Dan Ginnane stepped away from his career as an MMA fighter to play the role of Bobby Wu on Quibi’s new series “50 States of Fright.” At just 13 years old he started learning Muay Thai and trained and fought for seven years. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, he also holds a professional record of four fights, three wins, 3 TKOs. After feeling that he had gained what he had needed, it was time for a new journey-acting!
The Australian born actor is also known for roles in “Charmed” (2019), “The Fighter,” and “Night Shift.” Catch Ginnane on his episode ‘Grey Cloud Island.’ The new series explores stories based on urban legends and is a horror based anthology. Sign up for Quibi and get a limited-time 90-day free trial.
Catch the trailer and get to know this up and coming actor in our latest interview.
Colleen Bement: Congratulations on your role for Quibi’s “50 States of Fright.” For those who have yet to see your episode called ‘Grey Cloud Island’ tell us about your role.
Dan Ginnane: My role in Grey Cloud Island is the role of a young man named Bobby Wu. I am one of four boys on an adventure through demonic woods in which we find our lives in danger by a satanic cult. My particular character Bobby is a very relaxed and sarcastic young jock. We are all Frat pledges and this is our hazing. Bobby is very laid back and comedic the whole time until things turn sidewards.
CB: What is it like for you to dive into acting instead of your career as an MMA fighter?
DG: It is honestly such a relief. The career of an MMA fighter is a tough one physically and mentally. I was mainly involved in the sport for therapeutic reasons and once that had served its purpose it was time for me to take a new path. The career of acting is focused on constant self-awareness and emotional work, and that is exactly what I need at this point in my journey so I’m enjoying every bit.
CB: Do you have projects in your future that you’re allowed to share about?
DG: Unfortunately due to the quarantine all of my prospective jobs have been either frozen or canceled so the only plan I have right now is to try and stay away from the junk food in my fridge.
CB: Has your life been turned a bit upside down during the pandemic? How are you staying “sane” during all of this?
DG: In a business sense yes the pandemic has been quite disruptive. However, I have a number of routines that keep me sane. Exercise first and foremost always helps and being that I train in stunts as well I have a lot to continue to practice. Also keeping sharp with online acting classes and just using the time to breathe and meditate.
CB: How old were you when you realized that you wanted to train as a professional fighter? What inspired you?
DG: I was 13 when I began my fighting journey, about 15 when I decided I wanted to go pro. 19-20 when I wanted to stop and then begun acting after. It’s interesting because Tony Jaa and Jackie Chan among others inspired me to learn to fight as I had great admiration for the art. So after my interest in MMA dissipated I got back in touch with my routes, wanted to get into stunts and action films, and shortly after found myself in acting!
CB: What gets you up in the morning?
DG: My mission: I came from Australia because there was a lack of diversity and film jobs in general so I set sights on the USA and Canada to be the face of Asians and Australian’s in film. I really want to contribute to the diversity and equal employment in film and I know I have to train hard and keep working with my coaches to make that happen in the acting realm.
CB: What is your “go-to” music playlist?
DG: I hip-hop and rap. But a bit of anything. At the moment I’m loving Da Baby’s sound, also a new drill rap band that came from my home country Australia ONEFOUR has been lighting up my ears too!
Written by Colleen Bement
