Ray Paolantonio plays Sam in It’s You, Not Me
Cliché: Tell us about your character in a couple sentences.
Ray Paolantonio: Sam is Karen’s hairstylist, who also happens to be her silly fun-loving token gay male friend who tags along with her to crazy bridal showers–between hair appointments, of course. He’s desperately looking for his own prince charming.
Have you ever played this role in your own personal dating life?
I’ve never ever considered pursuing a straight guy hoping I could turn him with my sassy charm. Not gonna happen. And I’m so not the straight acting type. Never was.
What do you like/dislike about your character?
I wish he could grab a clue when it comes to reading people and not be such a doormat to Karen. I wish he would yank those orphan Annie curls and scream, “Enough about you! What about me?!”
Tell us your most memorable experience while shooting this series.
Assembling a sex toy at the bridal shower and then giving Luke a foot bath. I like feet and I’m glad the actor had a pedicure before filming, but it felt a little Holy Thursday to me.
How did you come to be a part of this project?
I’ve know Lauren Patrice Nadler, the director, for 15 years.
What was it like working with your long time teacher wearing the director hat?
We speak the same language–crazy, neurotic New Yorkers! I remember when I first auditioned for Lauren in New York and she got me right away and could target all of my acting crutches. She cracked them in half and then rebuilt them. I’m still in renovations.
How collaborative or how much freedom did you have to “play” or improvise on set?
Everyone was very open to exploring the scene and characters and bring more comedy in a very honest way. I’d like to say I brought some extra dry humor to really personalize Sam.
What was the funnest part of shooting this episode?
I enjoyed putting my foot in my mouth when Luke entered my salon looking for Samantha! Wackiness ensued!
How has your character grown or evolved from the previous episode, if they did?
I think Sam did a line of cocaine behind the curtain because he just maniacally pampered Luke in that montage. It was HAIRlarious!
Personal Notes or Comments About This Episode.
“Luke, is that a sword in your pocket?” Womp womp…
