Photographer: Tim Schaeffer at Cellar Door Studios @cellardoorstudios.laWardrobe: H&M — Photographer: Tim Schaeffer at Cellar Door Studios @cellardoorstudios.la
Wardrobe: H&M

Fit for a prince’s role, Faly Rakotohavana dazzles us as ‘Matteo’ in the film ‘Secret Society of Second Born Royals’. Born in Madagascar and moving to the U.S., Faly walks us through his journey to acting in this exclusive interview with Rival Magazine. Read more about how he got the role of a prince, what you can expect from his character and many more down below.

1. What is your background and how did you get involved in the entertainment industry?

I was born in Madagascar and lived there for six years before I moved to the United States. At the age of six years old, I moved to Phoenix, where I lived for three years. Then, I moved to Texas, where I started to pursue a career in acting. I started in musical theatre at Midland Community Theatre, and then I auditioned for an acting workshop called CGTV. Through CGTV, I found my agent and manager, and my career has been growing stronger ever since.

2. Was acting something you wanted to pursue from a young age?

I’ve wanted to be an actor since the time I was living in Madagascar. I would always look at the little box tv that we had and hope that one day I would get to see my face on it.

3. Fans will be able to see you star on “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals”. What can you tell us about your c’haracter and his involvement in the story?

In the “Secret Society of Second Born Royals”, I play the young prince ‘Matteo’. He is very awkward yet smart and kind. Throughout the film, he gains a sense of confidence that he never knew he had. He has to learn to trust the people around him and to learn how to work as a team.

4. What first drew you to the story when you read the script?

Superpowers! Not only do I get superpowers, but I get to be a royal as well! It’s a fun story that is unique, and I knew I didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity.

5. What was the audition process like for you?

It was nerve-racking because there were so many people in the casting office! I didn’t expect to see as many people as I did when I walked in. It threw me off guard, but after I started walking around and talking to everyone, my nerves were subdued, and it turned out to be a fun audition.

6. How did you react when you got the role?

I was coming home from school with my dad when I got the call and the moment I heard that, I booked the role my dad and I lost it! We were screaming in the car, and everyone else on the streets was looking at us like we were crazy.

7. What was your best memory from the set of “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals”?

One of my favorite memories from making the film was when we joined the street celebrations to celebrate the Raptors! That was so much fun getting to celebrate with Toronto, and it was a night that I will never forget.

8. What are some movies that made you fall in love with acting growing up?

The ‘Toby Maguire’ “Spiderman” films! “Spiderman” is and always will be one of my favorite superheroes. I watched those films on repeat while I was living in Madagascar and I never got bored with them.

9. Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?

I would love to work with Tom Holland. He truly is amazing, as ‘Spiderman’, but his work in "The Devil All the Time" was great as well. Ryan Reynolds would also be fun. All of his work is amazing, and getting to work with him would be awesome.

10.What has been your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement so far has been working on "The Secret Society of Second Born Royals!" To be a part of an amazing project is such a rare opportunity, and I am so grateful.

11.What are some things you hope to cross off your bucket list once everything goes back to normal?

I want to travel! I want to go on a massive road trip across the United States with all of my friends. Rent an RV and then take off. I also want to travel outside of the United States. I have always wanted to go to Santorini, Greece. All the pictures I see are so beautiful.

12.What are some causes that are dear to your heart and hope to bring awareness to in the future through your platforms?

I support Black Lives Matter. It is a cause that I will stand behind and continue to spread awareness. I feel as though people still don’t fully understand the intent of BLM, so I will continue to share and spread the news on the matter.

13.If you weren’t an actor, what other professions would you pursue?

I’m not entirely sure. All I have known all of my life is this dream of becoming an actor. Recently I have started to realize that having another job that I can fall back on is a pretty good idea. So I am still thinking of other avenues that I am equally as passionate about.

14.In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about being an actor?

That it is easy, a lot of people that I have met have this idea that just by being an actor, they will have a lot of money and fame, which isn't true at all. There are a lot of good actors out there that might not ever get noticed. It takes a lot of time, hard work to be successful in this industry, and a lot of sacrifices.

15.What is the best advice you have gotten and from whom?

The best advice I have ever gotten is from my dad. He told me that there’s not enough time in my life for me to worry about what other people do. My success has to come from what I can do for myself, not from what other people can do for me.

16.What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Be patient and flexible. Finding your breakout role takes time, but you can’t give up. Keep working hard and being patient, and you will see growth in your career.

17.What do you hope to achieve through your art?

I hope to travel. I hope that my career will take me to new places and that I will get to experience and try new things.

18.What are some things that need to change as soon as possible in the entertainment industry?

I am happy with how the entertainment industry has been evolving. There are more streaming platforms, which means there are more jobs available for working actors. There have been more diverse casting, and more jobs have been open to people of all races and gender.

19.What are some books everyone should read in this lifetime?

I am a huge horror fan, and I have recently started reading "Junji Ito." He is an author who writes horror mangas. All of his stories are quite brilliant and make your skin crawl. If you’re a fan of horror, check those out.

20.What are your plans for the future?

The future is so uncertain as of right now, so I genuinely have no idea. Right now, I have just been focusing on school. Keeping up with my education and preparing for college will help me create a brighter future for myself.

Thank you to Faly for the wonderful interview. You can watch him as ‘Matteo’ on “Secret Society of Second Born Royals” and keep up with what he has planned for the future. There is no doubt we will see him in many more roles to come.

Meet the Author

Violeta Nicola is a 20 old who has over three years of experience in the journalism world. Starting in 2017, Violeta launched her news website where she interviewed people from all over the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has worked for publications such as 71 Magazine, A Book of, Reignland Magazine and now she joined the Rival Mag Family. This year she launched her own magazine called N Magazine which is growing by the issue.

The Secret Society of 'Faly Rakotohavana'; The Live-Action 'Disney +' Superhero We've Been Waiting For

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