Local boy Daniel Franzese returns to Fort Lauderdale to headline the Fort Lauderdale Pride Comedy Festival, but what does he miss that’s gone from South Florida?
When did you live in South Florida? From age 7 to 23. I lived in Sunrise until I was 17, and then I went to the Florida School of the Arts in Palatka. I went to New York when I was 20, and I booked two shows at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, and “boom,” I was back in Florida. What high school did you go to? Piper High, in Sunrise. When’s the last time that you’ve visited South Florida? I try to come back at least once every month or so. What do you miss about South Florida? Besides my niece, the beaches. We have beaches in L.A., but the water is freezing all the time. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone, and why? There was a short-lived gay bar called The Pier. It was so chic. You got in free if you pulled your boat up to the dock. Every weekend there we incredible acts there like Cyndi Lauper and Amber. It was awesome.
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Where did you hang out in South Florida, and why? Everywhere I hung out is gone. The Edge, Sea Monster, The Saint, Coliseum, The Copa… Where do you live now? In downtown Los Angeles. Did you ever meet Derek Dzvirko, the character that you played in Bully? Not in real-life, but we talked online. Which cast or crew have you stayed in contact with from Bully? Kelli Garner and Leo Fitzpatrick. What did you think about the musical version of Mean Girls? I loved it. It was great to see and hear more about Damian’s life—so surreal. Where do you think that Eddie from Looking is in life right now? He’s still married to Augustin. He’s still at the center. Eddie was someone who found his home in Looking.
You went to the season finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Who’s your favorite queen from season 10. I was really hoping that Eureka would’ve won, but all the top four were so fierce. Who’s your favorite RuPaul queen of all-time, and why? My all-time favorite queen is Raven. She’s the whole package. What’s your favorite role? I loved playing Eddie. I got to say whatever I wanted to. What’s your dream role? I wanna play a dad. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Working at Whole Foods. It turns out that I didn’t need to know the sku for organic bananas. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As kind. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? It’s weird when fans ask me out when I’m in a relationship. But I’m single now, so slide in those DMs.
What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Eddie Deezen, the guy who played Eugene in Grease. I couldn’t believe he was real. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Art, because I’m shopping for some new pieces. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? I love San Francisco so much. It’s beautiful, the people are so cool and creative, and the food was so good. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That you can have second and even third acts in your friendships. What did you learn from your parents? To shut the fucking light off. What performer do you admire, and why? I have a strong hustle, but when I see people like Todrick Hall, I feel lazy. He works so hard. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m loyal and honest.
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How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching cartoons stoned. What other celebrity do you have a crush on? I don’t reveal crushes because I don’t wanna get crushed. Who do you admire, and why? Tom Hanks. All these years and all these amazing movies, and zero scandals. And the same lady. I wish that I could be that cool. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Jesus, because we need Him. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would talk to myself right at the beginning of my career. I’d skip a few mistakes. What would your last meal be? I love charcuterie. Death by antipasto. What do you worry about? If I’m getting too old to have kids.
What are you afraid of? War. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? That depends on who gets to play me. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you, and for what? I’m good at advice. My friends come to me often for it. Who are you closest with? My mama. What would your autobiography be called? It’s Not All Sunglasses and Autographs Kid. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Nineties hip hop and 70s soul. What’s on your bucket list? I wanna explore the Galapagos. What’s your greatest regret in life? Partying when I should’ve studied audition lines. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Why would I tell you? Where can we see you? On my website. I’m currently on my YASS! You’re Amazing tour!
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