle. Every person on that show was a titan in comedy in their own right. And when you’re surrounded in an environment that’s so saturated in talent, the best thing you can do is soak everything up.

What was your first acting role?

BC: I grew up doing community theater in Denver. The first role I remember loving and knowing that acting was what I wanted to do was when I played Templeton in Charlotte’s Web. He was sarcastic, witty, and got all the laughs.

What do you enjoy the most about acting?

BC: When I was younger, I enjoyed the literal feeling of performing. And don’t get me wrong, I still love that part of it. But the more I’ve worked, the more I’ve seen TV and film, even comedies, can really move people. For example, Will and Grace did more for me as a gay kid figuring who I was than I’ll ever be able to eloquently describe. And being apart of projects and hearing from viewers about how a certain episode helped them come out, or helped them get through a parent’s death, or it’s what brought them closer to their family… that’s my favorite part. Being apart of something that leaves a positive impact on someone else.

When people watch Bros, what are you hoping they get out of it?

BC: A lot of laughs 🙂

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Bros is currently playing in theaters and is available to rent on VOD.

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