Conrad Ricamora – How To Get Away With Murder

By starrymag | October 11, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on?

A) I played the lead in the new musical by Jeanine Tesori and David Henry Hwang called “Soft Power.”

 

Q) From the promos this season of “How To Get Away With Murder” seems to have kind of a back to the beginning and basics feeling, what can you tease is new and recurring this season on “How to Get Away With Murder?”

A) I really love this season because you are going to see some of the characters move forward in their lives (despite everything that’s happened to all of them) in really profound ways. However, you are also going to see some characters try to make those same moves forward but get knocked back in really tragic ways too.

 

Q) We don’t know much about Oliver’s past. What kind of backstory have you created for him or were told about him? Will we ever learn more about his pre-Keating history?

A) We are going to learn a lot more about Oliver and where he comes from this season. As an Asian American, I’m really excited for some of the episodes coming up.

 

Q) Where do we pick up with Oliver and how will the stresses of all of these secrets he has been keeping take a toll on him?

A) I think last year was a big, traumatic introduction into the world of Annalise Keating and all the drama/trauma that brings. This year I think we will see him find his comfort and settle into that world more.

 

Q) Will the dynamic between Connor and Oliver be shifted at all after confessing to have been lying and then admitting he knew who killed Wes?

A) I think we will see them overcome this. In Annalise’s world, everyone lies because they are trying to protect themselves or other people. Connor (Jack Falahee) has known that for a while and I think Oliver is just catching up to that. So, I think they will be ok.

 

Q) How would you describe the relationship we will see between Oliver with Annalise this season?

A) I think Oliver is in awe of Annalise (Viola Davis) and can see where she is ultimately trying to do good, even if that means doing bad occasionally along the way. I think Oliver will continue to be faithful and supportive to Annalise through thick and thin.

 

Q) With an impending “Coliver” wedding, what does it mean for the LGBT community, especially in this current political climate, getting to see a gay couple on TV go through breakups, shake ups and make ups and be moving toward having their moment of happiness?

A) It’s SO important. I didn’t have that kind of representation on TV growing up and it left me feeling alone and ashamed. I’m so happy that we can see this couple going through so many facets of a relationship and being sexual on TV. Even with all of the progress made, I still think it’s rare to see LGBT people being sexual on TV with equal representation to straight couples. And I think it’s very important to have that specific equality.

 

Q) “HTGAWM” is always pushing boundaries and testing its character’s limits and relationships, how does this season go even further?

A) I think this season shows a softer side to these characters that have been so extreme for so many seasons. And I think those moments of really switching it up are the moments that push the boundaries more than the “OMG” “twisty” moments that we all know and love from Shondaland.

 

Q) Oliver has been really close with a handful of the characters, will we see him bonding with anyone new this season or will he be growing even closer to any of the core group with the impending wedding and beyond?

A) I think Oliver and Michaela (Aja Naomi King) will have a long way to go to repair their relationship. Oliver took what Michaela did to Simon really hard, deporting a gay Pakistani man. But I think they can maybe eventually get over that and come out on the other side stronger.

 

Q) Oliver’s talent is being a hacker, how much of an asset will those talents be this season? Will he be expanding or evolving his skills in any capacity?

A) What are you talking about, he just fixes computers!!!! Kidding, no, I think Oliver’s hacking is always going to be tied to how far Annalise is willing or needs him to go. And how far she will let him break the law. Stay tuned.

 

Q) “HTGAWM” tends to touch on a lot of topical issues, this kind of representation and respect for diversity is incredibly important now more than ever. How does this season continue that hallmark?

A) What I love about the show is that it just allows people of color and LGBT people to exist in three dimensional ways. I also love how we are taking on the criminal justice system and that will be expanded on this season, too.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that continues to make it such a fan favorite?

A) I think it manages to be thrilling and profound at the same time and I think that’s a tricky but important balance that the show does well.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback to episodes and the fandom?

A) Yes! It allows for a kind of community around the show! I love it!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you for watching! You all are the best!