*Let me introduce you to Giovanni Roselli. Hardcore wrestling fanatics will recognize Giovanni as his moniker Romeo Roselli while he was half of “The Heart Throbs” in WWE. Mr. Roselli is still wrestling in the independent circuit, but has added a lot more job titles to his resume. He’s a fitness coach and educator, and recently he’s made huge leaps into being recognized for his acting talents too. He’s appeared in everything from comedy College Road Trip, The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke, “As the World Turns,” “Saturday Night Live,” and the horror title, Can You Survive A Horror Movie? Now he will be playing the lead role of Tony in Paul Tarnopol’s Jersey Shore Massacre. You can read our interview below where we discuss his past achievements and his current success with the upcoming guido slasher.
H: Can you introduce yourself to the readers? Tell us all little about yourself.
G: I am a former full-time (now part-time) professional wrestler turned actor. In addition, I am a nationally recognized fitness coach and educator for Equinox gyms.
H: You’re a real professional wrestler, though, having been a part of “The Heart Throbs” in the WWE for three years. What was it like being associated with the largest wrestling organization in the world?
G: It was an absolute dream come true. Growing up, I was a huge wrestling fan. My first official match was in Madison Square Garden and Hulk Hogan came up and introduced himself right before we were about to make our entrance. This was an unforgettable night. It has been an amazing experience traveling all over the country and the world, in and out of WWE.
H: You’re not with WWE anymore, but it’s nice to see that you’re still very active in independent circuits. I see that you recently appeared in a semi-feud with WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley during a Northeast Wrestling Live event. How did it feel to share the ring with such an icon?
G: It’s always very satisfying and fulfilling when I get the opportunity to be in the ring with guys like Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler, Roddy Piper, among other countless icons. I grew up watching and idolizing these men. It comes full circle going from watching them on TV to performing with them in the ring. The hard work, bumps and bruises are all worth it with moments like these.
H: Furthering your career in the entertainment industry, you started to become a professional actor and booked roles on “As the World Turns,” and in movies such as College Road Trip and Battledogs. I know that in wrestling you have to have a certain amount of charisma and put on a show, but what’s harder – the physical demands of a wrestler or the emotional demands of an actor?
G: Tough call there. They are both very demanding and challenging in their own way. With wrestling, you are constantly having to be athletic, physical, entertaining, and show emotion – usually all at once! However, getting into a deep, emotional acting role is a process of concentration and focus. In the end, it should look completely natural like you’re not even acting at all! I would never say one is harder than the other. I have the utmost respect for anyone in these industries having been in the trenches myself.
H: Jersey Shore Massacre is not your first time playing a guido. Baby Mama and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” were actually your first times playing the plague of NJ. Why do you think you fit the mold so well?
G: Well, I naturally have the look for your typical guido, and I really enjoy the comedy aspect of entertainment. As irony would have it, my lifestyle is pretty much the exact opposite of that character type. I don’t drink. I don’t go to clubs, and I don’t party. I try to get to bed early every night and eat only nutrient-dense organic foods. Maybe I can start a new, healthier version of the guido. As you have stated, maybe this is a mold I fit so well because it’s me getting to be a completely different person and having fun with it, which is one of the goals of any actor.
H: How did you come to be a part of Jersey Shore Massacre? Did you have to audition?
G: Yes, I auditioned twice for the film. On my first audition, I was asked to read for a few different characters. Then I received a callback and read for Tony. I knew when I was asked to act out a scene where my hands would be going through a wood chipper that this would be quite the film! This was my first real opportunity to do a horror film so I was excited to get the call to be part of the cast.
H: Was the filming of the movie your first time at/near the Jersey Shore or had you previously experienced the seaside culture before?
G: The closest experiences that I’ve had to the Jersey Shore was family trips down to Wildwood and Atlantic City when I was young. Definitely not guido trips.
H: What can you tell us all about your role as Tony in the movie?
G: Tony was a really entertaining character to play. He is the alpha male leader of the guidos, and claims to be a “Staten Island Stallion.” Don’t mess with him or his crew, or you’ll be getting a beat-down from this self-proclaimed boxer. As tough as he is with his boys, he is even smoother with the ladies. Additionally, I enjoyed getting the opportunity to do some stunts as well, which obviously comes very natural for me.
H: I can only imagine how much fun it was to be a part of the movie. Do you have any favorite moments from set?
G: Getting to shoot the stunt scenes was a total blast. In addition, like with any film, you form bonds with some of the individuals on set. I shared many great moments with the entire cast and crew. I’ll tell you what WASN’T a favorite moment – the pool scenes were shot very late at night in freezing cold water!
H: Besides the inclusion of Jenni “Jwoww” Farley and the talented Paul Tarnopol, what is one big reason why people should go out and get Jersey Shore Massacre?
G: One very big reason is the diverse cast and talented crew that make up this film. For example, award winning special effects artist, Cat Bernier, did amazing, mind-blowing work. With a key attention to detail, her original and creative approach brings the horror scenes to life. Additionally, as you are aware, director and writer Paul Tarnopol is a lifelong gore hound. This film is very well balanced and will provide plenty of carnage, comedy, and likable (or unlikeable) characters to the horror fans.
*Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, Giovanni. I appreciate your articulate answers!
Jersey Shore Massacre is hitting DVD retailers and VOD outlets on August 26, 2014. You can click here to pre-order your copy on Amazon. Also, the world premiere is going to be held on August 19, 2014 in NY. A handful of general admission tickets are still available to the public. Click here to reserve your seat while there’s still time.
To find out more about Roselli, please visit the following links:
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1831466/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Official Site: https://giovanniroselli.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGiovanniRoselli
Twitter: @GiovanniRoselli
