Image credit: Richie Lubaton
We had the chance to chat with actor Tony Giroux who returns to the role of Adil in Freeform‘s Motherland: Fort Salem. Season 2 recently premiered on June 22, 2021. Here’s what he had to say about acting and his projects.
When did you decide that storytelling and acting was something you wanted to do?
TG: When I was in my early 20s, studying for a BA in communications and also starting to dance professionally, I remember telling myself that if I didn’t have a lifestyle I wanted (fulfilled, financially happy) by the time I was 25, that I would stick to an academic career. Telling myself that really motivated me to pursue my dream of being a performer. While I was dancing professionally, that’s when I got more seriously into acting and creating. My twenty fifth birthday came around, and I had accomplished things I was really proud of and had a lifestyle I was “somewhat” happy with, but more importantly, I had discovered a passion for humanity, understanding who we are, and that’s what has driven me ever since.
For you, what is the best thing about being a storyteller?
TG: Well this is a perfect segway from the previous question. For me, it’s the discoveries about why we do what we do, attempting to understand hidden aspects of ourselves, and most often, I think we can be (or at least I am) quite irrational! And to give myself permission to explore that without limits within a story is such a joy, whether in front or behind the camera.
What can you tell us about Adil in Motherland: Fort Salem?
TG: With this second season, Adil gets exposed to the violence of the world, being chased by the Camarilla, and I’d say that changes him a lot from season one. In his relationship with Abigail, he gets exposed to different ways of thinking, though creating huge inner conflict as they come from opposite worlds. Can love keep them together?
What has been the best advice someone has ever given you about life?
TG: My dad. I’m someone who can get quite nervous when it comes to stepping out of my comfort zone. And he told me a story of when he was young and would go to school dances. Whenever a slow song came on, all the boys would get terrified of asking a girl to dance. He would too. Yet he would tell himself “OK, for 30 seconds, I forget about everything” and go for it. That’s advice I try to apply in all aspects of my life, and to then always go for what makes me feel alive, regardless how scary.
What is the mindset for you when preparing for a role? Does it depend
on the project?
TG: Always depends on the project. I love to try and understand the character with as much depth as I can, down to what they dream about. Yet that aspect is mostly geeking out and for my own enjoyment. More recently, it has become crucial for me to prep each project and scene with delicate attention to ensure the story always comes across, with as much nuance as possible.
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