Edgar Ramirez has taken on some big roles before. He played Ares the god of war in Wrath of the Titans, was commissioned as ‘Paz’ to take out Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne in The Bourne Ultimatum, and Bohdi in the 2015 remake of Point Break starring opposite Luke Bracy’s Johnny Utah. This January he personifies fashion icon Gianni Versace. Ryan Murphy’s Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story is the follow-up to American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson which earned two golden globes one for Best Television Limited Series-second for Sarah Paulson as super lawyer Marcia Clark.

Ramirez threw himself into the role as seen by the trailers and still photo. Known for his full black hair and beard, he disappears into Gianni with a receding hairline and lighter locks while donning the famed embellished over-the-top Italian designer’s look perfectly.

Tell us about getting cast in the American Crime Story telling of Gianni Versace’s death?

He called me up and he offered me to come on board for this adventure. When I read the outline of the story, and Ryan has the ability to create something interesting, that are dramatically gripping at the same time have social relevance. He captures something that is going on in society.

Tell us about your preparation to play the role of Versace?

I tried to educate myself about the House of Versace and the brand. I tracked down several people who were very close to Gianni. I have a very journalist approach to my characters so I would research the story and document information about the controversial murder.

What did you find interesting about the time Versace was becoming a fashion icon?

Up until Versace Sexuality and glamour was always separated. Versace was able to combine those elements. He mixed sexuality from the 70’s and money from the 80’s and the glamour of the 90’s. Everybody went crazy. Gianni became one of the most universal designers.

Did you get to party at the Versace house?

The house was legendary for the parties. It was the legend and myth but Gianni was very quite very reserved. He understood the importance of the celebration of life, sexuality, and color. He would go to bed early and get up early and work. He wasn’t the party animal. The house is gorgeous and spectacular, we were shooting in multiple places in the house. It was very moving. I think it was a house of creativity.

Hollywood Issue – Edgar Ramirez