entertainment
‘These cooks ripped each other apart’: Dominic Sessa on playing Anthony Bourdain, kitchen bullies and the joys of being a 70s barfly
After his breakthrough in The Holdovers in 2023, Sessa has gone back to the 70s again for Tony, the biopic of bad-boy chef and Kitchen Confidential author Bourdain. And, he says, a big part of him would like to stay there
TL;DR
- Dominic Sessa, 23, has starred in two films with a 1970s setting: 'Tony' (playing young Anthony Bourdain) and 'The Holdovers'.
- Sessa was not deeply familiar with Anthony Bourdain before filming 'Tony', opting for an honest portrayal without preconceived notions.
- He believes Bourdain inspired people to see their own potential and championed integrity.
- The filming of 'Tony' involved a real, recently closed restaurant kitchen, adding authenticity to the actor's experience.
- Sessa relates his own youthful experiences on the Jersey Shore, including partying and working, to Bourdain's time in Provincetown.
- He sees parallels between playing Bourdain and an 'unlikable side' of himself, characterized by insecurity and defensiveness.
- Sessa advocates for 'wilful hardships' as a means of genuine development and self-discovery, contrasting it with modern comfort culture.
- He is drawn to the 1970s era, appreciating the lack of mobile phones and social media, and the increased interpersonal connection.
- Sessa found theatre at Deerfield Academy after a hockey injury, which led to friendships and a more genuine sense of self.
- He has since taken supporting roles and studied drama, preparing for future challenging parts.
- Sessa credits 'Tony' with helping him decide the kind of actor and person he wants to be, embracing risk and following his instincts.