Perhaps you had the opportunity this summer to watch the original Hallmark movie entitled Paris, Wine & Romance which starred Jen Lilley and Dan Jeannotte. If you did, then you may remember her uncle in the movie as played by Greg Canestrari. Recently, I reached out to him for an interview, and I am very happy to share him and his talents with my readers today!
RH: How/why did you decide to pursue a career in entertainment? What kind of training have you had to prepare you for this career?
GC: I’ve been in show business my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever known. I started as a musician growing up training and playing drums from the age of four, then piano, guitar, bass and of course singing professionally. Music is a real part of my blood. I am still a working musician today gigging in London and throughout the UK. But at nineteen, I branched out into acting and the stage. It was like a calling.
After graduating at twenty-two from Emerson College with a BFA Degree in Voice and Acting, I moved to New York City, which was where I was based playing roles in musicals and other shows until I moved to London in 1998. In London, I trained further with the help of the Actors Centre. I enjoy training whenever I can in some form or another, if the truth be told. I feel I need to learn and develop my craft whenever and wherever I can. I feel the same way about being a musician. But anything that doesn’t feel like a chore isn’t hard to pursue.
I believe your first professional works were mainly in theater. What was your first significant professional role on the stage and what are your memories of it?
I remember when in my twenties, I played the role of Danny in a fairly budgeted production of Grease that toured Europe from the US. We played big theatres and had sold-out audiences. It was the first time (and I cannot imagine this ever happening again as it was so surreal) I ever experienced large, overly enthusiastic and pretty intense groups of fans at the stage door after the show. A lot of them, as it turned out, were pretty much groupies who wanted to go out and party after every show. And they were not in small numbers. This was completely new to me with regard to musicals. Grease, in those days I guess, made a huge impact. But they were all nice and thankfully harmless people at the end of the day. They loved the show so much, which was nothing short of inspiring to us. I never did go out with them because basically it was all a bit overwhelming at the time and I didn’t want to mess up playing my first real lead in such a physical musical like this one.
With Cameron Mackintosh
The biggest production I’ve ever been involved with to date I think has to be Miss Saigon. I often played the role of John until I played it regularly until the end of my contract. Playing Danny in Grease and Riff and Tony in West Side Story definitely had its high degree of an adrenaline kick. But performing a lead role in an epic musical like Miss Saigon for Cameron Mackintosh in the last UK run of its original production was probably the most significant stage experience for me so far. I was able to really sink in and enjoy singing this role. I love every element of Miss Saigon and I loved being a part of that production.
I understand you met your wife while performing the role of John in Miss Saigon. If you would like, please share a little about that story.
Miss Saigon
with Lea Salonga
Well, how do I talk about this? Let’s see if I can manage. I often played John during the first year of Miss Saigon. I was first cover. My wife, Theresa, not nearly my wife then of course and from what I remember didn’t even like me very much, was dance captain and swing for six ensemble roles. During the Dreamland sequence in Act 1–this was during the song “Last Night Of The World” and one of the many stand out moments of the show–the character John and one of the prostitutes dances centre stage in an intimate way that, well, only a front line soldier and prostitute would do in that situation on a night out during the Vietnam War. The actress who played the prostitute role was ill on this particular night I played John. So Theresa stepped in to play the role. It was the first time Theresa and I ever danced this dance on stage together. To our surprise, it was the first time she and I discovered the ocean of chemistry we had together. That basically started it all off for us. And we had known each other for many others prior to that performance.
What was your first film/TV role and what was most memorable about that role?
Lilyhammer
My first, real breakthrough role worth talking about was when I played Jerry Delucci in season one of Lilyhammer, the first original Netflix series and the one that launched Netflix. I have so many great memories with this production. Where do I begin? One of the first things that comes to mind which I found very memorable–and I hope this doesn’t come across the wrong way at all–was how easy I felt the role of Jerry Delucci was for me to play. It is such a great feeling when you are so suited for a role that everything about the role is already there, ready to go, at your fingertips. I don’t really know what that says about me though in all honesty because Jerry Delucci was one crazy, badass, piece of work who I would not want to hang out with. But I guess it’s because I am Italian-American. In a way, I naturally understood the nuances of this type of role, historically speaking. I had a lot of relatives while growing up who kind of spoke like Jerry did and who approached the world in similar ways albeit legally, unlike Jerry. This made it so much fun to play. The directors Lisa Gamlem, Simen Alsvik and Geir Henning Hopland throughout season one were all amazing. They gratefully gave me a good amount of liberty and definite trust with the character as well as room for improvisation within the script. Also, working closely with Steve Van Zandt had its own fair share of great memories which I’ll keep under my hat.
Please share with us about your work and role with the show Lilyhammer.
Lilyhammer
We filmed Lilyhammer up in Norway both in the town of Lillehammer and in Oslo. Just as a side note, Lilyhammer was intended to be spelled incorrectly for the purposes of the type of characters in the show. I say this because I seem to notice a lot of people who talk about the show spell it correctly when it was actually meant to be spelled incorrectly.
The production had some great and well-known screen and stage actors from Norway playing regular roles. They were an inspiration to work with. Trond Fausa, Marian Saastad Ottesen and Fridtjov Såheim to name just a few. Wonderful actors who taught me things without them ever knowing I think. Oh, and I also got to work with my good friend, Tim Ahern, who I had not known prior to meeting him in Norway. Tim played my partner in crime, Robert Grasso. So here we are, both living for years in Hertfordshire in the UK fairly near to each other. We both come from the same place in the US. We only meet though in Norway because of a TV series we are working on together. Now we get on like we’ve known each other for decades. Crazy how small this world is sometimes.
Lilyhammer
I was always quite outside of myself when Stevie and I, those few times anyway, got to talking about the E-Street band or other show business things. He’s a very down-to-earth, relatable guy. The very sad news of Clarence, the Boss’s sax player, being ill and eventually passing away while we were filming really threw me as it did Steven and everyone. Clarence’s sax was a sound that was a part of and a very positive influence of my childhood. I didn’t hear this news though through the TV or social media as most people did. I heard it firsthand. I will never forget that.
To this day it puts a smile on my face to hear people tell me how much Lilyhammer has made an impact in Norway in the very same way that the sitcom Friends made an impact in the US back in the 90s. That’s a very big thing. I feel I lucked out in being a part of this series, not to mention playing the heavy in season one.
You’ve also had small roles in the recent films Stan & Ollie and Dumbo. Please share about how you got involved with those and what you enjoyed about being a part of those films.
Stan & Ollie
The idea of being a part of a BBC film about Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy was too good to pass up regardless of the size of the role. This humble film brought back to life old Hollywood telling the story of two iconic comedians who together made comedy and Hollywood history. But this film made them more human than I believe we had ever seen them before. The struggles within their relationship, their mortality. Laurel and Hardy are a part of the fabric of America and its Golden Age of Hollywood. I’m a sucker for this kind of nostalgia. I gotta say I think I might have been born in the wrong era.
It was great working with Steve Coogan as Stan’s lawyer. His dedication and commitment to playing Stan Laurel and consequent nomination for his role was no surprise to me. The director, Jon S. Baird, needs a mention here because I sincerely feel he made something special. I said yes straight away when he offered me the role. And just between you and me, I think I would have done it for free.
Heckler in Dumbo
Regarding Dumbo, when Tim Burton picks you out of a long line-up and says, “Greg Canestrari please for Heckler,” whether one, two, three scenes or a lead role, how do you say no to that? Similar to Stan & Ollie, I was happy to be a part of it because of its epic and simply historical nature. It’s Disney after all and I was being directed by Tim Burton. Basically living the dream. I love Disney. My first Disney film so I’m hoping more will follow (hint hint). I spent two weeks at Pinewood Studios filming. Just walking from my trailer to the canteen, with minimal imagination needed, was like transporting through time and walking on the set of maybe The Wizard of Oz way back in the day. Dedicated, hardworking actors just going to work, characters of all shapes, heights and sizes. The sets in real life were just as mind-blowing as in the film. It was a wonderful and yes, magical experience.
Hallmark viewers recently saw you in Love, Wine & Romance. How familiar were you with the Hallmark network before making this film? How did you get involved with this film?
Paris, Wine & Romance
I hope they liked it. For Paris, Wine & Romance, I was asked, through my agent, to self-tape for the role of Travis Ricci. Hallmark and the director Alex Zamm evidently liked what I did and hired me for the role. Hallmark is like a tight-knit family. Wonderful to be a part of it now. I hope to have a long relationship with them. I’ve always known of the Hallmark brand and network since I can remember. I pretty much grew up with it.
In the role of Travis, what did you enjoy and appreciate about creating this role? What was it like working with your co-stars?
with Alex Zamm the Director of PW&R
I don’t often get to play the Uncle. I enjoyed playing it in this. Travis is entirely responsible for Isabella entering the wine contest which leads to her meeting Jacques and winning her medal. It is something I, as Greg, would probably do. He is also unintentionally responsible for the conflict that Isabella experiences with Jacques toward the end of the film although, granted, it was not from his doing. He really cares for Isabella, which I can appreciate because I have nieces and nephews who I care a great deal for, so can easily relate. When I was a boy, my family made Zinfandel wine in real wine cellars with real wooden wine barrels. The smell was intense and euphoric. It was a priceless experience and I learned a lot about the winemaking process. The role again was very suited for me. Travis is a real hard-working family man who loves making wine. He cares for his family and what he believes is important. He takes responsibility and his genuine Italian essence shines through. I can completely appreciate this.
with Jen
Jen Lilley was just a joy. I’m so glad too because I had to love her like a niece. It’s not always easy with actors. But it wasn’t difficult at all with Jen. Her pregnancy was starting to show while we were filming, but she was a real trooper even when she did not feel at her best. She still looked great and was committed to delivering the director’s vision. She was always happy to help. Just a beautiful soul. But my favorite thing about her I have to say is her gorgeous laugh. So infectious and endearing. Puts a smile on your face.
Dan Jeannotte and I never had scenes together, but we often had dinner together along with Jen and Alex. A good man, wonderful father and really good actor. Michael Xavier and I are old friends. Many years. We used to live together; in fact, when we did Miss Saigon together back in 2001. Nicest man and genuine too not to mention talented. I was sincerely chuffed to know that he had a role in this as well. I just wish we had some scenes together, but what can you do about that?
Any other upcoming roles you can mention?
None I am able to talk about at present, a little too early. But I will as soon as I can, knowing me.
I understand you are a musician and voice-over artist as well as being an actor. What do you enjoy about being a part of this sector of the entertainment industry?
Well, as I have said before, music is a part of my blood and so a genuine part of who I am. My whole family is musical. You could say I was born with drum sticks in my hands as percussion was how it all started musically. Now everything I do in life stems from this fundamental core of music and rhythm. I say it in this rather corny way because all of life I feel is a fundamental expression of rhythm and music mixed together in some form or another. It’s a real blessing in my life. I love performing live. I love the whole package, except for the politics. I enjoy voice-over work very much as well, of course. But I have to say that music, singing and performing is where it’s all at for me. I currently perform as a jazz and blues piano-vocalist at London venues and private events in the UK either soloing or as part of a duo, trio or more. Love it.
Any special summer plans you’d like to share?
Well, I had plans to take my wife somewhere nice for our anniversary in July. It looks like I was successful in doing just that.
with his wife
Undoubtedly, Hallmark has uncovered yet another gem in their “shot on location” movies that they have been doing in the past couple of years. Before this movie, I had no clue who Greg was, but I am thrilled to state that I now not only know who he is, but I recognize the impeccable artistry he brings to every one of his works. I have seen Dumbo, and I own the movie Stan & Ollie (but I have not been able to watch it as of yet!), and I find it exhilarating to think that an actor of his caliber has finally made his first Hallmark movie! My hopes are high for this actor whose career is centered on my first love–music! I can only imagine his skill in Miss Saigon, and to think that he has been a part of such incredible events with this musical (a musical my daughter and I will FINALLY see this fall!). I cannot imagine that Hallmark would not reach out to him again, and maybe we viewers will be fortunate to see him grace our screens in a special movie very soon.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch Paris, Wine & Romance, Hallmark viewers will be able to watch it again on August 19th (check local listings for times). While you are reliving this delightful film, I would invite everyone to check out Greg’s links below and consider following him where applicable. I greatly anticipate his next venture (hoping that Hallmark utilizes his talents again), and I hope that all the Hallmarkies will join me in supporting this marvelously gifted artist for many years to come!
FOLLOW GREG
