IN CONVERSATION WITH COSTA D’ANGELO

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by NICK WALTERS

Australian actor Costa D’Angelo is quickly emerging as a compelling new talent with a growing body of work across stage, television, and film. Trained at one of Australia’s leading arts institutions, he has built a foundation through national series like ‘Neighbours’ before expanding internationally with streaming projects including Hulu’s ‘Tell Me Lies’. He returned as a series regular in Season 3 of the provocative hit drama, which premiered globally this January. Alongside ‘Tell Me Lies’, Costa is currently filming an untitled Netflix hockey limited series opposite Michelle Monaghan and will appear in Zoë Kazan’s ‘East of Eden’ for Netflix, marking an exciting next phase in his rapidly evolving career.

You trained in Australia before stepping into international projects. How did that foundation shape the actor you are today?

I started training around the age of 12, and had some incredible teachers and guidance along the way, people who genuinely loved the work, who were obsessed with it. Being surrounded by this energy and level of commitment from such a young age really set the tone for me. I had to go all in. And I did. I remember ditching high school early most days to get to acting class. Wasn’t long until my parents got a call up from my teacher, but I still went. Before I even started auditioning for projects, I spent years just wanting to learn, surrounding myself with people that inspired and challenged me. Us Aussies are pretty crazy, passionate people, which bleeds over into the way we approach our craft. It’s undeniable. What it taught me was to be unapologetic in my process, be undeniable in my work. Chase it. Go hard. 

‘Neighbours’ is a rite of passage for many Australian actors. What did that experience teach you early on?

‘Neighbors’ was my first time ever stepping in front of a camera. I learned so much, and was supported by the most incredible cast and crew. It taught me how to work quickly. You’re not always going to have time to get in the zone, sometimes you just got to shoot. I remember it being my first time seeing a professional set in motion, people running around, fixing problems, setting up shots. It’s such a controlled chaos. I guess it taught me how to thrive in that chaos, to embrace it. 

Joining ‘Tell Me Lies’ as a series regular in Season 3 is a big moment. What initially drew you to the role?

I was drawn to Alex because I couldn’t figure him out. I wanted to know this guy’s story. He’s a person that walks through life with strict rules to protect his heart and vision of a dream life. I was so drawn to him because I wanted to know why. I saw Meagan Oppenheimer’s vision for Alex after an initial meeting and her passion and relentlessness in telling Alex’s story was truthful and heartbreaking, something so special. She’s a special writer. I’d follow her to the end of the earth. 

How would you describe his dynamic with Lucy and how it shifts the emotional landscape of the show? 

Alex and Lucy navigate their past trauma through sex. Alex is a man who won’t judge her sexual needs. He’ll be there, he’ll give her what she wants. While it starts off as something transactional, throughout their relationship lines become blurred. We see what happens when two people who are hurting inside come together. 

‘Tell Me Lies’ is known for its intensity and moral ambiguity. What excites you about working in that space?

I just love how raw and honest this work is. It’s real life. And like life, nothing in this show is black or white. People make mistakes and they have to pay for it. We explore what it means to hurt and to be hurt. not shying away from the truth. But in that truth, there are also beautiful moments, moments of love that come through, that we get to celebrate. I get to explore a really beautiful dynamic with Bree, what being reconnected with someone from your childhood looks like. The foster system is an incredibly hard place to make it out from, and Alex and Bree did. I think it’s very special that we get to celebrate that. 

You’re currently filming a Netflix hockey limited series. What can you tease about this project?

I can tell you it’s the first time I’ve ever cried at a table read. We have an incredible team from top to bottom. This show is made with so much love. I truly can’t wait to share it with the world. 

How do you choose projects at this stage of your career?

I’m still so early in my career and I’ve already been very lucky to work with some incredible directors. Garth Davis on Netflix’s ‘East of Eden’ was someone who gave me so much insight, a man who loves working closely with his actors. He loves telling stories. I want to be surrounded by people who are storytellers. Now I get to work with Trey Edward Shulz and Nick Nevada, two very passionate guys. I don’t think many people love it more than them. That’s what I look for. 

You move between stage and screen. What does theatre give you that film and television don’t?

Theatre taught me that there’s no “next take.” You have to give it your all every time. I approach screen with the same mindset. From the moment I hear action, we’re in it. Let’s explore. Be fearless in that pursuit. Also, not being scared to fail. I’ve failed in front of 800 people audiences. What a rush when no one laughs at your joke. But we get up and we go again. That’s the beauty of it. They both go hand in hand for me, I find the truth in both. 

Being an Aussie actor working internationally, how do you stay grounded amid the momentum?

Family. I have the best people back home who’ve supported me since I was a kid. Cousins who sat through my 2-hour plays when I just had 1 line, just so they could be there to congratulate me. To me, my parents are the reason why I am where I am. Mum would sit in the car for hours while I went to my acting classes. Dad worked so hard to support me so I could pursue my dream. They’ve never once doubted me. What an incredible feeling after 10 years of trying, to finally give back to them. I am forever grateful for my family. 

Who were your early inspirations growing up in Australia?

Honestly, my nonno, Costantino. I come from an Italian immigrant family. They moved to Australia to set up a future for their kids. Anytime things get tough, I’m inspired by their stories. I guess I don’t have it so hard when I think back to their upbringing. What a blessing. My nonno told me a story, when he was my age he would direct plays for his little town in Abruzzo. I guess storytelling runs in the family. And also Hugh Jackman. ‘Wolverine’, just look at him. 

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter of your career?

Telling stories the world gets to see. I spent years playing to small crowds, friends and family. It will always have a special place in my heart.  Now I’m just looking forward to sharing some work with the rest of the world. Making movies. Telling stories. Dream come true.