This is a fan forum to discuss Darren Criss\'s career and his public activities, including his theater, film, and TV projects, his music and musical performances, charitable work, interaction with fans, and interviews.
This is such a sweet message from this fan. Darren goes above and beyond showing how kind he is and how much he values the support of his fans. (It's amazing how a person with such kind eyes, can turn his facial expression, especially his eyes, to icy cold hardness when he plays Andrew Cunanan in Versace.)
"Darren Criss I wish for you to win all the Emmys you deserve. You definitely have my vote. I admire what you just did at the FYC event. You took your time to take a photo w every single person who wanted one."
kaleighweston: Last night was just so incredible. The Assassination of Gianni Versace is a must watch show, the acting is superb. I once again met one of my favorite actors, the lead Darren Criss, who is also one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Seriously Darren Criss, is an actor I have seen on Broadway kill it as Hedwig a trans-woman, filled with so much passion and love. To Andrew a killer, lost in his own dream world. He is a talented man who truly takes his time to meet all his fans, honors those around him, and praises his fellow actors. His is a career I will continue to follow and one of a few actors I truly wish I get the chance to work with one day. #darrencriss#codyfern#acsversace#fx#americancrimestory#actors#dreams
tvproducerbarra There is something wrong with the world if @darrencriss doesn’t get nominated (and win) for @americancrimestoryfx The finale is brilliant, his acting is exquisite and he’s Incredibly kind, humble and really funny too! #EmmyPerks#FYC
thejohnloweshow @darrencriss is total first husband material #mcm
[HQ] Darren Criss attends the 2018 FX Annual All-Star Party at SVA Theater on March 15, 2018 in New York City.
[HQ] Darren Criss, Billie Lourd, Alysia Reiner and Pamela Adlon attend the 2018 FX Annual All-Star Party at Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge on March 15, 2018 in New York City.
Popcorn with Peter Travers (of Rolling Stone) January 31, 2018 (NYC)
Thanks Jeremy for posting that YouTube video of the interview with Peter Travers of Rolling Stone. That was such a fun interview. Darren seemed happy to find out that Peter Travers is a "Darren completist," who has seen Darren in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway, seen him in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, seen him in Girl Most Likely film, seen him on Glee, and seen him in A Very Potter Musical. Peter Travers, of Rolling Stone, is a fan of Darren! How cool!
Track: Darren Criss, 'The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story' Artist: Popcorn with Peter Travers
Darren Criss, ‘The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’- Popcorn with Peter Travers | Source
via dcriss-archive
Cute pic.
Darren Criss appears on “Popcorn with Peter Travers” at ABC News studios, Jan. 31, 2018, in New York City. | Source
PopcornABCNews: “Can I eat the popcorn?” We had a fun time with @DarrenCriss in the #PopcornABC studio when he and @petertravers talked @ACSFX, #Glee, Team StarKid and his career. #DarrenCriss#ACSVersace
ABC News wrote: 'American Crime Story' star Darren Criss on playing serial killer Andrew Cunanan
Mar. 14, 2018
Former “Glee” star Darren Criss is proving his acting range reaches well beyond that of dynamic singer and dancer.
In his newest role, Criss plays notorious serial killer Andrew Cunanan, best remembered for taking the life of famed designer Gianni Versace.
Criss was hand-selected for the role on FX’s “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” by award-winning director Ryan Murphy, who was also the creative force behind the hit series “Glee.”
“I’ve been kind of waiting my whole life for an opportunity like this,” Criss said in his interview on “Popcorn with Peter Travers.” “I was sort of on the sidelines being like, ‘Alright, put me in coach.’ So the fact that Ryan believed in that, I’m very much indebted.”
Criss has received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the cunning madman who went on a killing spree that ultimately took the lives of five people. Travers asked Criss if getting deep into the nerve endings of the character scared him.
“No, I think we’re all closer to somebody like Andrew than we care to admit,” Criss, 31, told Travers. “Everybody’s the hero of their own story. It doesn’t matter where their morality lies. Or where their lifelong emotional arc is. We’re all the heroes of our own tales.”
He said understanding his characters’ emotions is part of the job.
“I’m in the business of empathy, that’s my livelihood and I try and apply that to my day-to-daylife,” Criss said. “But particularly when you’re playing characters – and this was a real person – we all focus on the worst, most horrible, deplorable things, which is obviously he took lives. He was a murderer.
“I’m not asking people to forgive him or exonerate him,” he added. “But I am challenging people to question their own senses of empathy and see how many common denominators they may find with somebody that they might immediately pen as … very distant from themselves.”
Criss said when he took on the role of Cunanan, he knew the story of how Versace was killed, but not much about the killer.
“I didn’t know much about Andrew and his backstory, which is exciting to me, I guess, as a storyteller,” Criss said. “This is something, unless you’re in the fashion world living in Miami, it might be something a little more distant from you. And the American crime here other than the murders is ‘How come I didn’t know about this?’ And we kind of explore that.”
Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party (March 4, 2018)
From dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss attends the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss attends the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
Darren Criss attends the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
Great pic--they both look gorgeous! (And they both are looking in the same direction too. )
dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
Love the big smiles!
dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
These are very nice pics--they both look beautiful.
dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party with cocktails by Clase Azul Tequila at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California.
I liked these pics too, even with the watermarks. This one is especially striking.
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 04 Mar 2018
Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 04 Mar 2018
Aw, Don Lemon!
dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss, Don Lemon, and Ricky Martin attend the 26th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party sponsored by Bulgari, celebrating EJAF and the 90th Academy Awards at The City of West Hollywood Park on March 4, 2018 in West Hollywood, California
Cute pic, with Gus Kenworthy and Matthew Wilkas.
Source
Via Vanity Fair’s HWD’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
Glee reunion!
jphinla: Unofficial #GLEE reunion with @leamichele and @darrencriss! #EJAF#Oscars
Glee Reunion again! Will Sherrod, Chris Colfer, Eric Podwell, Seth Green, Ashley Fink.
Via Eric Podwall’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
Via Vanity Fair’s HWD’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
Great coordination!
Via Mia Swier’s Snapchat (March 4th, 2018)
Lots of Glee folks! I couldn't make out who was sitting to Ashley's left.
vfhwd: I handed over my takeover duties to Instagram Queen @leamichele to MC our current mini #Glee reunion!
via dcriss-archive
Via Vanity Fair’s HWD’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
via dcriss-archive
Via Mia Swier’s Snapchat (March 4th, 2018)
via dcriss-archive
Via Vanity Fair’s HWD’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
via dcriss-archive
Via Vanity Fair’s HWD’s Instagram Story (March 4th, 2018)
From this really mature, and really cute young lady, who is great in this interview of Darren:
kayla_tori_: So excited!!! My interview for W Magazine with Darren Criss is finally out Check it out in their YouTube channel. @darrencriss @wmag #interview#glee#darrencriss#versace#wmagazine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcqNGRa49d4
Esquire's Mavericks of Hollywood (February 20, 2018)
Nice pic. Ashley Weston and Michael Samonte have been on Darren's team for so long.
ashleypweston: Going on 7+ years with this team From his first episode of #Glee as #BlaineAnderson to his killer performance in #ACSVersace as #AndrewCunanan, it’s been a crazy fun ride with this team THANKS @esquire for having us last night! #AWerk#DarrenCriss
Oh, ok this solves the mystery. We never actually saw this outfit that Darren is wearing on TV on Glee. Nice words from Richard Evans about Darren in Versace. Thank you Jenndesq for clearing things up. And haha. Richard is the man behind the gelmet of Blaine?
dcriss-archive:
richboi47: I was just mentioning to @msandreamedina how much we miss #Glee & #Thisguy @darrencriss #Peek-A-Boo @_matthew.morrison_
I wasn't able to watch today. Had to take care of some things for family. Will watch tomorrow.
From dcriss-archive:
This is so nice of dcriss-archive, to do a masterlist of press articles for Episodes 1 & 2.
Press Masterpost | ACS Versace Episode 2 “Manhunt” Review/Recap
Harper’s Bazaar: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Addresses Versace’s HIV Status
Buddy TV: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ Recap: Andrew Arrives in Miami
Vulture: The Assassination of Gianni Versace Recap: Easy Lover
Entertainment Weekly: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story recap: ‘Manhunt’
AV/TV Club: American Crime Storybegins to paint a portrait of a killer
NY Times : ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ Episode 2: The Great Creator
TV Line: American Crime Story: VersaceRecap: Sex, Lies and Duct Tape
Den Of Geek: The Assassination of Gianni Versace Episode 2 Review: Manhunt
Remezcla: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ Episode 2 Recap: Penelope Cruz is MVP
Into: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ Episode 2 Recap: Andrew Cunanan and the Pink Speedo
Paste Magazine: American Crime Story Review: Always on the Run Now
Slash Film: The Assassination of Gianni Versace Review: Episodes 1 and 2
Boston Herald: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story recap: ‘Manhunt’
Hollywood Life: ‘Versace’ Recap: Gianni Learns Difficult News & Andrew Stays Under The Radar
Refinery 29: ACS: The Assassination Of Gianni Versace Episode 2 Recap: “Manhunt”
Tracking Board: AMERICAN CRIME STORY REVIEW: “MANHUNT”
Decider: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ Episode 2 Recap: Light Is the Left Hand of Darkness
Culled Cultured: Dancing to Phil Collins With Duct Tape: The Patrick Bateman/Andrew Cunanan Connection
Birth. Movies. Death: THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE Review: “Manhunt”
Tell Tale TV: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Review: Manhunt (Season 2 Episode 2)
Previously TV: American Crime StoryDoes The Hustle
Yahoo!: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ episode 2 recap: Death’s a beach
Podcasts
The People v Ryan Murphy: ACS S2E2 - “Manhunt”
Still Watching: Versace: “Manhunt” with Max Greenfield
Epic Old-School Recaps: American Crime Story S02.E02: Manhunt
Videos
AfterBuzz TV: American Crime Story: Gianni Versace Season 1 Episode 2 Review & Reaction
Collider: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story Episode 2 “Manhunt” Review
Darren saying nice things about Ryan.
MTV: .@DarrenCriss discusses how working with @MrRPMurphy on #ACSVersace is far different than his experience working with him on #Glee.
via dcriss-archive
Excerpts from an interview:
TV Guide wrote: How Darren Criss Transformed Into Versace's Charismatic Killer
Jan. 24, 2018
It's a career redefining role for Darren Criss, who first entered the pop culture zeitgeist far on the other side from Cunanan as Blaine Anderson on Glee. His tenure on the musical high school show had Tumblr dub him as America's boyfriend. Fans who remember him as the sweet-hearted, tender Blaine — and those who dismissed him because of it — will be shocked as they tune into Versace to see Criss play smarmy, manipulative and deeply disturbed. The young actor deftly makes you feel for and deeply fear Cunanan at the same time.
Episode 2 revealed how the series plans to pedals backward through Cunanan's killer spree to show the evolution of a murderer in a new way. While Versace holds title prominence, it is Criss' performance as Cunanan that the series hinges on for the rest of the run. TV Guide talked to Criss about sinking his teeth into the role, the weight of knowing Cunanan's victims' families are watching and why Glee co-creator and American Crime Story overlord Ryan Murphy handpicked him to play the game-changing part.
[. . . ]
What was the shooting order for this series? Did you guys largely go in episode order? Because I know you went and shot at the actual house. Criss: It was all over the place. It was like shooting a nine-hour movie. We shot everything all over the place. Yeah, it's kind of hard to track the timing of stuff.
Even the order of the series is kind of weird because we're going backwards through his evolution as a serial killer. So for you, how did you track of like, "Okay, it's this day, and I am at this place in his psyche"? Criss: Oh, yeah. I enjoy that chronological Tetris. I sort of have this masochistic joy of piecing those things together. Maybe it's my weird OCD thinking. So it wasn't hard for me. I enjoyed that challenge. I don't know what the question is. I think I'm just agreeing with you that, yeah, it's hard, but you do have to sort of map out where everything is. And you have to be very delicate with it because you can't go to a 10 when you know in sequence you haven't earned it yet. Or conversely, let's say you're at Chapter 2, and you dial it to an 11, but now you've blown your wad on where you get to in Chapter 12.
Emotionally mapping things is really, really fun for me, so it didn't get confusing. It's like a fun game for me as an actor, and I enjoy that process a lot. But yes, to your point, yes, I did do that. And that's a very important thing to do because we went a lot through time. And I still haven't seen the series, so I have no idea how it ends up playing out.
Entertainment Weekly wrote: Max Greenfield on his haunting Assassination of Gianni Versace role and the end of New Girl
January 24, 2018
One of the great surprises of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the completely transformative performance by New Girl’s Max Greenfield. The actor plays Ronnie, a junkie who befriends Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss) and is unaware that his new acquaintance is a wanted serial killer.
In only a handful of scenes, Greenfield creates a full-bodied tragic character — even Ronnie’s walk feels specific and thoughtful. . .
[. . .]
How as it working with Darren?
It was really great. It was intense. As heartbreaking as Ronnie was, part of that heartbreak was his relationship with Andrew and the fact that he was enamored by this guy, and also sort of thinking he had made a friend. He was so alone and thought this was a guy who came to Miami for the same reasons he had. Watching him sort of try to keep up with Andrew and carry on a normal conversation with him like friends might do and listen to this guy who was so all over the place. The humor of that is not lost on me. I mean, there is an element of like, man, this is an odd couple!
What was it like when Darren emerged from the bathroom with duct tape on his face?
The nice thing of a scene like that is they’re not very hard to play! If you’re in character and the scene is “Be freaked out by the guy who walks out of the bathroom with his head wrapped in duct tape,” I’d love to say I’m an incredible actor, but at that point it’s not that hard. You also have to spend a fair amount of time staring at Darren in a pink Speedo; was that an odd day at work?
That is so par for the course on a Ryan show. Honestly, it couldn’t be less weird. FULL ARTICLE | TVGUIDE.COM
Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe at the Sundance Film Festival (January 22 & 23, 2018)
Aw, I'm guessing Darren helped these fans make it inside to see the concert. There was at least one fan who was not able to get in. (Did you need tickets?) Anyway, it's just like Darren to go above and beyond to make his fans happy.
megsmarie1: @DarrenCriss Thank you so much for talking with us and getting us into your show! You are so talented.
2018 Sundance ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance Film Festival (January 22, 2018)
From Darren Criss Army:
Darren Criss performing at the 2018 Sundance ASCAP Music Café 1/22/18
(Source: youtube.com)
Darren Criss sings “The Day That The Dance Is Over” at ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance Film Festival.
Via rockerrick (Ricky Rollins) IG story, Jan 22 2018
via Darren Criss Army
Darren Criss sings I Don’t Mind at ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance.
Via ascap IG story, Jan 22 2018
via Darren Criss Army
Darren Criss sings “Not Alone” at ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance.
Via grahamshine IG, Jan 22 2018
via Darren Criss Army
This is so great.
Darren Criss Army’s founder Julia got to see Darren today and hear part of his show at the ASCAP Music Cafe from outside with some other fans!
Darren Criss on stage at the ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance Film Festival.
Via rockerrick IG story, Jan 22 2018
The coverage of amazing talent continues today at the ASCAP Music Cafe at Sundance Film Festival with Darren Criss…who says he “became an actor to fund his musical career.”
Via The Daily Buzz, Jan 22 2018
From dcriss-archive:
Darren Criss at IndieWire Studio presented by Day 3, Sundance Film Festival, Park City, USA - 22 Jan 2018
ascap: @darrencriss shares songs from his new EP Homework and the story of his songwriting career #sundance#ascapmusiccafe#glee
juliaannehiggs: had to sit outside with our ears pressed against the door in below freezing weather to hear him perform but it was worth it! such a gem & so talented. thanks for coming out to see us @darrencriss!
Darren Criss: Today’s the day. I’m very proud of all the hard work our cast & crew put into this, and I’m excited to share it with the world. I’d like to remind viewers that these were very real crimes that destroyed very real people. My heart goes out - as it did every day going in to work- to the victims and their loved ones, who, 20 years later, still must cope with the tragedies that our series depicts. My hope is that our show can bring some kind of justice to those whose stories have, until now, lived mostly in the shadows. And my prayer is that with all the darkness we explore, we can create some kind of light- by igniting discussion and encouraging much larger questions about ourselves and the society we live in. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres tonight at 10pm ET on FX.
via dcriss-archive
#ACSVersace is #1 Worldwide trend on Twitter (January 17th, 2018)
Via Maneesh K. Goyal’s Instagram Story (January 17th, 2018)
via dcriss-archive
Drink up, Darren. You earned it!
Via Priyanka Chopra’s Instagram Story (January 17th, 2018)
A lot of love and support and well wishes for Darren.
maneeshkgoyal: On his big night, celebrating our wedding singer @darrencriss who happens to also be a superstar assassin with his big premiere tonight in #americancrimestory. #proud
maureen_orth: Can’t wait for tonight! #acsversace begins 10 pm FX and @darrencriss will emerge a huge star! Whole cast is outstanding. They all read my book so carefully. #darrencriss
vanityfair: Andrew Cunanan would have relished being portrayed by @DarrenCriss, but Criss is empathetic enough to understand that, for all its juicy details, @americancrimestoryfx is an epic story of real-life suffering: “My heart is really sensitive to the people who experienced something so horrible that I’m trying to breathe life into.” The #ACSVersace star and #Glee alum opens up at the link in bio. Photograph by @aspictures.
Via Ricky Rollins’ Instagram Story (January 17th, 2018)
calebfoote: MUST SEE TV! Tonight at 10pm on Fox, Eddie and D Criss are absolute powerhouses @americancrimestoryfx #versace
1/17/2018
nicolaseftaxias: Today is the premiere of ACS VERSACE #acsversace Good luck @darrencriss and your team on the show ! Was great to meet and work with you ! You are an amazing actor and friend ! Good luck #nofilter we don’t need it !! Xoxo
jonothonmitchell: Met @darrencriss last year and he was one of the nicest people ever. So happy to see his performance on #AmericanCrimeStory#Versace tonight. People calling it one of the performances of the decade. Come back to ATL anytime, Darren. I’ll take you to the Clermont!
coryazy: I’m truly unsure of which show I’m more excited to watch. #ACSVersace#AllStars3
She is with MTV TRL
tracymeltzer: do yourself a favor and watch the incredibly talented + wonderful @darrencriss in @americancrimestoryfx tonight. SO GOOD! #darrencriss#acsversace#versace#mtv#trl
From Darren Criss Army:
Darren Criss Army wrote:ACS Versace Premiere Schedule
We apologize if anything is missing or incorrect, but this is what we’ve got compiled for the #ACSVersace premiere schedule.
(Sorry, still no info for UK/Australia. Check if iTunes/Amazon are available in places without an air date.)
Thanks @ricky_martin for much of the info!
And Darren Criss Army previously had stated:
Premiere date and viewing info for ACS Versace in Mexico/Latinoamerica on Canal FX_LA (@Canalfx_la )
Premiere of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (1/8/2018, Los Angeles)
Wow, so much material to cover.
From Darren Criss Army:
haha. Darren charming Penelope.
Penelope Cruz & Darren Criss at the ACS Versace LA premiere, Jan 8, 2018.
Photos by Kevin Winter, Getty Images.
Team DC!
Darren with his team (Ashley Weston, Ricky Rollins, Eleni Gianulis and Michael Ormacky) celebrating the Los Angeles premiere of American Crime Story, January 8, 2018, via Ricky Rollins’ Instagram Story
via Darren Criss Army
He's cute.
Edouard Holdener & Darren Criss at the ACS Versace LA premiere
Jan 8, 2018
Photos by Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Darren Criss & “Vulgar Favors” author Maureen Orth at the LA premiere of ACS Versace.
Jan 8, 2018
Photo by Kevin Winter, Getty Images
ETOnline wrote: 'American Crime Story' Cast Reacts to Versace Family Calling Mini-Series a 'Work of Fiction (Exclusive)
January 9, 2018
Edgar Ramirez and Penelope Cruz are standing behind their work on The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story following the Versace family telling ET that the mini-series should be “considered a work of fiction.”
ET’s Keltie Knight spoke with the ACS stars and the show’s creator, Ryan Murphy, at the FX premiere on Monday night in Los Angeles, California, and they were all adamant about holding Gianni’s relatives in high regard.
“We all feel the utmost respect for the Versace family,” Ramirez, who portrays the slain fashion designer, said. “We all tried to be as respectful and compassionate as possible walking into the show.”
“I really feel a lot of love for them,” added Cruz, who takes on the role of Gianni’s sister, Donatella Versace.
The mini-series is based on Maureen Orth’s book, Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U. S. History, which details the late designer’s murder in 1997. Murphy stands behind the story.
“Vulgar Favors was acclaimed and embedded for almost 20 years now so we stand behind Marren and we stand behind the book,” he insisted.
Murphy added, “Penelope never would have taken on this role if in any way if Donatella or anyone in the family was sort of portrayed in a negative light.”
“The Versace family has neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever in the forthcoming TV series about the death of Mr. Gianni Versace,” the family said in a statement on Monday. “Since Versace did not authorize the book on which it is partly based nor has it taken part in the writing of the screenplay, this TV series should only be considered as a work of fiction.”
At Sunday’s 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards, Cruz shared with ET’s Nancy O'Dell that she spoke with Donatella before accepting the part.
“When [ACS creator] Ryan [Murphy] told me, I said to him, ‘This sounds really interesting, but I have to make this call and I have to talk to Donatella,’” she recalled. “I called her and we spoke, like, for an hour. I needed that conversation to say yes.”
The 43-year-old actress further noted that she and Donatella have no bad blood between them. “It was a conversation where, I cannot share everything we talked about, but we have a good relationship,” she disclosed. “She just sent me flowers before I came here.”
Doting on the 62-year-old fashion icon, Cruz continued, “She’s such a loving person, so I wanted to put out there the love and respect I have for her. It’s in my performance for sure, and I hope that when she sees, she will be happy about it.”
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres Jan. 17 on FX.
WWD wrote: ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ Premiere Draws Ricky Martin, Penelope Cruz
January 9, 2018
Ricky Martin, Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez and Darren Criss, stepped out at the premiere of their new series, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” the second installment of Ryan Murphy’s “American Crime Story” franchise. While the Versace family recently released a statement denouncing the project as “a work of fiction,” Murphy was quick to mention that Cruz had received a kind gesture from her onscreen alter ego. “Donatella Versace sent Penelope Cruz a huge arrangement of flowers yesterday,” he shared.
“It was very nice,” said Cruz, who stars as Donatella in the nine-episode series, which debuts Jan. 17 on FX. “I don’t know if she has seen [any episodes yet], but it’s a personal thing. For me, it really made me smile. It made me happy.” The actress said she admires Donatella’s passion and success in running an empire. “She had to do that in a moment when she was devastated and she proved to be strong. That was a very generous thing to do because I’m sure she did it also for him.”
“Look, maybe it will be too painful for her to [watch], but I think we treat her with a lot of respect and dignity,” added Murphy. “I really admire Donatella — like I really admire Marcia Clark. I think Donatella Versace was a woman who, out of the blue, was asked to carry on a billion-dollar company and keep her family business going and intact and was up against a board of directors and lawyers who were all men and were trying to tell her something contrary to what she wanted to do. I really admire what she was able to do and continues to do.”
Cruz said she spoke with Donatella in advance of filming. “We had a long conversation when Ryan offered me the part,” said Cruz. “I needed to talk to her about it before I moved forward.” Once she accepted the role, Cruz prepared by combing through interviews with Donatella on YouTube in order “to capture the essence of this wonderful woman.”
Ramirez plays the role of Gianni Versace. “It’s such a great opportunity and such a great privilege to step into the shoes of one of the most creative minds of the 20th century,” said Ramirez, who wore prosthetics as part of his physical transformation. “He’s a genius that affected culture and changed it. Gianni was a disruptor. Gianni did things that no one else had done before….He was the designer of his time and for me that’s incredible to play.”
[. . . ]
Criss was tasked with tackling the role of serial killer Cunanan. “I feel like I made varsity,” Criss said of being cast on the show. “I get to be on an FX show, another Ryan Murphy show. The fact that it’s a second season for a show whose stripes are already proven in quality and content. Then I get to be in a project that has a character that is extremely compelling and is an actor’s dream to work on — not because of it’s darkness or the violence that it involves but because of the colors of emotional arcs that he carries with him. And on top of that let’s not forget the bonus that I get to hang out with a bunch of movie stars which is certainly a thrill. My head explodes a little bit [when I talk about it] and it did every day going to work. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Murphy said that the project features his dream cast. “They were all my first choices,” he shared, adding that, despite rumors, Lady Gaga was never in the running for the role. “She was never available. She was doing ‘A Star Is Born’ when we were casting it.” Murphy added, “I always wanted to work with Penelope. I liked that she was friendly with and knew Donatella very well. I’ve been friends with Penelope for almost 10 years and I’ve always wanted to work with her, but we could never find the right piece or the right timing. Finally this worked.”
[. . . ]
Beyond the headlines, Murphy said the project is, at its core, “about something I lived through which was homophobia in the Nineties and the trickle-down effect of ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ in our country. I also think it’s about great beauty and great destruction and it answers the question, ‘How does one person become a murderer?’ And how does another person become a creative genius? Both things don’t just happen, so we examine that.”
acsversace-news: [UHQ] The cast and crew of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ attend the premiere at ArcLight Hollywood on January 8, 2018 in Hollywood, California. | Source
hollywoodreporter: It was a killer good time with the #ACSVersace crew! The next installment of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series premieres Jan. 17 on FX. @gettyentertainment
via dcriss-archive
bharrisk: The Cast #acsversace The Assassination Of Gianni Versace
via dcriss-archive
This is Maureen Orth's son.
lukerussert: Quite the evening in #LaLaLand celebrating the premiere of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” airing January 17th on FX @americancrimestoryfx based on @maureen_orth book “Vulgar Favors.” Production team and all-star cast did a helluva job bringing my mom’s book to life. Watch it early and often, tell your friends, set your DVR and buy the book which is always better than the show/movie
via dcriss-archive
Actors Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Ricky Martin, Cody Fern, executive producers Ryan Murphy, Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, writer Tom Rob Smith and John Landgraf, CEO, FX Network pose at the after party for the premiere of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ at the Hollywood Palladium on January 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
via dcriss-archive
Nice to see Edgar and Darren goofing around and having fun at the premiere.
Actors Darren Criss and Edgar Ramirez pose at the after party for the premiere of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ at the Hollywood Palladium on January 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
[HQ] Actors Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez and Penelope Cruz pose at the after party for the premiere of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ at the Hollywood Palladium on January 8, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. | Source
via dcriss-archive
[HQ] Darren Criss, Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez and Ricky Martin, cast members in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” pose together at a special screening of the television series at the ArcLight Hollywood on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) | Source
Actors Darren Criss, Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez, and Ricky Martin attend the premiere of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ at ArcLight Hollywood on January 8, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
This is a nice pic. No watermark and the colors in the background add vitality to the pic. Again, love Mia's outfit; she looks lovely. And am a fan of Darren's jacket; he looks handsome.
Via Mia Swier’s Snapchat (January 9th, 2018)
via dcriss-archive
Actor Darren Criss and Mia Swier attend the premiere of FX’s ‘The Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ at ArcLight Hollywood on January 8, 2018 in Hollywood, California
Darren is really perfecting his interview skills. Nicely done, Darren.
“American Crime Story” Cast Talks “Versace” Show Accuracy | Source
via dcriss-archive
acsversace-news:
via ‘American Crime Story’ Cast Reacts to Versace Family Calling Mini-Series a ‘Work of Fiction (Exclusive) | 9 January 2018
via dcriss-archive
The Stars of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” Speak out (January 8th, 2018) | Source
The Stars of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” Speak out (January 8th, 2018) | Source
via dcriss-archive
Aw, many of Darren's friends attended the Versace premiere. Caitlin Brody (with Glamour), Benj Pasek, Eleni Gianulis (part of Darren's team and a friend), and Jeff Jernigan (who I think also at one time was Darren's room mate in the house, but I could be wrong about that). Did all these folks go to U of Michigan?
cbroday: So many things have changed, but still so much is exactly the same. Love nothing more than being in a room with this dream team (including several not photographed!). We’re all in for an ACS Versace treat.
Duane Mieliwocki was a camera operator with Glee.
dcriss-archive:
kristindossantos: So good reuniting with this sweet soul last night and seeing how incredible he is in #AmericanCrimeStory#Versace. Chills on chilllllsss – this is NOT the Darren Criss you know and I think you will be blown away! (P.S. @leamichele also was there and it was a sweet #Glee reunion.) #NeverStopBelievin ###
@americancrimestoryfx starts Jan 17! KristinDSantos: BLAINE NO MORE! Was completely blown away by this guy in @ACSFX #Versace. Creepy and compelling af. Penelope Cruz is also [100] as Donatella. Get ready. 1/17. #latertweet#VersacePremiere
Related to Versace (that instagram Darren took about his sunburn . This makes sense to me. I read Darren's caption when he posted that instagram. It was funny.
Just Jared wrote: Darren Criss Shares the Story Behind His Racy Selfie!
Darren Criss broke the internet back when he shared a photo of himself wearing absolutely nothing and just a speedo held in front of himself to stay modest.
Now, the 30-year-old actor is sharing the story behind the picture, which he snapped on the set of The Assassination of Gianni Versace earlier this year.
Darren opened up during his visit with The Ladygang podcast.
“I was wearing this ridiculous red speedo thing and thank god it was for the show because pictures had come out, the paparazzi had caught us. We’re shooting a scene on the beach and it’s Miami. It’s fair game, we’re out in the open so there are photos of me in a scene with Max Greenfield and I’m in this red speedo and I look kind of ridiculous. We’re all kind of giggling about this on set, like, ‘Oh my god, this is getting picked up.’ And I kind of wanted to take it back for myself,“ Darren said.
“At the end of that day, I was completely sunburned and was essentially the same color as the speedo and so I’m looking at myself in the mirror thinking this is too funny. So after those photos went out, I was like, ‘I have a better photo.’ So that was that,“ Darren added.
Darren also said he was very proud of the caption, which "no one read.” It was, “So what’s more red? My sunburn, my speedo, or YOUR FACE??? #ACSVersace.”
She is an entertainment writer.
*And you know who else is there? Darren Criss. A sensational psychopath.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote: 'American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace' Primer: Everything to Know About Season 2
December 21, 2017
After an award-winning debut season, FX's American Crime Story anthology will turn its lens to another major 1990s event: the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace in front of his Miami Beach mansion in 1997. The Assassination of Gianni Versace will follow the events leading up to the 50-year-old’s death through the eyes of the designer (played by Edgar Ramirez), his sister, Donatella Versace (Penelope Cruz), his partner, Antonio D'Amico (Ricky Martin) and the 27-year-old serial killer who shot him, Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss).
Ahead of the show’s Jan. 17 debut, here’s everything to know about the second season of Ryan Murphy’s award-winning series. What Happened
On the morning of July 15, 1997, the fashion designer had just returned from a morning walk when he was shot and killed by Andrew Cunanan, a con artist serial killer who had gone on a cross-country killing spree. The San Diego native had murdered two acquaintances in the San Diego gay community, a Chicago real estate developer, and a New Jersey man whose car he stole. The four other slayings took place between April 27 and May 9, and Cunanan was on the run — but managed to elude authorities until eight days after Versace’s murder, when he killed himself on a Miami houseboat just blocks from Versace’s villa. The Source Material
Much like season one’s People vs. O.J. Simpson was inspired by L.A. Times journalist Jeffrey Toobin’s book about the trial, The Run of His Life, The Assassination of Gianni Versace pulls from Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth’s book about the murder, Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History. According to creator Murphy, the second season will delve into Cunanan’s mind and cover the events leading up to Versace’s death. The season will touch on the four other murders, as well as Cunanan’s life in the San Diego gay community, the homophobia present in the culture at the time, and even the ‘90s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell military policy.“We’re trying to talk about a crime within a social idea,” he told reporters during the summer. “Versace, who was [Andrew Cunanan’s] last victim, did not have to die. One of the reasons [Cunanan] was able to make his way across the country and pick off these victims, many of whom were gay, was because of homophobia at the time.” Who’s Who
Darren Criss: Andrew Cunanan
The former Glee triple-threat, who starred on Broadway in the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch (and in the Los Angeles stop of the national tour), plays the 27-year-old killer, who was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list at the time of his suicide.
Town and Country Mag wrote: Who is Andrew Cunanan, the Man Who Murdered Gianni Versace?
Dec. 20, 2017
12. Darren Criss will play Cunanan in the upcoming American Crime Story anthology.
In the upcoming television anthology, Glee star Darren Criss will portray Cunanan. “At the end of the day, if you think of the worst person that you know, that’s done the worst things ever, you have more in common with them than not,” Criss said of playing Cunanan in an interview with radio personality Elvis Duran. “The fact is, those differences are big, but they’re small in number … So, what’s kind of been a joy for me is to find as many redeeming things as possible in someone that you fathom as something so horrible and to really get the audience to ask themselves, ‘At what point could this have been me?”
Homework EP Release Party/Concert (December 15, 2017, Los Angeles).
Darren's concert to release his Homework EP is this Friday, December 15! Buy your tickets now!
This is so nice of the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles to tweet about Darren's release concert this Friday. I remember pics of Darren with the staff of the theatre--so nice of them to be supportive of Darren.
Pantages: You know him from #Glee and #HedwigandtheAngryInch Join @DarrenCriss this Friday, 12/15 for a special concert at @GlobeTheatreLA as he takes you through his life in songwriting & performing. Get tickets here: ticketf.ly/2AEzwiH
Playbill wrote: Darren Criss Will Relive His Life and Career in December 15 Los Angeles Concert | Playbill
Dec 13, 2017
Darren Criss, star of TV’s Glee and Broadway’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, is planning a special concert at the Globe Theatre in downtown Los Angeles December 15, at which he is promising to take audiences “through my life in songwriting and performing.”
He wrote to fans, “Get ready for new songs, old songs, and of course, versions of songs you know but have never heard. It’s gonna be totally awesome.”
The Globe is located at 740 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California. Tickets, which cost $31–$131, can be ordered by clicking here.
Thank you so much, DaisiesAndLilies for posting that Youtube video! I've watched it so many times already (and I've watched the Youtube video that you also posted, of Darren performing David Bowie's Space Odyssey many times too)!
From Darren Criss Army:
High Voltage wrote: "I Don't Mind" By Darren Criss
November 28, 2017 The Who: Darren Criss (Los Angeles, CA) The What: Perhaps you want to know How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying (yeah, don’t we all?) or feel a sense of Gleebecause someone finally gave the Hedwig and the Angry Inch in you a voice that can be heard in a world that feels like an American Crime Story. Or maybe you’re just really into Darren Criss.
If that’s the case, then you’ll be pleased to know that Criss continues to be an artistic chameleon of the best kind volleying between stage, screen and the recording studio in band (Computer Games) and – in this case – solo form where he opts to expand his musical horizons with an ambitious streak of a more personal kind.
“I have some new music for ya. A new EP called Homework. I’m not out to break the charts, rule the radio, or change the world on this one. It’s just me being me, and making whatever that is totally available to you- you who have waited very patiently and supported me tirelessly through the years. Thank you.” – Darren Criss “I Don’t Mind” is the rock n roller that Criss has proven himself more than capable of being distilled down to the singer-songwriter in him: gentle acoustic chords, clean melodies and the warmth of a string section elevating a love song’s delicacy. And in black & white! Have we mentioned that we LOVE art visualized in black & white? Moving on because “I Don’t Mind” is just one song from that freshly announced upcoming EP Homework (is he having Gleehigh school flashbacks?) which you can pre-order here. Looks like a neat little Christmas present, don’t you think?
The Where: On December 15th Darren Criss has a date with the legendary Globe Theatre in Los Angeles to, in his words, “…take you through my life in songwriting and performing. Get ready for new songs, old songs, and of course, versions of songs you know but have never heard.” He also says that it’s going to be awesome. We’re inclined to believe him and tickets go on sale on November 29th which you can snag right HERE.
In the meantime, you can keep up with all things Darren Criss via his official website, Facebook page and at @DarrenCriss on Twitter.
I'm a couple of days late in posting this YouTube video of Darren's performance of Teenage Dream.
From Darren Criss Army:
This performance brought Darren so much visibility. I remember clearly, watching that episode and that scene. My husband was watching with me. He is more sparing of giving positive reviews than I am. I remember my hubby turning to me after both of us watched that song performance, with him stating something to the effect, "that was good."
Seven years ago today on November 9, 2010 Darren made his debut on Glee
From dcriss-archive:
Thanks Curt Mega! Once a Warbler, always a Warbler.
8 November 2017
Aw, more nostalgia about the Dalton Academy Warblers! From Paris Barclay: