Teen Music Insider

Griffin Santopietro Chats with TMI About His Passion for Acting

[as originally published on teemmusicinsider.com]

Hey Griffin, so excited to be chatting with you! What would you say brought on your passion for acting at such a young age? 

Well, when I was younger I would always watch my favorite TV shows and imagine myself as a new character on the show, and that would be my escape. As soon as I realized that concept could become a reality, I had my heart set on becoming an actor.

What is one movie that has greatly influenced your life?

Most recently it was “Marriage Story” on Netflix. As an actor I think it’s important to watch great acting, and that movie is filled with it. 

What would be your dream acting role?

I don’t know exactly what my dream role would be, but I know that characters like Charlie in a “Marriage Story” or Nic from “Beautiful Boy” draw me in because they have so much depth. I would love to get to play a character like that.

You are best known for your appearances alongside such on-screen icons as Adam Sandler (“The Week Of”) and Ralph Macchio (“Cobra Kai”). What have these roles been like for you?

As an actor, it’s so important to be able to watch great acting. But to watch it in person is a whole other animal because you can more readily see the thoughts going through the actor’s head. I loved seeing Adam Sandler improvise on set — really engaging to watch.

Do you have any projects in the works you can tell us about?

Netflix has given “Cobra Kai” a new home, which is exciting. Seasons 1 and 2 will be available August 28th on Netflix. 

If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why? (If helpful, it can be someone else’s quote: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?)

Yes, a quote from Robin Williams. “You’re only given one little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?

I really love disproportionate objects, and what I mean by that is big versions of small items or small versions of big items. For example, a really small version of a soda can or megaphone, or a large version of a coin. I have no idea why I have this obsession, but I do.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in acting? What advice should they ignore?

Don’t hold yourself back. This is something I myself struggle with, but I know it’s so important for an actor to remember. And listen to any advice you get about acting and see how it can pertain to you.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?

I tend to get overwhelmed, because it’s hard for me to focus on one problem at a time. So I need to relax and temporarily forget all other problems to just focus on one. I also try to remember: if matters are out of my control, I have to let them go.

What do you want your relationship to be like with your supporters?

I’m looking forward to the time when there are events again so I can get out and meet people.

What’s something your fans don’t know about you?

I’m nothing like the characters I’ve played, or at least I like to think I’m not. 

What do you want your message to be to your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your shows?

Most of the scenes I’ve done are comedic scenes, so I would like those to just bring a little more joy into their day. 

What’s one word you would use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?

Grateful.

Is there anyone in the acting world you are dying to meet?

I would love to meet Ryan Reynolds, because he seems like the coolest dude. But even more so I would want to work with him. 

Why do you think social media is so important for artists like yourself?

As much as social media can be a complicated subject, it really does connect people from all over the world — helping people to spread their love and creativity.  

What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?

To continue to grow as an actor and a human being.