Photo credits: Felicia Graham/NBC.
NBC’s hit Revolution centers on a world where all electricity has disappeared. At the core of the story there is a spoken truth that Sebastian ‘Bass’ Monroe (David Lyons) has a son he never knew about. When Bass finally finds Connor (Mat Vairo), he seems to be at a good place. Not wanting to leave without his son, Bass causes some trouble and Connor is forced to leave with his good ol’ Dad. Even though Connor is more of an independent person, his role has a youthful quality that is very young adult. And thanks to some emailing, YA Mag got to chat with the star.
YA MAG: What role do you play on Revolution and how does he fit into the story?
MAT VAIRO: I play Connor Monroe, who is the estranged son of Sebastian Monroe. He comes into the story when Miles takes Monroe to find him in Mexico—where he has spent the better part of his life.
YA: What was it like entering an already existing show with an established cast?
MV: Terrifying at first! The first day is always the hardest—especially in that type of situation. I think the build up—the anticipation—is always the worst part for me, but everyone in the cast was so kind to me from day one that the transition ended up feeling much more seamless than I could have hoped for.
YA: And what’s it like when you have to talk down to them (as your character)?
MV: Fun, honestly. Liberating. It was sort of an icebreaker in a strange way. There aren’t a lot of big egos in this cast and they are all pros, so everyone is a good sport about that sort of thing and encouraging, if nothing else. We all just want to tell a good story.
YA: What kind of fate is in store for your character?
MV: I don’t really know to be honest. I assume it’ll be a turbulent ride though.
YA: Did you know you’d be auditioning for a major role? And did you know what the role was going to be?
MV: No, on both fronts. It was all very secretive throughout the process, and it was a pleasant surprise to find out the extent of my storyline once I heard I’d booked the job!
YA: What has been your favorite part? Any crazy stunts you had to do?
MV: There are a few stunts that were really rewarding to be a part of. I’ve never fought anyone in my life, so getting the chance to step outside my boundaries in my character’s shoes in that sense has been really interesting for me.
YA: What are you most looking forward to?
MV: The journey.
YA: What prep did you have to do? (Any workout regimens, or was that your own doing?)
MV: Not particularly. I’m not conventionally a “work out” type of guy (probably more out of laziness than anything). The only training I’d had per se, would be the stunt practice they put me in a couple times before my first fight. And thank the lord they did, because I am borderline foolishly clumsy!
YA: Where would you like to see Connor’s story go?
MV: In a direction I never expected.
YA: What’s next for you?
MV: Your guess is as good as mine. Wherever curiosity takes me. But as far as work goes, in an ideal world, I’d like to explore a character on an opposing end of the spectrum to Connor. And I would really like to get back on the stage and do a play or a musical as soon as possible.
YA: If you were to be in any film or TV show throughout time, which would it be and what role would you play?
MV: Anything with Paul Newman or Montgomery Clift—just to have the chance to see them work in that capacity; to be a fly on the wall would be enough really… I’m also a big musical theater lover and I would’ve loved to play in one of the classic mid-century movie musicals, like Tony in the original West Side Story movie. I’m also really big into The Lord of the Rings; huge fan of the books and the movies. I geek out over them often. I would’ve enjoyed playing most any of the characters, but Aragorn would be a dream role for sure.