The DC Universe fans have an exciting new series out this month called “Stargirl.” Up-and-comer Trae Romano plays alongside Brec Bassinger who is a High school sophomore that inspires a group of young heroes to fight villains of the past. Romano is known for his role opposite Beau Bridges in Comedy Central’s “Robbie,” and has showbiz in his blood from his great uncle, Mario Gallo. Get to know the young star, his passion for writing, and how being on set with Larry David inspired him.
“Stargirl” premieres May 19, 2020, at 8:00 PM on the CW.
Colleen Bement: DC fans are excited to see “Stargirl” premiere this May especially since they are hungry for new content. First question, tell us about your character Mike Dugan.
Trae Romano: Mike is a funny kid but also has a soft, emotional side. He often covers up his emotions with his humor. He has a very strong relationship with his dad and is struggling with his new family dynamics.
CB: Take us through a day on the set from start to finish.
TR: My day will vary but basically depending on my call sheet, which tells me when my scenes are, I arrive on set and immediately check for any changes with my sides which are printed out and put in my trailer. I take those to hair and makeup where I review them. Once hair and makeup are finished, I change into my clothes for the scene I’ll be doing. The PA comes to get me for rehearsal. The director will make last-minute changes or give me notes.
Because “Stargirl” is single cam, they shoot from several angles. Sometimes this takes several hours for a single scene. We break for lunch and I will do school for 3 hours with my on-set teacher. Because I’m the only minor on set, I am her only student! I know when my scene is wrapped when I hear “That’s a wrap, goodnight Trae.” I return to my trailer, hang up and fold my clothes so that wardrobe can pick them up and I head home.
CB: You starred opposite Beau Bridges in the TV series pilot “Robbie.” What was that experience like?
TR: Starring opposite Beau Bridges was a little surreal. One of my favorite movies is “The Descendants.” So, to be doing a scene with Beau was incredible. He was super easy to work with and was someone I will always draw from in the future. Our director, Paymen Benz, (Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Last Man on Earth), and Rory Scovel, writer, and producer, were very welcoming and really made my first job memorable. I’m so excited that it finally came out on Comedy Central.
CB: When you have spare time, what activities do you enjoy doing?
TR: In my spare time, I like to write. I write A LOT. I find that as an actor, writing is very beneficial. It’s great to write characters that you would like to play. I get a lot of inspiration from Wes Anderson and Taika Waititi, so my writing is somewhat reflective of their work in some ways. Oh yeah, I also do school too.
CB: What was it that inspired you to become an actor?
TR: I started thinking about being an actor about 10 years ago when a family friend was in Atlanta filming a movie. We spent most of the summer on set and I even got to be in a scene with Larry David. From that moment on, that’s all I wanted to do. My mom put me in acting classes which is where my first agent found me. My parents think it must be in my DNA. My great uncle, Mario Gallo, was an actor and appeared in many TV shows and movies, from “Baretta,” “The Rockford Files,” to being Robert De Niro’s trainer on “Raging Bull” and was also in the original “King Kong.” Most recently, Sebastian Maniscalco, my favorite comedian, portrayed my second cousin, Crazy Joe Gallo, in “The Irishman.”
Written by Colleen Bement
