ALL FIRED UP. He was well on his way to becoming a star on the ice hockey rink, but “The Duff” actor Robbie Amell took a leap of faith and switched gears to showbiz instead. He chats with DA MAN about the journey
Outfit and tie by Tommy Hilfiger, tie bar and belt by Calvin Klein, pocket square by BOSS by Hugo Boss, shoes by Bacco Bucci
Robbie Amell has quite an exciting lineup of past and present roles, from high school jock and wacky teenage detective to war hero and a literal superhero. Unsurprisingly, this year sees the Canadian actor gracing cinema screens in a lively comedy called “The Duff” as well as a heartwarming family drama “Max,” even as anticipation is building up following his debut on TV series “The Flash.”
DA MAN: Hi Robbie, where are you right now and what are you currently busy working on?
Robbie Amell: I’m currently on my front porch in Burbank. I’ve been shooting “The Flash,” doing additional shooting for “Max” and starting press for “The Duff.”
Jacket by Jacob Davis, T-shirt and trousers by Marc by Marc Jacobs, shoes by DKNY
DA: You have a number of films premiering this year. Let’s start with “The Duff.” Do you really think that the “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” label actually exists?
RA: I actually don’t. It’s weird and I might sound like I’m an idiot, but I think there are either no Duffs at all or everyone is a Duff. Chew on that.
DA: While the movie is basically a comedy, do you think there’s some moral lesson for the audience to take in?
RA: Absolutely. The movie is much less about Mae’s character getting a makeover and more about our characters finding ourselves and learning that we shouldn’t change for anyone and be happy with who we are.
T-shirt by Burberry Prorsum, trousers by Burberry London, bracelet by John Hardy
“I think there are either no Duffs [designated ugly fat friend] at all or everyone is a Duff. Chew on that”
DA: Is playing a role in a comedy easier than in other genres?
RA: It’s different. Not easier or harder. It’s more black and white though. People either laugh or they don’t. You just put it all on the line and hope people laugh.
DA: How did you get the chemistry with Mae Whitman going?
RA: Mae is incredible. She’s so funny and smart—very intimidating when you first get to know her.
Sweater by Burberry London, trousers by Burberry Brit
DA: You also have another movie titled “Max” coming up soon. Could you tell us about your role and the plot of the movie?
RA: I play a marine named Kyle. I’m stationed in Afghanistan and I’m the handler of an IED-sniffing dog named Max. The story is heavily based around my death and the Max going back the U.S. to be with my family.
DA: The movie very much highlights the relationship between humans and dogs. What do you think of dogs as man’s best friend? Are you a dog person yourself?
RA: I do. My fiancé and I have two beautiful little pups at home.
Blazer and shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna, tie by Title of Work, pocket square by BOSS by Hugo Boss, tie bar by Calvin Klein
DA: You also act as Firestorm in TV series “The Flash.” How did you manage the role in the first place?
RA: I was very lucky and was offered the role of Firestorm. Greg Berlanti who produced “The Tomorrow People” is also a producer on “The Flash.” We have a great relationship and he was kind enough to offer me the role.
DA: Before acting, you were very much into hockey. What made you switch from sports to showbiz back then?
RA: I actually just fell into acting. After booking my first movie “Cheaper by the Dozen 2” and, having such an amazing time, I quit hockey to start acting lessons.
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Photographer Mitchell Nguyen McCormack
Styling Alexa Rangroummith Green
Photography Assistant Jon Norris
Styling Assistants Nadine Gamie and Austin Anderton
Grooming Elie Maalouf using Yves Saint Laurent
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