Actors/Actresses: July 2007 Archives

Still a few more Outfest interviews to share with you including these with James O'Shea and Phillipp Karner before the world premiere of their movie "Kiss the Bride" on Monday night. I had not heard of either of them so actually had to ask them to spell their names and both were absolutely not offended.
Gabbed with Philipp first and since I hadn;t yet seen the film, was not able to tell him how wonderful he is in the movie. And he is. In "Bride," he plays Matt, a gay man whose relationship issues go back to unresolved feelings for his high school best friend and lover, Ryan, who's marrying a woman.
"It's a really sincere romantic comedy with funny moments," Karner explained. "It's an unusual twist in a romantic comedy where everyone ends up rediscovering who they are and who they love and the difference between lust and love."
So what about the love scenes with O'Shea? Was it an issue at all for Karner, who is straight?
"Love scenes are always stressful and couldn't be less sexy. You have to hit your marks and you think about everything but the kiss," he said. "But James and I were buddies and that made it easier."
As far as taking on a gay role with many same-sex kissing scenes, he said: "It doesn't matter at all. The only thing that matters is a good story."
This is Karner's first big lead in a feature but the 28-year-old has plenty of acting credits including roies in "Race You to the Bottom" and "The Battle of Shaker Heights" as well as guest roles on such shows as "Will & Grace," "Without A Trace," "Charmed," and "CSI: Miami."

As for O'Shea, he is the real sex bomb in the film. Just a big, studly, sensitive man. He made no bones about his feelings for the film: "I think we have a phenomenal film on our hands."
How did they cover up Tori Spelling's expanding belly during the shoot I wanted to know: "Did you see Austin Powers when he was naked and covering up his area with different fruits and vegetables? It was all with a slight of hand, smoke and mirrors."
Was he hesitant about taking on a big gay role? "Certainly any role should be considered carefully but I have no hesitation about playing a gay role. I hope in the end, you don't knowm if I'm gay or straight."
OK, so are you gay or straight?
"I don't think I want to say," he said, playfully. Then I asked about the nude scene and if he knew that his bare butt had been making the rounds on the Internet: "I'm only slightly nervous about that. Having grown up playing soccer, I've been blessed with a good exercise ethic."
About what was it like to work with Tori Spelling, who plays his fiancee in the flick?
"It was very fun. She's very busy so we didn't hang out on weekends or anything but she's so talented and hard-working. I'm very fond of her and I think the feeling is mutual."

The 31-year-old actor has done guest spots on "Ghost Whisperer," "Smallville," "Roswell," "Smallville," "Jag" and recurring parts on "Frat Ratz" and "Sweet Valley High."