Now his death is on the small screen in a new series of American Crime Story and actor Edgar Ram… He basically changed fashion by marrying sexuality and glamour on an unparalleled scale. He played Carlos the Jackal in the 2010 French-German biopic series Carlos.He won the César Award for Most Promising Actor in 2011 for the role and was nominated for a Golden Globe and … Gender equality is a liberation movement for each and every person that has felt the burden of a gender stereotype, or like they’ve had to fit into an uncomfortable mold or felt the pain of discrimination,” he declares. It gives me hope.”, We ask if he thinks his innate optimism—his hopefulness—has helped him navigate through life—the belief that if you want things to be wonderful, they will be. I knew this was going to be hard for them, so I didn’t want to reach out to them,” he admits. Is it perfect? GIANNI Versace was a major figure in the fashion world and his murder shocked everyone back in 1997. The emperor has no clothes. “What I said to Ryan is, ‘I have to be responsible for my choice, so that if I sign on regardless of what happens, I’m not going to blame anyone—you or the producers,’” he recalls, noting, “It’s not about having things my way, because that’s boring. He mulls this over, and he agrees. For example, she wanted to become a pilot. He’s a great listener and a huge source of inspiration. Edgar Ramírez on Becoming Gianni Versace, From Prosthetics to Pasta. Edgar spent a large part of his childhood visiting … Men have felt encouraged to also join forces in trying to reach a more gender-equal world, which is the goal of the movement. “It was a lucky strike that really helped the process, because this was a very intense shoot, and we had very [dramatic] scenes,” he maintains. The 40-year-old actor is in New York to promote the nine-episode series, an exploration of Versace’s murder that is based on Maureen Orth’s best-seller Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History. I couldn’t be happier, and I have only great things to say about this experience,” he says, adding that he’s not only formed a life-long friendship with Murphy, but with co-stars Penélope Cruz, who plays Gianni’s sister, Donatella; Ricky Martin, as his longtime lover, Antonio D’Amico; and Darren Criss, as the killer Cunanan. And no, he’s never been personally discriminated against, never had resistance or doubt in accepting a job, and that’s the point. I need certain conditions to be met for me to open up to the adventure.”. “[Discrimination] has never personally happened to me, but it’s been very close to me—my mom, my sister, my niece, my female friends. Michael Kors buys Versace for $2.2 billion. “All this kind of heroine-chic look—he wasn’t into that. Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. “What Versace did—the impact that he had on the history of fashion and culture—is undeniable. “I never felt that I needed to do something else, because my father’s expectations were different. Instead, he did his research by reading old interviews, and also managed to find friends of the late designer who were willing to talk and provided much-needed, personal insight into his life. “I was lucky that it happened early in my career, which made it actually painless in a way, because I learned that I have to do projects for the right reasons,” Ramírez says. The biggest beauty stories, trends, and product recommendations. They weren’t open. All rights reserved. “I tend to be very physical in the exploration of my characters,” he says, “as far as my health permits and the time permits.”, In this case, the challenge was to fill out Versace’s “typical southern Italian, robust body,” says Ramírez. He has another reason for being hesitant: He’s been burned before—and it only happened once—but he’s loath to let it happen again. Playing larger-than-life fashion icon Gianni Versace isn’t a role Édgar Ramírez will soon to forget: the 20 pounds he put on for the part in Ryan Murphy’s The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story are a constant reminder. Edgar Ramirez on Playing Gianni Versace, Feeling Sexy, and Magical Realism. I’m at a very interesting moment [in my life]. “I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but if I wanted something, I was determined to get it.”. You’re always trying to make things a little bit better. I needed to read other episodes to be able to understand where the character was going. Ramírez—like most of the world—was fascinated by the glittering Gianni Versace, but it was the chance to work with American Crime Story’s equally mesmerizing producer and creator that drew him to the role. I was enchanted by his promises and how he pitched the movie to me. He was shot and killed in cold blood on July 15, 1997, on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion after returning from a walk on Ocean Drive. I always try to see the glass as half full and not half empty. Defining moments in Andrew Cunanan's life, starting in childhood, lead up to a 1997 murder spree that kills five, including fashion icon Gianni Versace. Ryan gave me my process and my space, so I said yes.”. He also played Larry, a CIA operative in the film Zero Dark Thirty, Paz—a CIA assassin—in The Bourne Ultimatum, and boxer Roberto Durán in Hands of Stone. The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews, and videos on Vogue.com. Sadly, the Italian-born designer’s death became as infamous as his life had been. Simpson. Now Penelope Cruz and Edgar Ramirez star in fashion's most fascinating—and heartbreaking—saga. I’m at a great moment in my life. He was the fifth victim of serial killer  who committed suicide just eight days later. “My country has been basically morally erased. Every time I touched my belly or had heartburn, it reminded me of the show. He also worked in promotions at one point before deciding to become an actor. Edgar Ramírez stars as Gianni Versace in the FX anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. “People can have the best intentions—and I can say I’ve always worked with well-intentioned people—but so many things can happen in a production. Or, at least, that’s how we first encounter Gianni Versace in the opening minutes of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story: bare-chested in bed, gazing up at the finely painted clouds on the ceiling. “Boxing basically sculpts your arms and your shoulders in a very natural way, so I needed to let the muscle mass go to convey the body that Gianni had”—strong, yes, but not chiseled. SHOT ON LOCATION AT 357 W. 17TH ST., NY, NY. However, every time I walk through Buenos Aires [in Argentina], I see young people from my country that have fled there just happy that they’re alive, that they have a new slate in front of them. I was never criticized by my dad when I decided to become an actor. Starring: Edgar Ramírez… “I have the opportunity to help others by the virtue of what I do,” he notes. “He had a fascination for beauty in everything,” the actor adds. The movement’s goal is to achieve equality by encouraging men and boys to become agents of change and to act against the inequalities that women face worldwide. Oscars Best Picture Winners Best Picture Winners Golden Globes Emmys Black History Month STARmeter Awards San Diego Comic-Con New York Comic-Con Sundance Film Festival Toronto Int'l Film Festival Awards Central Festival Central All Events The Versaces went through one of the most horrible tragedies in contemporary history, and it happened in the public eye. “I had to put on some weight to fit his measurements. No, nothing’s perfect, but that’s part of the challenge. They released a statement in January asserting that they “neither authorized nor had any involvement whatsoever” in the series, and that it “should only be considered as a work of fiction.” A follow-up declaration was equally dismissive, announcing that the “Orth book itself is full of gossip and speculation” and was an “effort to create a sensational story” with “secondhand hearsay that is full of contradictions.”. And that is beautiful. “My sister, cousins and friends didn’t have that choice. He does this most frequently through HeForShe, a solidarity campaign for the advancement of women initiated by UN Women. “I have a great platform to give a voice to people who are underrepresented or don’t have a voice. I take things one day at a time.”, He references the destruction of his homeland, and the constitutional-crisis protests that swept Venezuela in 2017. He's fluent in five languages. I have great people around me, and I try to surround myself with people who have the same attitude. Jan 17, 2018 Contour by Getty Images. Edgar Ramírez, Actor: Gold. Edgar Ramirez (Gold, The Girl on the Train) and Glee alum Darren Criss have been cast in Versace: American Crime Story, the 10-episode third installment in … Our show is based on a nonfiction book by a highly respected female writer, and we stand by her reporting.”, After playing Gianni Versace, however, Ramírez very keenly feels the family’s grief. Darren Criss and Edgar Ramírez on Becoming Andrew Cunanan and Gianni Versace for American Crime Story FX stars reveal what it … “The Assassination of Gianni Versace… Things shouldn’t always be easy, and if they are, you fight for others, in his opinion. Needless to say, Ramírez did not get in touch with any members of the Versace family—not his brother, Santo, niece, Allegra, nephew, Daniel, nor Donatella (who reportedly sent friend Penélope Cruz a bouquet of flowers wishing her luck)—while researching the role. “In the end, [the goal] is to capture what his essence might have been.”, Working alongside Cruz, in a revolving lineup of sleek, barely breathable ensembles, offered as much a boost in character building. Édgar Filiberto Ramírez Arellano is a Venezuelan actor. Ricky Martin as Antonio D'Amico and Edgar Ramirez as Gianni Versace in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. In Hollywood, Ryan Murphy need only snap his fingers and say “Jump!” before any number of A-list stars would squeak “How high?” But not Ramírez. In 9 episodes, the series explores the murder of designer Gianni Versace by spree killer Andrew Cunanan, based on Maureen Orth's book Vulgar Favors: … Best Performances: How Edgar Ramirez Filmed Versace's Decline in The Assassination of Gianni Versace 02:15 — Édgar Ramírez talks about his preparation and approach to portraying Gianni Versace “This is one of the best roles I’ve ever had the chance to play. “In the most Italian of ways, he had such a hunger for life. For me, it’s very important to take responsibility of my choices,” he notes, before describing his most disappointing cinematic experience, in what was one of his first major roles. With the camera trailing a polite butler’s distance behind, we follow the fashion legend as he strides through his palatial Miami Beach home, donning slippers and a salmon-pink robe, until he emerges onto an oceanfront balcony. When episode one debuted a week ago—luring in 5.5 million viewers thirsty for fashion-world mythology, 1990s nostalgia, or prestige true crime—one revelation was that the story line had far more to do with serial killer Andrew Cunanan than the man on the marquee. I’m very open to what the day awaits.”, Haute Living 2021 - All content and source © 2019 Haute Living |, Haute Living And Roger Dubuis Honor NBA Legend Scottie Pippen, The Most Delicious Bars To Celebrate National Margarita Day, Model + Beauty Entrepreneur Pritika Swarup Shares Her Top 5, Haute Beauty Ambassador Jillian Michaels: The 5 Resolutions, Kate Bock On Getting Into The Spirits Business + How She’s, HL Culinary Ambassador Dominique Crenn Shares Her, World Cup Champion Blaise Matuidi Receives The Surprise, Haute Living’s Exclusive Editorial With Gucci’s, Louis Vuitton Launches Temporary Traveling Capsule, Paris Hilton, SNL’s Chloe Fineman & Bowen Yang For. He was born in San Cristóbal, Táchira, Venezuela.. By Dailymail.com Reporter. He wanted people to feel healthy and alive and vital,” Ramírez says, “because that’s how he was.”. Their closeness was especially opportune given the sensitive subject matter. It is not sensational. “I wasn’t sure about the script and was more fascinated by the people I was going to work with, the scope of the project and the charisma of the director—who turned out to be a much better producer than a director and a writer. … We try to hang out as much as we can. “It was about the women feeling gorgeous—he wanted the dresses to be a tool to be empowered.” With sartorial messaging on the awards circuit this year, that impulse lives on. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. We had to really abandon ourselves to each other to really get to the core of the scene.”, The fiery Versace family hasn’t been particularly impressed with Murphy’s project, which, again, ais based on a nonfiction work. Gianni Versace and his sister Donatella built one of the great style dynasties. I also work very hard. “That was very important. Things change, and then all you’re left with is promises when you’ve already taken on a project. It’s as good as it gets. His sister, Nataly, was not as fortunate. His first major motion picture was Tony Scott’s 2005 film, Domino, and first blockbuster the 2007 action flick The Bourne Ultimatum. He had the freedom to try his hand at a variety of careers until he found one that fit. Ramírez won at the 2012 ALMA Awards for He has appeared in a plethora of films with big-name directors since his early days as an actor, including Steven Soderbergh’s Che; Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty; and David O. Russell’s Joy. “In order to understand the massive loss that this man’s disappearance was, we really had to understand his creative process and how much love he had for art, for life, his family,” he notes. In his will, Versace provided D’Amico with a $30,000-a-month lifetime allowance and the right to live in any of the late designer’s homes, but because of a feud with the Versace … “For better or for worse, we live in a culture that was partially shaped by Gianni Versace: the exacerbation of fame, glamour, the whole bling culture,” says Ramírez. I’ve been a huge admirer of Ryan Murphy for a long, long time.”, That said, he still didn’t accept the role right away. Edgar Ramirez can't wait to meet Ricky Martin's baby girl.. “It is a bald cap, and then I had four amazing wigs, depending on the time period that we were shooting,” Ramírez explains, adding that a prosthetic helped reshape his forehead and hairline (and made him feel “like a Conehead,” he laughs). It was one of those experiences where you know that everyone will be in each other’s life after this project,” Ramírez vows. “I’ve been lucky to become very close to Bob, and he’s an important part of my life, not only professionally but also personally. I had the privilege to choose and decide my life, clearly,” he says. To have had the privilege to decide my life and what I am, that obliges you to help other people to have the same privileges,” he says. I mean, there are days when I just see emptiness, sure—it’s not a constant thing—but most of the time, I have to believe that things can improve. The culture of bling, the exacerbation of fame, the picture between cinema and fashion, and fame and celebrity is something Gianni helped to create,” he enthuses. Instead, he embraced the true essence of Gianni Versace. Where would that exuberance fit into the world today, with feminine norms shifting and commerce reframing the fashion conversation? Best Performances: Edgar Ramirez Reveals His Favorite Scene from The Assassination of Gianni Versace And how he and Penelope Cruz crafted their special relationship Fri, Aug 24, 2018 But it didn’t end up that way on the page, and I was already committed; [the character wound up being ] difficult for me to play.”, His starring turn in The Assassination of Gianni Versace is a role that he takes full ownership of. She really knows how to drive a car. Other projects include Vantage Point; the 2015 Point Break reboot; Hands of Stone; The Girl on the Train; and, more recently, Gold and Bright. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the second season of the FX true crime anthology television series American Crime Story.The season premiered on January 17, 2018, and concluded on March 21, 2018. The regal stance seems to beg a proclamation—only for Versace, his clothes do the talking. Clearly, Murphy, along with the cast and crew, more than satisfied his requirements, giving Ramírez one of the top overall experiences of his career. Although he can’t talk about the film, he has plenty to say about De Niro, his co-star in Joy and Hands of Stone. “We are, as a family, trying to build opportunities for the next generation so they don’t feel the burden of a gender stereotype,” he says. Next came the Versace diet. He formed a familial bond with Cruz in particular, whom he first met while filming the series in December and refers to as “a very good friend,” though the cast as a whole truly seemed to form a life-long bond. He was such a disruptor, such a nonconformist. By Mickey Rapkin. He just wrapped Pablo Trapero’s thriller The Quietude with The Artist’s Bérénice Bejo in Argentina and will reunite with Robert De Niro for the third time in a top-secret project. That said, he is interested in hearing their thoughts after they’ve actually seen the series, which debuted on January 17: “I’m very curious to see what their reaction will be when the cat is finally out of the bag, and they see what we did, and that we did it with the utmost respect and compassion.