IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN PATRICK AMEDORI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Multi-hyphenate actor, writer, director, and musician John Patrick Amedori can be seen starring in the STARZ’s drama series ‘Three Women’, which premiered this September. Viewers can recognize him from Netflix’s series ‘Dear White People’, ABC’s ‘Good Doctor’, and Fox’ ‘Vanished’, amongst others. Besides acting, one of his biggest passions is music. As a multi-instrumentalist, he’s currently writing songs on the ukulele. 

You’re starring in ‘Three Women’. Can you tell us more about your character, Jack, and what drew you to this role?

There's a purity in how Jack navigates the world. He's very colorful and emotionally in tune with himself. He doesn't think in terms of strategy and he would do anything for Gia. What attracted me to him was how sure-footed he is with his love for Gia. He wears his whole being on his sleeve and that was very intriguing, to be so boundless in his expressions.

‘Three Women’ is based on Lisa Taddeo’s bestselling book, which explores themes of love, desire, and identity. How did you approach bringing Jack’s character to life in such a layered and emotionally rich narrative?

My approach was to follow my instincts which the writing allowed me to do. Everything was there on the page. Like Jack, I never entered a scene with a specific outcome in mind and Shailene and I both stayed very present with each other. We felt it was important to go on an emotional journey rather than a cerebral one while navigating the characters’relationship. We built a lot of trust very quickly. 

You’ve had roles in hit series like ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. How do you choose the roles you take on, and what do you look for in a script when considering new projects?

Every role that I've been fortunate to play has found me. 

You discovered your love for acting at a young age, landing your first big break at 12 years old. How has your approach to acting evolved over the years, and what has been the biggest challenge in transitioning from child actor to more mature roles?

I relied heavily on my instincts and intuition early on. Perspective is also a very important tool as an actor, and maintaining my individual perspective has been a conscious effort. I think one of the toughest challenges an actor may face is getting out of the box that the industry tries to place us in and getting others to see past it as well.

Having been part of the entertainment industry for so long, how do you stay motivated and continually challenge yourself to grow as an actor?

It's a strange feeling to do something for as long as I have and still not feel finished. There's still a lot of characters and ticks warbling inside my brain looking for a place to settle. At the heart of it, I'm still just a fan. I love to emote. I love the worlds of sound and picture and music coming together to cause an emotional reaction. I want to be able to affect an audience the way the art that I love has affected me.

You’ve had an impressive range of roles across genres, from drama to thriller to romance. Are there any genres or types of roles you haven’t tackled yet but are excited to explore in the future?

I truly enjoy all genres. My taste is vast, so there's a lot to be tackled and I'm looking forward to being surprised by what roles and stories come my way.

In addition to your work as an actor, you’re also a talented musician and regularly write and record original music. How do you balance your acting career with your passion for music?

It's not so much a balancing act since they are both a part of me. Music and acting keep me balanced. One without the other and I'd topple over. 

Your music has been described as blending some of your biggest influences like Elliott Smith and Daniel Johnston. How do those artists inspire your songwriting, and what themes do you explore in your music?

There's an intimacy in Elliott's song writing, melodically and vocally. With Daniel Johnston, the production quality on his tapes are so poor and yet it shines with his unabashed honesty to sing about love and loneliness. He's not hiding behind anything. Just him singing over his cheap nylon sting guitar or banging on his keyboard. His music is endearing and heartbreaking, but also whimsical. I guess I'm drawn to artists that make their art the only way they know how. I aspire to provide such truth in the art I make.

You’ve written songs for ‘Dear White People’ and have several unreleased projects. Can you give us any insights into your music approach?

I've been writing music for so long I'm not exactly sure where the songs come from anymore. A lot of the times when they emerge, it feels like they've been lying dormant, waiting to come out, like discovering an old memory. Both new and familiar. I like to write and record songs very fast, so how I sing and play them at first conception is how they're supposed to sound. Like taking a polaroid. Everything you add to the song has to enhance the melodic story you're telling.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

Right now, my main focus is on promoting ‘Three Women’. I write music every day and have plans to develop something with what’s coming to light. There is a lot of open water ahead and I'm very excited to see where the tides carry me. 

photographer SELA SHILONI