In its first season, How to Get Away with Murder has become known for its too-hot-for-network-TV sex. We can thank bad boy associate Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber) for some of this. Shooting steamy scenes is just “another day in the office” for the actor.
The down-to-earth Missouri native opened up about his (former) player tendencies — yes, he may have sent a nudie or two back in his day — and his similarities to Frank. Don’t you love him already? Read on for scoop on what we can expect at the end of a crazy first HTGAWM season. You’re about to be his biggest fan.
You just finished shooting season 1. Are you sad or excited for a break?
I’m kind of sad. I love going to work.
Jack Falahee and Katie Findlay told me you guys love hanging out and the vibe on set is great.
It’s a fun day. You go to work all day with your friends.
How do you feel about being named one of the Hottest Men of Fall TV 2014?
I’m flattered! [Laughs.] That’s really nice, I guess.
Frank plays by his own rules. Are you like that as well?
To a degree. We share a love of young women that has gotten us both into a lot of trouble in our lives but [it’s] something we can’t help. I’m a direct person, but not like Frank. He doesn’t have time for anything else. That comes from what people in Philadelphia are like. When I was researching and creating Frank, spending time with people there, there’s a forward-moving aggression . When you get to know them, that very direct thing is just the way people are. It’s an East Coast mentality, life is moving too fast for anything else.
What about his player ways?
No, no. I’m a nice guy. [Laughs.]
C’mon, Charlie. You’re a player.
Maybe there was a time. I’d like to think I’m a good guy as I’ve gotten older.
You refer to Frank as a “street guy,” but you’re from the Midwest. Was it hard for you to get that down?
There are no streets where I’m from, that’s why I spent so much time in Philly. I’ve spent time in New York and L.A., and you start to understand that mentality and know people who are from that walk of life and draw from your experiences. It wasn’t as difficult as I had anticipated. It came together quite nicely.
Let’s talk sex scenes. Would you agree with Katie that they’re awkward to shoot?
I think they’re fine. I’ve been in a few love scenes over the years. It’s a very non-sexual situation. I remember doing a love scene with Karla Souza in the back of a car, and there was a walkie talkie. [The crew is] trying to talk to us through [it], and we’re trying to listen, so it’s not as sexual as it appears to be.
