Fame and fortune: Enrico Colantoni -- Page 2

Copyright UPN 2004

Enrico Colantoni: I think so. And certainly, growing up in an immigrant household. We learn quickly to know our place and to not rock the boat. And you're right it's an American trait, the "I'm going to get it, I'm going to get what's mine," mentality. But there's still a difference, when an actor sees the importance of training, they bring that to the table and they understand, especially actors who trained in the theatre and understand the collaboration -- that it's not about them, it's about the play, the writing, and it's not about their whims. Early on, we were taught love the art and yourself, not yourself and the art, and I've just held on to that as mantra.

Bankrate: Theatre vs. television, what's your preference?

Enrico Colantoni: Theatre. I prefer it, only because it's an actor's medium. When you're doing a play, you get to be as creative, as you can possibly be, you get to explore, make mistakes, and make it up. Television offers notoriety, a lifestyle, but is my soul happy? No, I'm happiest when I'm doing a play.

Bankrate: You brought comic brilliance, and wackiness, to the role of Mathesar in the film "Galaxy Quest."

Enrico Colantoni: Thank you.

Bankrate: Yet you seem like such a serious person.

Enrico Colantoni: Because comics, or comedic actors, are abused, they're damaged goods trying to find their place in the world.

Bankrate: You're referring to yourself?

Enrico Colantoni: Well, about myself and a lot of my peers. The things we were ridiculed for in high school tend to be exploited in our adult lives. A lot of writers on "Just Shoot Me" for a lack of a better word were nerds in high school, unaccepted, but somehow they had a funny bone that was undiscovered, and as they got older, they found a place, writing these shows, and being successful comics.

Bankrate: Truly the revenge of the nerds . . . .

Enrico Colantoni: Truly, and I don't mean just abused physically, but emotionally a lot of that stuff, we all have our baggage. George Segal said it best: We're damaged goods, actors are all damaged goods. Every time I meet a standup comic, I wonder how they even survived.

Bankrate: You said earlier, that you prefer theater. But I've also read that you actually prefer comedy. Does it actually depend on how the day goes?

Enrico Colantoni: Comedy allows me to have fun, and then drama allows me to let go. Each one serves something completely different. Learning how to let go of things. I think overall what comes easier is the funny, to make people comfortable, happy and smiley.

Bankrate: Tell me about your new series, "Veronica Mars."

Enrico Colantino: We're in San Diego right now. It's hard to find out anything bad about it right now. It's still so new, and it's exciting, I get to play a private investigator and dad to a teenaged girl. The writing is so good. The critics are saying it's their favorite show of the year. But all of that stuff could easily turn into the kiss of death.

Bankrate: You're having a great run. How do you account for the all the projects coming back to back?

Enrico Colantoni: It's my immigrant work mentality. I just wear it on my sleeve, I want to work and I work hard, and I think that's the thing that drives me. I'm not afraid to work, so being brought up with that, because I chose to be an actor, work will come.

Bankrate: Do you bring that immigrant background to the handling of your finances? Hoard money under your mattress, that type of thing?

Enrico Colantoni: No, but luckily, I married somebody who is very careful. If it wasn't for her, I would've spent it all, not on frivolous things, but I would've taken money to fund plays, and my own films just stuff like that. My wife takes the money and puts it someplace. We have a business manager who kind of watches me, and my wife has it in a Smith Barney account, and she's tends to be conservative, and has a bunch of money market accounts.

Bankrate: What about the financial stability of your career? Do you save just in case the phone stops ringing?

Enrico Colantoni: I'm not worried, only because I have faith that work will keep coming. I'll worry about that and somebody else can worry about taking care of it.

Bankrate: And how do your parents feel about your career choice now?

Enrico Colantoni: Well, they're relieved that they don't have to send money anymore. At one time, they sent what they could, and now they don't have to do it anymore. But really the fact I have children put their minds at ease. Otherwise I'd still be hearing the whole thing about becoming a priest.