Written By: Amanda Policastro
Jason Genao can be seen in the very popular, blockbuster hit “Logan” as well as the Netflix series “The Get Down” which has released its second season. He plays two very different characters. Get to know the actor and his recent roles.
Photo Credit: Michael Creagh
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your character preparation for your role in “Logan”?
Jason Genao: I read a couple comics and did research on Rictor, but when I got the script he was a bit more of the writer’s creation. So I relied simply on techniques of acting.
upfrontNY: What were your reactions after hearing “Logan” hit over $85 million in the box office after the first weekend?
Jason Genao: I was thrilled. Glad that my first film was a film that made strides. It was a boost of hope coming into the business and having a sense that so far I’m walking a clear path.
upfrontNY: What was it like working with Hugh Jackman? Have you picked up any advice from him?
Jason Genao: Hugh is by far the nicest man I have met period. There were more stories than advice. But simply watching him work was enough of a lesson.
upfrontNY: What were some of the biggest challenges in your acting career you’ve faced before reaching success?
Jason Genao: Being me and then in trying to become an actor has come with great disadvantages. I look different from the rest. Parts where I just don’t look it, slip away and just given the chance stories could be rightfully told, but chances just aren’t given.
upfrontNY: Who has inspired you to become an actor?
Jason Genao: All films inspire some piece of you as an actor. But I can vividly remember two films and the two actors from those films that got me off my ass and made do something about it. Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose and Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain.
upfrontNY: What actor or actresses are at the top of your list to work with?
Jason Genao: Being inspired by old cinema, I’d have to say that a lot of those who I would have liked to work with are dead. But there are still actors inspiring me today like, Amy Adams, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, Marion Cotillard and Dustin Hoffman.
upfrontNY: The Netflix series, “The Get Down” has debuted its second season. What was it like reprising your role from the previous season?
Jason Genao: I’m just happy being a part of something that I would watch with as much joy even if I weren’t in the show. Being Napoleon again until the end gives hope to this character’s ability to grow.
upfrontNY: We see a deeper look into your character, Napoleon, this season. How did you go about exploring different, more deeper sides to him?
Jason Genao: Napoleon breaks from his ways of life on the streets and joins the get down brothers. While he doesn’t express much, he’s symbolic to change and the ability to go from dark to light.
upfrontNY: What type of film or television series would you like to star in next? Drama, comedy, action, etc?
Jason Genao: I’d like to make the exact same films that inspired me to act. Those that leave you as a different person once the movies ends. It was mostly dramas that did that for me with a few comedies in between. Like All About Eve and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Young Frankenstein. As for TV, it’s all about the writing and 100% enjoying it because ultimately it can be your home for years.
upfrontNY: What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring actor?
Jason Genao: For actors on the rise, I’d say be resilient. No other job is going to tell you “no” every day and have you back out in the morning. You’re stronger than you think. And watch a lot of films, pay attention to Meryl and Brando and Davis. Watching them is as good as any school.
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