Philip Riccio

By Derek in Actors and Actresses on February 19, 2009

Actor Philip Riccio is versatile in terms of industry. On the big screen he played the role of Ridley Wilmott in George A. Romero's zombie film "Diary of the Dead." On the small screen, Philip plays Puker on the TV show "Rent-A-Goalie." Philip has also done a lot of theatre work and even has a theatre company.

How did you become involved in acting?

As a teenager I wanted to be a film director so I decided to go to an arts high school. The closest program to film that they had was drama so that became my major. I ended up really liking it, so after graduation instead of going into a film program somewhere I went to Theatre School.

What are your goals as an actor?

I don’t really have any specific goals. There are always two things I’m looking for and they are to work with people I respect and that I can learn from and to work on projects that are telling a worthwhile story. That’s really my only goal.

Which directors would you like to work on a film with?

There are so many. I’ve been working with Irish theatre director Jason Byrne who I think would make an amazing film director, so I hope we get a chance to work on a film together.

When acting on say a TV show or film, you sometimes have to deal with very unpleasant subject matter. Have you ever been in this situation and if so, how did you overcome it?

I think anyone who goes into acting gets some sort of weird enjoyment exploring difficult emotional states. It’s such a large part of the job that you’d go crazy if it wasn’t fun on some level. I’ve always loved that acting allowed me to explore things that were outside my own world, even when the subject matter is unpleasant. A part of you always knows that it’s just pretend so it’s a great way of exploring human behavior without having to live through it.

In your opinion, what makes a good actor?

I think being a good listener might be the most important thing.

You were in "Diary of the Dead," directed by George A. Romero. What was it like working with such a prominent director?

What can I say about George that hasn’t already been said? Not only is he a visionary director but one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked with. He’s also a director who seems to really love working with actors and makes the experience a true collaboration.

Obviously "Diary of the Dead" is a horror film, but it conveys a message like Romero's other films. Do you think a film (especially horror) with a message is more effective than a film without one? Why?

I think the more levels a story works on, the more enjoyable the experience for the audience. When George is at his best he’s able to make an audience scream, laugh and think all at once. It’s what makes his movies classics that will be watched and talked about forever.

What is the most challenging role you've ever had to play?

Most of my major acting challenges have come from my theatre work. I’m currently playing Christian in "Festen" in Toronto, a play based on the Danish film "The Celebration." It’s been extremely challenging on many levels. I also once played the role of Carlos in the Peter Barnes’ play "The Bewitched" which was an experience I’ll never forget.

What genres of film do you prefer to work and why?

I haven’t really worked on that many films so you might have to ask me that again in a few years.

In your acting career you've worked on TV and in film. Which do you prefer and why?

I enjoy both. In film you usually have the luxury of working longer on each scene, which is usually for the best. Also the stories tend to be more complex in films (although that seems to be changing). What I love most about television is getting to work with the same group of people longer. I’ve done three seasons of a show called "Rent-a-Goalie" and getting to work with almost the same cast and crew for three years has been great.

When not acting, what do you like to do?

Most of my free time right now goes toward my theatre company. Other than that I love traveling and spending time with my lady and family. I’m also a pretty big sports nut. I can talk sports with my brothers forever.

What inspires you personally? Professionally?

I’m fascinated by people, which is probably what draws me to acting. I’m continually inspired by other people and the examination of the human condition, which sounds really corny but it’s the truth.

Many actors dream of having particular roles. What would be your dream role?

There are a bunch of roles in the theatre I’d love to play. A bunch of Shakespeare’s. Actors always have a thing about getting to play certain Shakespeare roles. But the roles I’ve most enjoyed playing were ones I knew nothing about before I was offered them. I’m pretty sure that will continue to be the case.

Actors have begun careers in singing, writing, and even directing. Have you ever contemplated taking up another career besides acting and if so, which one(s)?

A few years ago I founded a theatre company (aptly named The Company Theatre) I’ve found it more rewarding to be producer and actor as opposed to just actor. So yes I can totally see myself producing and directing. There’s something about being involved with a project from beginning to end, which provides you with a greater sense of accomplishment.

Being an actor means memorizing lines. How do you memorize lines in a script? Any tricks for aspiring actors?

Luckily it’s not something that has ever been a big problem for me. I find if you work on understanding what your character is doing and thinking the words will come pretty easily.

What is one mistake aspiring actors seem to make?

I think it can be easy to get caught up with what other people say. I’ve seen colleagues destroyed by it.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Fine, I didn’t come up with that one but it’s a good one.