Actor Spotlight: Jesse Metcalfe

We sat down with Jesse Metcalfe, a seasoned actor that has worked with the likes of world renown actors like Sylvester Stallone amongst others, to get an update on his life and all of the current projects that he is working on. He shares about his process as an actor but also working with his fiancé, Cara Santana.

Paul Smith suit

MFP: From your known roles in “John Tucker Must Die,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dallas,” and now in “Chesapeake Shores”, how do you prepare for each role and has there been any notable actors that has really help mentor you or provide guidance in the process?

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been ‘mentored,’ but I have had the opportunity to work with a handful very accomplished actors in my career. And I’ve learned things from all of them. Michael Douglas, Larry Hagman, Sylvester Stallone, Treat Williams, all very different men, all with very different approaches to their craft.

MFP: We know that the character Trace Riley in “Chesapeake Shores” is a country singer, so how connected are you to this character and music? and is there music in the future for Jesse Metcalfe?

I love playing this character, and having helped develop the character from the very inceptionof the series, we were able to create storylines that have a lot of parallels with my own life. Much like Trace, I’m very passionate about music. That’s why this show is so fulfilling, I get to do the two things I love the most in this world.

Richard James suit, Prada sneakers

MFP: Almost a whole decade together and while Cara Santana is running multiple business like The Glam App, A Blogger, modeling, amongst others, how do you and your fiancé handle your relationship as both of you seem quite busy? what keeps the spark alive? Advice for busy successful couples?

Well, I think it’s important to have your own life within your relationship. I don’t necessarily think it’s a good thing for the relationship to always be the focus, but you certainly have to have a very healthy relationship, and be secure enough in it, to relegate it the background at times. I absolutely love how ambitious Cara is, we’re very much alike in that regard. We really challenge each other, so I think that’s what keeps the sparkle alive. 

MFP: What can you tell us about your role in Steps and working with your soon to be wife?

Well, I can tell that the story follows six people through three decades, and various stages of addiction, on their journeys toward recovery. The stories and characters are inspired personal experience and real life events. I’m set to direct and play a supporting role, and couldn’t be more excited about it. I think it’lll present it’s challenges collaborating with someone I’m so close to, but it’ll also be that much more rewarding. And hopefully we can create a powerful and compelling film with a socially conscious message.

MFP: You mentioned in previous interviews the connection you have with your faith, especially after dealing with addiction, how big of a role does faith continue to play in your life both professionally and personally?

Without ‘Faith,’ in a higher power, in power greater than yourself, your running your life on self-will alone. And life can brutal, unjust and arbitrary. Sooner or later life humbles us all, and you have to have the tools to deal that, life on life’s terms. For me, Faith is that tool.

Suit Supply outfit

MFP: As the lawyer that you played in “God’s Not Dead 2” and having this character align well to your personal believes, has there ever been a role that you had to decline due to your personal beliefs? or would you decline a role that comes into conflict with personal believes? 

I’m not so sure the character of ‘Tom Endler’ knew exactly what he believed, nor did the character’s believes necessarily completely align with mine. But, what was cool about playing him is that he had a great character arch, and through the course of the trial and defending his client, discovered something about himself that he’d never considered. I had a great experience on this film.. Really enjoyed and respected everyone I worked with. 

MFP: This is a fashion magazine, being that you are quite fashionable and stylish, we would like to ask what is your preference when it comes to designers? or is there no preference?

Maison Margela, Dries Van Noten and Saint Laurent are some my favorite designers, but I also really love vintage clothing. I’m a firm believer that it’s not necessarily what you wear, but how you wear it. Anyone can buy expensive clothing, but not everyone has style.

Sandro Paris shirt and pants

MFP: In the upcoming “Escape Plan 2” there is a lot of driving and stunts, how much of these scenes are you vs. a stunt double? 

Ha! Well, that absolutely insane car chase sequence in Escape Plan 2 is NOT me! I provided the reactions while pretending to drive and shift a parked car. Lol! But everything else is all me! Lots of great fight sequences in this one, which were so much fun to shoot. My longtime friend and stunt double, Freddie Poole, worked on the project doubling Stallone, so we had a great time together. Such an honor to get work with and share the screen with Sly. Total pro. Class act!

MFP: Do you see yourself playing action roles more so than drama roles?

Well, for me, story always come first. The best action movies are the ones with good character development and a compelling story. Without that you don’t have much.

MFP: How was it working with the rapper/actor 50 Cent and the talented Sylvester Stallone?

50 was great! Super chill and approachable. He seems really focused on his producing and acting these days, and I think it’s cool he’s successfully branching out into a whole new arena. That’s what it’s all about, continuing to challenge yourself.

Sandro shirt

MFP: Anything else that you wish to share with those devoted and long time fans who have been with you since your early days in “Desperate Housewives” and “John Tucker Must Die”?

Well, for all you out there that have supported me over the years, my ride or dies, I want you to know how grateful and appreciative I am for you. You know who you are. And all I can tell you is there’s so much more to come!

Grooming by Cassie Lyons

Photographed by Adrian Martin for Men’s Fashion Post