VASILIOS FILIPPAKIS is currently starring in Fak Yaass. The series follows the story of Nico Nicolakis and his big Greek family, including his homophobic grandfather, as they journey through accepting Nico no matter his sexuality.
The series shows the clash between old tradition and the new age, millennial Nico, played by Vasilios Filippakis, who struggles with the idea of returning home, where he’s always felt judged and unworthy. With the help of his friends, Anton and Torri, Nico’s heart begins to let his family in and his family starts to accept him for who he is, until a secret family scheme may ruin that forever.
AC: What can audiences expect from Fak Yaass?
VASILIOS FILIPPAKIS: The audience should expect a lot of “gay” slang, “yaass” and to be ready to laugh. This story also has so much heart so prepare to have your heart warmed.
Can you give us any teasers about what is in store for your character?
Nico is battling between the struggle of finally leaving home and finding his new “home” in the city and how that feels emotionally for him. Going back home sucks, especially when you have to be home with people who don’t even try to understand who you are. I feel like this concept can really breathe a lot of truth right now as we are all in isolation.
Do you have a favourite line of dialogue from the series?
There is this super cute moment between Anton and Nico. Nico thanks Anton for being there for him, and Anton says “thank you for saying thank you”. It’s really genuine and sweet. It makes me smile every time. It’s a big ‘awe’ moment. Shout out to writer Anthony Filangeri!
Can you recall any funny moments from on-set filming?
All of it! Oh man, we had a blast filming. We were outside filming and there was a construction crew that was making a ton of noise (not good for audio). It was a short scene and we were kinda like “What are we going to do”? That’s when we sent Torri (Leanne Smith) on over to bat her eyelashes and ask them to take a break for an hour. Thank God, because it worked. Thanks Leanne!
How can you tell when you’re reading a great script?
When it feels like you’re not reading anything. You finish and you’re just so involved in the story.
As an actor, what are you still trying to learn?
For me, just as a person, I’m trying to grow and develop into just being a better human. Having more compassion and empathy, really just working on being the best I can, which I think will translate into my work.
When did you begin to see acting as a potential career avenue?
Honestly, I knew it would somehow. Something I always stuck with and loved.
How important is social media to you right now?
This is major. I think social media is a great tool for connecting to people you may have never had a chance to. Yes, I slide into those DMs.
Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
Tik Tok [Laughs]. As an actor, there is actually a lot of fun stuff to act out and post on that platform.
If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
Remember when your mom said you won’t get anywhere sitting on the couch? Well now’s the time to prove her wrong. Stay home. Make your mom proud.
What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
I got a few other show ideas in the works. Right now the whole world is on pause. My upcoming project includes daily TikTok Challenges, follow me, @Vasiliosf. Just sayin’…
Aside from your upcoming projects, is there one thing you’re particularly excited about for the future?
The change the world will go through after the COVID-19 pandemic, moving and always creating new goals to reach.
Stream Fak Yaass, starring Vasilios Filippakis on YouTube
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
