Louis Mandylor and Casper Van Dien in 'The Flood.' Photo courtesy of Saban Films
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” actor and filmmaker Louis Mandylor chatted about his latest films, which include the thriller “The Flood,” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.”
He also furnished his advice for young and aspiring actors, and shared some of his career-defining moments and his definition of success.
‘The Flood’
In “The Flood,” directed by Brandon Slagle, a horde of giant hungry alligators is unleashed on a group of in-transit prisoners and their guards after a massive hurricane floods Louisiana. It will be released on July 14th via Saban Films.
“It was a lot of hard work but it was a good experience with some wonderful people,” he said.
Mandylor plays the role of Rafe Calderon. He stars opposite such actors as Casper Van Dien, Nicky Whelan, Randy Wayne, and Ryan Francis, among others. “My character is a smart, ruthless, violent criminal who didn’t have many redeeming qualities. I loved every bit of him,” he said with a sweet laugh.
“I had done a few films with Casper before, and I think we elevated it along with Brandon, the director. We stuck together because making a movie in water with that type of action is quite demanding but we all went for it,” he added.
“I have a water phobia, for real. I don’t swim much,” he revealed. “Coming from Australia, with sharks and alligators, I would encourage people to stay out of the water,” he said with a sweet laugh about “The Flood.”
‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’
He is looking forward to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” being released later this year. In this third installment, the Portokalos family travels to a family reunion in Greece for a trip full of love, twists and turns. “Obviously, we are excited about this film,” he said. “I think it’s a really special film, especially since it pays tribute to the late Michael Constantine, and it has a lot of heart because of that.”
“The first ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ film changed all of our lives, and we hope this new movie touches just as many hearts. Get ready for this romantic comedy with the franchise. The Greek family is back to amuse you and touch you,” he added.
‘Breakout’
Mandylor also starred in “Breakout” opposite the late Tom Sizemore, Brian Krause, and Kristos Andrews. This movie was also directed by Brandon Slagle.
“There was a lot of puzzle solving in this movie, and I had a good time,” he said. “If you show Brandon something and he likes it, he runs with it, and that’s why I like working with him. Brandon and I have the same sensibilities, and it’s always creative.”
“I think Brian Krause smashed it as the villain in the film, he has both chops and experience,” he added.
The digital age
On being an actor and filmmaker in the digital age, Mandylor said, “I made and cut my first movie on film… I’m old and I come from that era. Streaming is good because it is opening a whole new platform and I hope it keeps growing.”
“Streaming has changed a lot of things, and the business has changed but as long as there are platforms and a demand, then there will always be content,” he added.
Greek-Australian heritage
He opened up about his Greek-Australian heritage. “I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia,” he said. My parents are from Kalamata and Tripoli, and I’m a Greek-blooded Aussie guy who is staying in Europe now, and that has changed my life. I was just in Athens and I am hoping to shoot there again.”
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he remarked, “Getting Back… what belongs to me.” “I’ve had ups and downs in this business and I am working hard again. I’ve invested a lot of my love and passion back into the business,” he said.
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “luck.” “With a little luck, you can go a long way,” he said. “I would like that superpower.”
Mandylor’s advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said with a sweet laugh, “Go to school, become doctors, and get a good education. I’m not even joking.”
“In life, if you really love something, then it’s an extension of yourself, and if you are doing that every day, then you are rich. If you love the arts, then pursue them and don’t let anybody stop you,” he said.
“Go for it, it’s a lot of hard work and a lot of rejection,” he added.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he shared, “Every moment that I thought would never work again defined me. It was a rough road and I was sleeping in garages and I had no money. All those hard nights where I thought my career was completely finished is what defined me because I never gave up and I am still here.”
“I am just excited to keep building and having some opportunities to work with more talented directors and thespians,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Mandylor said, “Boots on ground, no matter what. When I see people that don’t have a head on their shoulders, it bothers me immensely. Hopefully, the one thing I will always retain is my feet on the ground.”
To learn more about Greek-Australian actor and filmmaker Louis Mandylor, follow him on Instagram.
