RM: You’re a New Yorker with hard working parents. When did you know that acting was the career path for you?
JL: Wait are you saying that being an actor doesn’t take hard work? And how do you know my parents are hard working?! Haha, I knew I was on the right track 6 months ago when Joseph Gordon-Levitt cast me to play his best friend in the film, Don Jon.
RM: What was your reaction when you booked your first job?
JL: I was really sad and depressed, worst feeling ever. I’m just kidding : ) I can’t describe it, I felt like this: %@^#&*(@&(@*#(@^#&*%!@*#@#*_!@#*
RM: We read that you performed in a number of plays as part of your training. How has this experience affected your acting on TV/film?
JL: It definitely enhanced it. It is good training for all actors. It really helped me learn lines and really helped me develop a three dimensional character.
RM: You’re on TNT’s new mini-series, Mob City. How were you first introduced to the series and your character?
JL: I auditioned like anyone else, during the day. Afterward, I continued with my normal day; work, then hit happy hour. My manager called me at midnight and said, “Where are you?! Frank Darabont saw your tape, and he’s writing 6 pages for you to do. You have to go back in TOMORROW, call me back!!” So I went in, and taped again. They made us wait 10 days and at 5:30 on a Friday we got the call.
RM: What can you tell us about your character on the show and what we can expect to see in this anticipated series?
JL: My character is same age as me. He has OCD, and a ‘Big’ man complex. But, honestly, he’s also a fun loving guy. He’s not the brightest, but he’s also a little bit of a sociopath…..he is full of contradictions. So, it was great to play such a complex character. I hope that clears it up.
RM: What do you enjoy most about being in a period piece?
JL: The style. My character was known for his suits and great sense of style. So, it was great to have that experience. The naked ladies with a martini glass on the inside of my ties also don’t hurt.
RM: Which actors work impress you the most and who would you love the opportunity to work with?
JL: James Gandolfini. He actually passed away, the day I started shooting. I went back and watched all his stuff and I would love to work with him, if he were still alive. Just watching him, was one of the best acting classes you could take. He was brilliant, both physically and emotionally.
RM: If you weren’t in the acting business, what line of work would you be in?
JL: I would like to be a psychologist or a fireman.
RM: What do you typically do for fun and relaxation when you’re not on set?
JL: I have a softball league I am into. I also like to hang out with friends and grab a few beers. I try not to relax too much. Being still, makes me crazy. I always want to be doing something, so I keep myself busy. I just finished a 6-week run at a local theater. It really keeps you on your toes in the performing arena. I also do quite a bit of my own producing, like the project closest to my heart: “Turbo and Joey”. www.TurboAndJoey.com
RM: Thanks for chatting with us, what other projects can we look out for?
JL: “Turbo and Joey” is currently on YouTube. I’m hoping to get it out to the masses. Start with Episode 10 “Over My Head”. Also, I am in Clint Eastwood’s film, “Jersey Boys”.
Twitter: @JeremyLukeTurbo
*All images courtesy of Marc Cartwright Photography