INTRO BY ALEXIS ROGERS
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROUD
Geovanni Gopradi is famous for his roles in a variety of television shows and movies, including “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Wife,” “Will & Grace,” “True Blood,” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2". Gopradi’s most recent role is in “The Haves and the Have Nots” on OWN Network. Gopradi was born in Florida, but grew up in several different places, including Venezuela, France, Peru, and Costa Rica. Gopradi received a Bachelor in History and International Law at Nova Southeastern University. He had a fear of public speaking, and was first exposed to acting after taking classes to help combat his fear. He decided to continue with acting in a conservatory program, where he completed two years of training. During this time, he also learned Spanish, French, and martial arts. Gopradi is also very involved with the Special Olympics. He has participated in a variety events with the organization, and held the role of celebrity ambassador in 2015.
Who or what inspired you to get into acting?
GEOVANNI: "My first acting class came in the way of an attempt to overcome stage fright. That first class captivated me enough to pursue acting as a career instead of the intended legal studies."
What was your first acting job? How would you describe the overall experience from it?
GEOVANNI: "Working on my first student film, I felt a sense of belonging. And it was as if this was what I was meant to do."
You currently star in Tyler Perry’s series “The Haves and the Have Nots” – what’s it like working on the show?
GEOVANNI: "It was a test of experience and intuition. I kid you not, the speed at which Tyler films, as an actor, we don’t have time to process information. The level of preparation required is similar to being on stage except we don’t have the 3 month preparation. The amount of dialogue to prepare and deliver, is a true test of skills."
You play Broderick on the show – do you personally feel that you relate to him in any way? If so, how?
GEOVANNI: "There are elements we can all relate to every character. Broderick is after the American dream but his methods may seem off kilter."
Of all the roles you have portrayed, which would you say was your favorite and why?
GEOVANNI: "They’ve all taught me something. Mall Cop 2 gave me an opportunity to experience doing my own stunts with cable work and free fall. It also was the first time my career was solidified in the minds of family and friends since the movie hit theaters internationally."
PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROUD
Do you find that you have a particular genre of film that you favor?
GEOVANNI: "I don’t have a particular genre I favor as I have a large range and enjoy being outside my comfort zone."
Is there a certain type of role that you haven’t gotten to portray yet that you would love to in the future?
GEOVANNI: "Yup, one with so much depth that gets me a nomination would be GREAT!"
Are there any other projects that we can expect from you in the near future?
GEOVANNI: "Actor and director projects come up very fast and the best way to stay informed is through my IMDB page. I’m also involved in the Special Olympics and to follow my journey in that, my Instagram is best: Gopradi"