Marco Calvani’s Journey from Playwright to Star in Netflix’s The Four Seasons

LOS ANGELES, CA — Marco Calvani, a 44-year-old playwright and director, finds himself in the spotlight after landing a role in Netflix’s new comedy series, The Four Seasons, co-created by Tina Fey. While relaxing on the patio of a bustling LA restaurant, Calvani shares his recovery journey and commitment to self-care, including staying sober for two months and re-establishing a gym routine. “I just started going to the gym again. It’s been two weeks. I hired a personal trainer,” he explains, exuding optimism.

Calvani, known for his theater work and his directorial debut High Tide, has mainly stepped back from acting for over a decade. His involvement in The Four Seasons, inspired by Alan Alda’s 1981 film, marks a high-profile return alongside established stars like Fey, Steve Carell, and Colman Domingo, who plays Calvani’s husband. “This is the highest-profile role of my career,” he acknowledges, reflecting on the exciting opportunity.

The actor’s connection with Domingo began through a chance encounter at a LGBTQ+ nonprofit event, leading to a friendship that brought Calvani back into acting. “We just sat down and we smoked cigarettes and talked and danced,” Calvani recounts, showcasing the power of new friendships in the industry. When Domingo later asked Calvani to audition, he was initially hesitant, unsure about returning to acting after so long.

Calvani recalls feeling fearful yet eager about the possibilities. “I think Colman saw that enthusiasm and joie de vivre,” he says, reflecting on why he was selected for the role. After impressing during auditions, Calvani officially joined The Four Seasons cast, sharing that the experience has allowed him to explore new skills and challenges.

Despite his excitement, taking on the role came with sacrifices, including postponing his second feature script and missing events related to High Tide. “It was tough. I’m back to acting at the moment where my baby is coming out, and I cannot be there for it,” he admits.

Calvani approached his character Claude with care, striving for authenticity while grappling with his own fears about portraying a flamboyant character. “I had an idea that being an actor was just not being afraid of anything,” he says, noting that observing his co-stars take risks pushed him to embrace his character’s traits.

As he navigates this new chapter in his career, Calvani remains focused on his goals. His primary hope is that The Four Seasons might attract attention for his future projects. “I’m open to more onscreen work, should another offer like this come my way,” he notes, eager for what lies ahead.

Calvani’s journey highlights resilience, personal growth, and the power of community within the entertainment industry. “To play an openly gay character in a pretty normalized and successful relationship on TV, I was scared,” he admits, yet he sees his role as a form of resistance in the current political climate.