Shine bright like a Frankie!
From the Broadway stage to reality TV, Frankie Grande has brought his unapologetic and fabulous energy to every project he's worked on.
Now, the star is checking off an important milestone off his bucket list as he stars in his first feature film Summoning Sylvia.
"It's definitely a dream come true and I've been working towards it for a very long time. Broadway has been so amazing, reality TV came along and that was amazing, but it was even more difficult to break into TV and film. It's really nice that I've been given the chance to show the world what I can do," Grande tells Out.
Directed by Wes and Alex, Summoning Sylvia is a queer horror-comedy film that's sure to tickle a funny bone with plenty of camp.
"[Fans are] going to have a gay old time, quite literally. I'm going to put it in the order of comedy, thriller, horror. Lot of laughs, some tense moments, and then a sprinkling of horror. You're not getting a gore fest. It's not Cocaine Bear. It's just as gay, but definitely less cocaine and murder."
As the feature film makes its debut across the country, Grande is hoping this film can inspire more change in Hollywood so bigger blockbusters can include more LGBTQ+ talent on screen and behind the scenes.
"There's just still not enough LGBTQ+ leading characters in film and TV, especially in major motion pictures. We're creeping in the right direction, but that's why independent films like this get to really make a big statement."
Grande has been an activist and vocal member of the community for many years. With current anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed across the country, the star is calling on everyone to stand up for trans members of the family.
"We definitely need some major education overhaul in our government when it comes to trans, non binary, and the drag community. This is the really the time for the LGB community to stand up for our T community. This is the time. It is all of our fight. They're coming for one of us, [so] they're coming for all of us. Don't get comfy. The whole community needs to stand together on this one."
Beyond his professional achievements, Grande is also celebrating his one-year anniversary with husband Hale Leon.
"It is such a different world. It's so much more stable and more comfortable. I spent a lot of time chasing men and it's just a lot nicer when it's not on your plate anymore. It allows me to focus on some other things like activism and acting, which are two of my biggest passions."
Summoning Sylvia is out now in select theaters and hits VOD today. To see the full interview with Frankie Grande, check out the video below.
Frankie Grande Calls on the LGBTQ+ Community to Advocate for Transgender Rights youtu.be