Gilles Marini: For The Good Of The World

AM:  Gilles, how long have you been working on ‘Switched At Birth’ now?

GM:  It’s in the third season.  It starts October 20, 2013.  It’s the highest rated show that ABC Family has ever had.  It’s doing fantastic and the fan base is growing rapidly.  You can be nine years old or seventy-seven years old and still enjoy it.  It deals with real teenager problems along with their parents.  I like the fact that the show is geared toward the deaf community and minorities in general.  The executive producers have really created an incredible show.  

AM:  How does this show compare with working on ‘Brothers and Sisters?’

GM:  Somehow there are similarities between the two.  I was supposed to only do a couple episodes and then I turned into a regular on the show.  

AM:  That was the same way as on ‘Brothers and Sisters’ too wasn’t it?

GM:  Yes I was supposed to be on three shows and after I was on one episode they decided to make me a principle in the next season.  It’s the same with ‘Switched At Birth.’  I’m on half the episodes this year.  The cast and crew are a big family.  I’m busy with other projects so I can grow as an actor.  

AM:  When you say other projects are you talking about a film?

GM:  Yes, I just finished filming a film called ‘The List’ written and directed by Harris Goldberg.  What a project.  It was very interesting to shoot.  We shot it very fast and it’s a great story.  It’s about a woman who gives her fiance a list of things he needs to change so they can get married.  It’s considered a romantic comedy but I think it’s more like a dramady.  It’s funny at times but I think it’s a great lesson.  I have a small part since I was filming ‘Switched At Birth’ at the same time.  I’m extremely proud of this role.  

AM:  Do you have time to audition for parts now?

GM:  I do audition for parts.  I’ve had a few auditions recently where I came in second to get the part.  Before I would audition and I wondered if I would get a phone call.  Now it’s between me and some other dude.

AM:  You must be getting better and better at auditioning.

GM:  I’m getting to understand what acting is all about.  I’m growing every day as an actor.  I’m sure Pacino is still growing every day.  Down the line I want to do an edgy show where I can push the envelope.

AM:  What kind of part would you like to play next?

GM:  I’d love to play the arch enemy, bad guy in a film where I can use my physicality.  Hollywood sees me as a romantic lead more than an action star and I understand that.  I spend six days a week doing martial arts.  I’ve played sports all my life.  I love action more than any other genre.    

AM: Are planning anymore trips to Bora Bora?

GM:  A lot of people think, “Bora Bora, the end of the world.”  People forget that Bora Bora is a flight away.  Usually we leave at 4:00 in the afternoon and get there at 10:00 at night.  We watch a couple of movies and we are there!  When we get there it is the most untouched and precious island region in the world.  It’s not spoiled.  It’s pure and the marine layers are incredible.  I’m in love with the people and the culture.  I probably will spend more and more time over there.

AM:  Would you ever live or retire there?

GM:  If I can one day, why not retire over there for six months out of the year?  I always wanted to buy a little beach where I could put music and not charge people crazy amounts of money so people can enjoy it.  It could be part of a community and something fun for people to do.  That is missing in Bora Bora.   I want a nice little Beach club where people can come and relax.  I’m really attracted to doing that there.  

AM:  Can you tell me about the T-shirt you designed?

GM:  Jennifer Aniston designed one two years ago.  She was the face of Warriors in Pink.  The purpose is to bring awareness and funds to something that is dear to everyone.  We talk about breast cancer and how it happens to women but without women we are not here.  The least I can do is try to help.  If there is any cancer I want to pay attention to it’s breast cancer and colon cancer, because my Dad died from that.

AM:  Plus you are always involved in charities so this makes perfect sense.

GM:  As an actor it’s important to be involved in things like this and to make people aware, and the government too.  When personalities get vocal and tell people how to live their lives better, the government hears and feels like they should do a little bit more.  Most countries in  the world do not work to prevent disease.  They are more about helping you when you are already sick.  If we focused on preventative care it would cost the government a lot less.  This is my thought.

AM:  Can you tell me about Warriors in Pink?

GM:  Warriors in Pink is the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.  She’s an incredible human being who has been so proactive against breast cancer.  It’s a great association.  I designed the shirt and I’m very proud of it.  There is a lot of meaning in the design.  100% of the proceeds goes to research.  It’s a cool shirt that men or women can wear.  November is breast cancer awareness month.  If you want a T-shirt then get that T-shirt because it does something good for the world.  I’m not getting a penny from this.  The goal was to get someone well known to do this for free.   I think it’s very important for celebrities to do things like this for nothing.   Just for the good of the world!