EXCLUSIVE | Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story's Cameron Crovetti says real-life experience helped play Ryan
Young Cameron Crovetti started his acting career in 2015, and has not only been part of major hit productions but has a talent that promises him a bright future. Most recently portraying the role of Ryan Broderick in the second installment of 'Dirty John' titled 'The Betty Broderick Story', Crovetti yet again played a role in an intense storyline. In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Crovetti speaks on his inspiration, how he approached the role of Ryan, his role as Josh Wright in the hit series 'Big Little Lies' and his upcoming projects.
Inspired by his older sister Isabella, Crovetti explains that she had started in the industry at the age of 6, earlier than him and his twin brother, Nicholas Crovetti. When his sister Isabella was a series regular on ABC's 'Neighbors' Crovetti said he and his brother were old enough at that point to visit their sister on set. "We were around 5 years old and by that time my mom felt comfortable knowing we could be quiet on set. My brother and I were very energetic when we were toddlers," explained Crovetti. "When we got on set we were amazed by the sound stage and sets they had built for the show. Bella was having so much fun and the entire crew treated everyone like family. By the time we were 8, we were begging our mom on a daily basis to start letting us audition. My mom waited another year until we were 9."
Crovetti also revealed that his mother is an actor and a coach and had been part of the industry her whole life. "She wanted to make sure we really wanted to act and we were mature and ready for the business. 'Big Little Lies' was one of the first auditions we went on," said the young actor. Crovetti and his brother had continued to audition and book projects after an audition for 'Big Little Lies' and mentioned that they work with their mother on a weekly basis "honing" their skills as actors. "We study movies and television shows, read and write scripts. I love this industry and to me it’s fun and I don’t think of it as work," said Crovetti.
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The young actor most recently played the role of Ryan Broderick on 'Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story', the oldest son of Betty Broderick played by the stunning Amanda Peet and Dan Broderick played by the impeccable Christian Slater. The series premiered on the USA Network on June 2, 2020, and chronicled the domestic tension between the Brodericks and the eventual murder of Dan and his second wife, Linda Kolkena (Rachel Keller) by Betty. Although a true crime story, the details of the series focuses on Betty's views of the events that occurred and was deemed "one of America's messiest divorces," by Oprah Winfrey. "I feel that Ryan is caught between the fighting between his parents. He becomes the man of the house after the separation and processing his new role while trying to sort out his feelings is tough on him. He is aware his mom is unstable but he still loves her. Ryan is such an amazing character that I have not played before and I got to sink my teeth into some really great emotional scenes," said Crovetti, while explaining the emotional tides that the couple's children had faced during that intense time period.
Crovetti said that he approached the role of Ryan by drawing from his life experiences and that of his close friends'. With what we think is gracious maturity for such a young age, Crovetti explains that although he had not gone through what Ryan had in the Broderick narrative, he was able to "draw on times" in his life that had been disappointing and upsetting, in an effort to connect with his character. "Whenever I have a really emotionally charged scene, my mom and I find a quiet place on set right before we shoot the scene. We talk through my emotions and then process the whole arch of the scene. So I am in a place, right before we roll that I can easily access my emotions," explained the actor.
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He also explained that his role as Ryan was similar to that of Josh Wright, a role he plays in the hit series 'Big Little Lies' starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz. Josh is the son of Kidman's charater Celeste Wright. While Ryan is similar to Josh in the sense that they both come from broken homes and parents that didn't get along, Crovetti pointed out the difference saying, "Josh was different because he came from a house with domestic violence and Ryan’s mom is very different than Celeste. Both characters (Josh and Ryan) are emotionally damaged but Ryan I think, is more emotionally aware of his feelings and mature." According to the gushing actor, Kidman is loved by the Crovetti's like family, "She is literally the nicest woman in show business. My brother and I have so much fun working with Nicole. It is like working with a family member on set," he said. For his incredible work as Josh, Crovetti was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award this year for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series which he shared with his castmates. Calling the experience "amazing", the actor said that it was great to meet the "BLL family" again, "It’s was like being in a room of extended family members that all love doing the same thing!" he added.
Crovetti's other roles include Tim from 'Anywhere With You' (2018), Carol from 'Single Parents' (2018) and Ryan Butcher from 'The Boys' (2020). He also has one release in post-production titled 'Witch Hunt' (2020) where he plays the role of Corey. According to Crovetti, the lockdown was not too hard on him since he comes from a very close-knit family and extended family that live close by. "We are always doing fun things. All my mom wanted for her birthday was a funny movie made by her kids. So we all made our version of Nailed It. We acted, recorded, and edited it. The whole family had a part in it. We are always thinking of fun stuff to do as a family!" revealed the actor.
As for upcoming projects, Crovetti revealed that he and his brother were supposed to film a movie this summer, that has now been put on hold. In addition to that, they were also going to do another film in the fall with Cameron adding another show to his resume this summer. "Hopefully when the industry is up and running we can start those projects!," said Crovetti.
