Francis Capra from New York
This week I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting my family back East. I somehow managed to book the role of an intimidating gang leader with a “cage fighter physique” on an early episode of Blue Bloods, airing sometime in September.
Now we all know I’m no stranger to the whole gang leader thing (I actually forgot the name of the show when checking in at CBS Radford!) but when I sized up the other choices present at the audition, I couldn’t help but tell myself to take this one with a grain of salt. I have been making the rounds this year, scoring a dozen or so
auditions for very similiar roles, however this particular one called for a specific body type/look. I was positive that a friend of mine would just blow everybody else out of the water (including me) and even told him this on the way out.
Alas, my old saying regarding the casting process: “This is God’s Game.” has clearly rang true. My girlfriend and I shared quite a laugh the night before going on tape, “With my luck, I will probably get this thing, since it’s a local hire and having to travel to New York on a moment’s notice, PLUS bounce around the city in and out of hotels will be EXACTLY the kind of job I need right now.”
Well kid, ya got what you asked for.
As time goes on, I think I’ve located the pulse of destiny which I believe exists inside the casting room. I had this vague sense that I was just a little ahead of everybody else, despite being severely outmatched in terms of what the breakdown stated was required for the role. I woke up just a little earlier that day, I studied less, barely rehearsed. (about half a page of dialogue in the 2 scenes I was to read)
But somehow, when I fell into my habit of pacing like a tiger outside of the casting office while Nora looks at me like I’m a lunatic, or darting in and out of the bathroom to pretend to wash my hands, only to spit my dialogue at rapid speed in the bathroom stall, I felt this unusual calm. I normally get a burst of courage just moments before slating, but this was different.
It was like a quieting warmth, I never know if I’m going to be the best there is, but on this day, I really knew I was giving the best I have.
As quick as it came, as quick as they all do, it was over even quicker.
It never occurred to me that I would remember this role forever, due to what it would enable me to accomplish in my personal life. I received an offer for the role the next day, a Friday. Unfortunately, that’s when the part of my job that is normally the easiest became a logistical nightmare.
I was told to be in New York by Tuesday the latest, which gave me about one business day to get my finances in order and figure out where I was staying for the next 10 or so nights. Despite the stress, I was grateful to have such a wonderful problem.
After about a dozen phone calls to my incredible team at MSI Management, I had everything I needed for my trip. At this point all I needed to do was to call my Uncle and tell him which terminal to pick me up at the lovely hour of 5:30 AM.
I’ve been in New York since Thursday, sleeping at my grandparent’s house in New Jersey.
These last 4 days have been some of the most amazing, rewarding, simply magnificent days of my life.
I have never felt so admired, so humbled, so loved or so proud in all of my adult life. I am truly blessed to be able to be a part of such a unique and special Family. In my career, the rewards are endless, everyone knows the money is ridiculous. But the bonus that this project provided: The chance to repair the results of years spent away from the people I love most, was simply priceless.
It just so happens that turning 27 marks the year that a lot of the most important men and women from my childhood will enter their 50’s, 60’s or 70’s. Now, this is something that has caused me quite a headache. My mother has now picked up the habit of reminding me that she is 50 years old, when she is not.
Before I left, I started to write a note to leave with my grandparents,
at the time of writing this I haven’t quite finished it, but here is a part that I would like to share with you all:
If there is Divine Design,
behind a Family chain,
then truly,
we are all gifts in a line,
the pressures and weights of our lives,
while they might shift time to time,
just like links in a chain,
we bear the tension together,
I hold my brothers and sisters in place,
and my parents hold mine.
I gain both my strength and my name,
from my parents who birth me,
and support me with their grace,
most have just just a mother and father,
some less,
But I am a special case.
My father’s loss, I mourn,
but when I look upon my mother,
surely a Woman so great,
did more then her part, still to this day,
she filled my father’s place.
I have made it this far, so I can only go farther,
with a family like mine, who’s love is so great
this year I’ve gained a brother and sister,
2 mothers and fathers,
never again will I be afraid,
to leap for my dreams with no rope to hold me,
no, that is not what they’ll throw me, I will be saved
by a chain.
I worried a decade away, could not be regained,
was not there when I could be,
and for that I am ashamed.
But when my worries were worst and I thought I would break, I came home to my family
and they shared in the strain.
I never imagined so much, was always right here to claim,
I gained a brother and sister, 2 mothers and fathers, all in a matter of days.
—
-FCC
Oh the note for your grandparents is just so beautiful! I am pretty sure that they feel blessed to have you as much as you are to have such a great familiy! Happy to hear that things are going great for you! Much Love
Well im so happy 4 u. Keep wat ur because good things happen to 1s who wait and watever u do i will b wachting. GOOD LUCK. LOVE UR 1 FAN
Dig it! Things are coming up for you again, all good stuff !
Great post!
You are a beautiful writer! You are very blessed to have a loving family that supports you and all of your endeavors, but they are also very lucky to have you. You are an extremely talented man, and you have a lot of good things going for you! I hope everything keeps going in the direction you want, and Good Luck with your new roll!
Your writing truly took my breath away. And I’m so glad you got a role you can be this proud of; a person with your talent deserves it without a doubt. I imagine being in the acting industry has its low points, so it’s good to know you have a loving family to keep you in line.
I wish you all the best, Francis! And hopefully we can continue our small talk sometime soon.
P.S. I hope someday you get to play a role where you can show and express the other many talents you have.
Hi there,
Let me tell you, you are an amazing writer. 🙂 I was stoked to see that you’re a gamer. I’m an avid gamer too. I have yet to dive into the wonderful WoW though. Maybe you would want to this girl around? Haha. I’m a console gamer.
Well, I doubt that you’ll ever reply to this but keep up the good work.
>.<
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, and those beautiful words too.
I’m so very proud of you, and all you achieve and I look forward to this being the start of an upward swing, where I get to yell at the world “told you so, told you he was amazing!”
Thinking of you, and your family lots. Much love to you all.
Tammy xxx
Per my Aunt Pattie’s request, even though I’d rather do it via email/twitter, I have to respond to all these wonderful comments that all of you have been leaving here.
Being able to share my thoughts with you through this site is quickly becoming a huge part of my life, thank you so much for reading and for the heartfelt words of encouragement. I promise to make every one of you proud, I have so much more to show you and I know it is only a matter of time.
Thanks again.
P.S I love you Aunt Pattie! 🙂
-Francis Capra
i just found this website and i just started watching your roll in veronica mars “tuff but a softy on the inside” lol i think you show great emotion with your eyes and expressions. there’s definitely a depth there. 🙂 i think that’s something you can’t learn it’s just natural. anyway i hope to see you in more rolls. i think i just became a fan 🙂 btw your a great writer
Congratulations on the new role Francis! Looking forward to seeing you on screen again! 🙂
The note you wrote for your grandparents was so lovely. You have a beautiful way with words! It’s also so wonderful to see people who aren’t afraid to express how much they appreciate their family.
Its such a great thing to see such a talented actor like yourself going so far in life. You are on to great and bigger things. I wish you the best. Keep up the great work Francis!!!! 🙂
Officially the first comment I’ve ever left on a blog. (Also one of the first celeb blog I’ve read)
I just stumbled across Veronica Mars, watched the 3 seasons, and was sad to see it ended! Looking up where you guys are now. I’m glad you are doing well, but I was really surprised by the WoW thing! Love that! Makes you seem pretty down to earth 🙂 Ive been playing off and on for couple years(currently on 😛 )
Your an awesome actor, hope to see your new work soon!
Hey,
Well I am writing to say first off from one writer to another, your work is truly beautiful and inspiring. I have been writing since I was in 8th grade. It has become less and less because I seem to only write when I get inspired, but for me it is a great way to express how I am feeling in that moment. I hope you continue to write, and maybe one day I will stumble across your published work!
I remember watching you in Free willy 2, Kazaam, and Walker Texas Ranger. Then when Veronica Mars aired I watched a few episodes and then stopped watching. But I recently found all three seasons on Netflix and I absolutly love the show and your character Weevil. You are a tremendous actor and I hope that God continues to Bless you in all that you do
I’m so jealous because you’re an amazing writer. I love you, and Weevil is my favorite TV character ever. Hope you do well with everything.
😉
That note is beautiful 🙂
I only just saw your blog but I hope you write more often!
Ok ok… I LOVE your note thing. It;s amazing
Also, I LOVE your acting skills and stuff 🙂 🙂
Honestly, Veronica Mars was incredable, mostly because you were in it. I couldnt take my eyes off the t.v. when it was on! So I chose to look u up everywhere I could. That makes me laugh, but it’s true. I actually only knoow you from Veronica Mars. I know I know, bad number one fan. Haha, my best friend introduced me to it. My favorite charactor was, Weevil… Go figure. Haha. She always liked Dick, not really sure why but i just wanted to let you know. That you’re amazing, and very talented! 🙂
P.S. You really should comment more to all these fans!!!
Lots of love,
Kelsie <3
HI(: This is gonna sound really stupid, but I just started watching Veronica Mars yesterday. I lovee the show, and I lovee your character. I think you are the best actor ever [you aree #1, right next to Johnny Depp]. Just wanted to tell you. Thank You(:
BYEE xD
Bhavane Fabio Nair
I’m watching A Bronx Tale right now, and I absolutely had to know more about you. You are a beautiful and surprising man. I am really moved by your post and your poem. The best to you always. What a life, huh?
Hit me up on twitter. # I’m the silent ONE from Blood and Bone.
Hit me up on twitter. I am the silent one from Blood and Bone.
Hello Francis,
I am old friend of your Aunt Patties, we once took you to the fair in Rhinebeck one summer when you were around 9 or 10. I have been trying to find out where she is, so this message is to try to find her and if you or her reads this you can contact me by my email or facebook. I would love to hear from her, she was such a great friend.Thank you, Melissa
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