interview by JANA LETONJA
Joey Graziadei is stepping into a new spotlight. Best known to audiences through reality television, he now makes his film debut as a leading man in Roku’s upcoming holiday romance The Holiday Spark. Starring as Sean, a perpetually single firefighter whose ambitious holiday plans lead to an unexpected connection, Joey takes on his first scripted lead role and a significant new chapter in his career. Ahead of the film’s early-November release, he speaks with Numéro Netherlands about navigating his first scripted set, discovering himself as an actor, life beyond reality television, and what audiences might expect when he enters another unpredictable arena in the upcoming season of Peacock’s The Traitors.
photography by MIKE ANDERSON
The Holiday Spark marks your film debut and your first leading scripted role. What made this the right project for you to take that leap?
I have always been a huge fan of romance driven movies and love the warm feeling you get from a holiday film. The Holiday Spark seemed like the perfect opportunity to take that love and apply it to a role that I think my fans will enjoy seeing me in.
You’ve spent a lot of time in front of cameras, but scripted acting is a completely different experience. What surprised you most when you first stepped onto set?
I think what surprised me most was how familiar it felt even though it was a completely different process. During reality TV, the cameras are in the background and there is no re-shooting. They are trying to capture the moment in real time. But when you are acting, you have to do multiple takes while also changing camera angles. The process was fascinating and I really enjoyed learning the reasoning behind each decision the crew was making.
What was the biggest adjustment in moving from reality television, where you’re essentially playing yourself, to building a fictional character?
I think the biggest adjustment was remembering lines. When you are in a reality TV situation, you are thinking about what you are saying and trying to be clear. But nothing is rehearsed. During this experience, it was definitely an adjustment to take the words from a script and make them feel like your own. To have conviction in what you’re saying and make it believable and comfortable to the viewer.
Playing a romantic lead means creating chemistry and intimacy within a scripted framework. How did you approach making those moments feel natural?
I think what I focused on most was creating a trusting relationship with my co-lead Jamie. I really leaned on her knowledge and years of experience. At the end of the day, we built a great friendship during our time on set, and I think that comfort led to chemistry on screen.
Did working on The Holiday Spark change the way you watch films or television now that you understand more about what happens behind the camera?
Oh, most definitely. From jump cuts, to watching someone’s POV change, to focusing on how someone is delivering a powerful scene or how they make you feel a genuine emotion. It made me look at acting as more of an art and I now have a newfound appreciation when I watch movies.
The story plays with ideas around romance, skepticism, and the possibility of love at first spark. Has your own perspective on romance evolved over the last few years?
I think my perspective on romance has definitely changed. Going on a national television show to find your wife will do that to you. I think what I learned the most is that you truly can find your person anywhere. It’s most important to be open to finding them and be working on yourself so that you are ready when the right time comes.
Reality television created an enormous platform for you, but this film signals a new direction. How intentional are you about defining a career beyond the world in which audiences first discovered you?
I’m extremely intentional about the decisions I make and choosing a path in entertainment that I can be proud of. I love trying new things and being open to new challenges. But I also want to continue to look back on anything I do and be proud of the work I put in. There is so much to learn in this new space of scripted entertainment. I’ll continue to be a sponge when I’m lucky enough to get new opportunities and learn from the people around me. But I hope the audience and the fans can be open to seeing me in a new light and know that I put in a lot of work and effort to get to the final product.
Has making this film given you the acting bug? What kinds of characters or genres would you be excited to explore next?
I fear that I have fully gotten the acting bug. I’d love to continue to look at more opportunities in the romance space. And maybe look to play a character that’s even more comedy driven. I’d also be excited to try something completely different. Like a role in horror or more of a drama.
You’re also heading into The Traitors, which is almost the opposite of a romantic holiday film. What excited you about entering that world?
I have been a huge fan of The Traitors over the past two seasons. I think it’s one of the most enjoyable shows to watch on television. So, I was just so excited to see what it was like to be in the castle and play the game I loved watching on my couch at home.
Between your film debut and The Traitors, you’re entering a noticeably different phase of your public career. What feels most exciting, and perhaps most uncertain, about this chapter?
I think what’s most exciting is that I continue to get to work in entertainment each day. I don’t take it for granted that I am so lucky to get these opportunities and share a lot of these experiences with my lovely fiancée, Kelsey. I think I’m still uncertain as to where these opportunities will take me next, but I can guarantee that I will continue to enjoy the ride and put in all the necessary work to continue to perform at my highest capability.
