Damian Romeo knows what it takes to get noticed.
In the case of his portrayal of Matt Press in the Netflix series, “Ginny & Georgia,” he gets to play the mean guy in high school.
“Everyone thinks he’s mean,” Romeo says of the character. “I remember what it was like being 16 years old. You don’t know how to express yourself and oftentimes that comes across mean. Really, Matt is the most honest person because he cuts through all the drama.”
Season two picks up after the season one cliffhanger where Ginny, played by Antonia Gentry, and her little brother leave town after she discovers that her mom had poisoned her stepfather.
In season 2, Ginny must figure out how to live with the knowledge that her mother is a murderer.
Burdened with the new understanding that Kenny – her stepdad – didn’t die of natural causes, now Ginny must deal with the fact that Georgia not only killed, she killed to protect Ginny.
Georgia, played by Brianne Howey, on the other hand would much prefer that the past be left in the past, after all, she’s got a wedding to plan. But the funny thing about Georgia’s past is that it never stays buried for long.
Romeo as Matt Press is the only one who can see through all of the drama and has a realistic outlook on life due to his troubled past.
This season, a new love interest is on the horizon for Matt Press.
Season two premiered on Jan. 5, and is currently streaming on Netflix.
Romeo says in playing Matt Press, he also learned a lot about the character.
“At first glance in the first season, people consider him mean and sometimes the way he says things, it’s wrong,” Romeo says. “There’s a moment in season two where he has a realization that his words affects other people. It’s his moment to grow into a bigger, more responsible person.”
To prep for stepping back into Press’ shoes for season two, Romeo found himself preparing mentally for all reactions to the characters.
This meant going to his dressing room, putting on headphones, and listening to music that he would have listened to as a 16-year-old.
“I knew people would be upset with him and nobody says the best things when they are 16,” he says. “I’m glad Matt stands his ground. What many viewers don’t realize is that I’m playing a characters and Press is the polar opposite of who I am in my daily life. I find that the opportunity for me in this show is to show a different side of myself as a performer.”
Romeo’s journey to being a full-time actor has been full of many opportunities – all of which he has learned a lesson.
He was born in Toronto, Canada, and began taking music lessons at his grandmother’s suggestion.
By 9, he began performing in theater solidifying his lifelong desire to become an actor.
By the time high school rolled around, he was 6 feet, 4 inches tall and was fit. He was scouted by a designer who asked him to walk in his show, which led to him being named “Canada’s Next Top Male Model” during Vancouver Fashion Week.
Around this time he also decided to follow in the footsteps of some of his family, and joined the Canadian Infantry Army where he remained a reserve soldier for four years.
“I’ve backpacked over 35 countries with little or no money,” he says. “I’m far more complex than most people think I am. This is why I love acting. I get to become a new character with each production. Each one is a challenge.”
