Adam DiMarco: Embracing New Roles in Comedy
Adam DiMarco was ready for a role “very different from anything I’ve done” before. The 35-year-old Canadian actor, known for his breakout role as “nice guy” Albie Di Grasso in season two of Mike White’s The White Lotus, is now portraying a stereotypical “toxic college frat bro” in the new Benito Skinner-created comedy, Overcompensating. Though DiMarco admits he was a “little unsure” about the role at first, once he read the script and established the tone , he was all in.
“I was hanging out with this hockey player at one point at an afterparty, and he kept dapping me up mid-conversation. In the course of a minute, he maybe dapped me up four to five times, and I was like, if I ever play a character like this, I’m definitely gonna steal that,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter of the inspiration for his character Peter. “So I tried to dap Benny up in as many scenes as possible.”
Below, DiMarco opens up about bringing back “pure comedy” with Overcompensating, working with Skinner, his thoughts on The White Lotus season three, if he would return for an all-star season, and teases what people can expect from the Duffer brothers’ forthcoming series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.
Inspiration Behind the Role in Overcompensating
What initially led you to star in Overcompensating?
I got the audition request , and I think Benny had asked for me specifically, so that was a vote of confidence kind of going in. But the character is very different from anything I’ve done, so I was a little unsure before working on it. Playing a toxic college frat bro took a second to get right, but after reading the scripts, I loved it. I thought it was hilarious . I think Benny is a comedic genius. We read the scenes over Zoom several times, trying a few different takes. It was essential to establish the tone together.
Preparing for the Character of Peter
What preparations did you make to play Peter, a stereotypical frat guy?
I played high-level hockey for most of my life before becoming an actor. The NHL’s All-Star game drew me in two years in a row, and at an afterparty, I experienced how these sports personalities connect. One hockey player kept dapping me up mid-conversation, which was unforgettable. If I ever played a character like this, I planned to incorporate that energy. I also tapped into the character’s insecurities, as every character in this show is overcompensating in their own way.
A Deeper Meaning Behind the Comedy
What’s your perspective on how Overcompensating portrays the college experience?
It has a lot of heart in it, honestly. It is a show about identity and finding yourself. College can serve as a transformative time where individuals have the chance to redefine who they are. Some characters discover their authentic selves, while others get lost trying to be someone they are not. All versions of that experience are valid.
Viewer Takeaways from Overcompensating
What do you hope viewers take away from the show?
I hope they laugh; it’s a comedy! I think it’s a really funny show with an amazing soundtrack . Benny has created lovable and memorable characters that viewers can connect with. Each episode ends on a cliffhanger , encouraging audiences to keep watching. In today’s world, where dramedies are common, this return to pure comedy offers a refreshing escape.
Reflections on The White Lotus
Having starred in season two of The White Lotus, what are your thoughts on the latest season?
It was incredible to watch. While I didn’t know much beforehand, I was blown away by the scale. Each season, the show becomes more compelling. It truly stands out as it engages audiences for those crucial water cooler conversations the next day.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Did you think back to your experience with the show when watching season three?
Yes, it was like a nice trip down memory lane . Working on The White Lotus was a bonding experience, incomparable to any other job.
All-Star Season of The White Lotus
Would you like to return for an all-star season?
Absolutely! If Mike White called me, I would pack my bags immediately.
Looking Ahead: Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen
Can you tease anything about the Duffer brothers’ new series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen?
I genuinely can’t say anything! However, it’s a rewarding project. We’re filming it with the depth of a movie while also fitting the structure of a TV series. The ensemble cast is amazing, and everyone is giving their A game .
Dream Projects and Aspirations
What is your dream genre or project you would like to work on in the future?
I’d love to perform in a play in New York or London. Live performance excites me, and I believe it would help me develop as an actor.
Perfect Day Off
What does your ideal day off look like?
It involves ordering Uber Eats , sleeping, gaming, and chatting with friends. When I have a free day, I cherish doing very little!
Moments of Pride in Your Career
Is there a moment in your career that you’re most proud of?
Booking the role in The White Lotus was surreal. Filming in Italy with talented individuals was an unforgettable experience, particularly winning the SAG Award as an ensemble.
The Essence of Adam DiMarco
If you had to summarize what makes Adam DiMarco, Adam DiMarco, what would you say?
Matcha.