Italian actor Marco Calvani is becoming more and more of a household name, following his two seasons so far of playing “Claude” alongside the likes of Tina Fey and Colman Domingo on Netflix’s hit comedy series The Four Seasons.
Revolving around a group of longtime friends who meet up every season for a little (and sometimes grand) getaway together while supporting one another through many life changes, The Four Seasons packs sharp wit and a heartfelt narrative that is brilliantly performed by its talented ensemble cast.
Calvani can also be seen in the theatrical fan-favorite film You, Me & Tuscany opposite Halle Bailey.
With a third season of The Four Seasons recently announced, Calvani spoke with Awards Buzz about his transition from Italian fame to American audiences, what it has been like working alongside his acclaimed Netflix co-stars, and how he is approaching this exciting new chapter of his career.
You had already established yourself as an actor, playwright and director in Europe. What was the process like transitioning onto the radar of American television and film?
Marco Calvani: It was such a blessing, but it also forced me to redefine not just my career, but my whole sense of self. I started acting when I was 14 years old after my mother passed away. Theater became a way of survival for me. It gave me a place where I could express myself and find my tribe.
I became a professional actor very young, but eventually I began writing and directing. For the last 16 years before The Four Seasons, I was primarily known as a writer-director. If you looked me up online, you probably wouldn’t have found me described as an actor anymore.
Now you’re working alongside people like Tina Fey and Colman Domingo. Did that feel surreal?
Marco Calvani: Completely. To be honest, it was hard for me to accept at first because it felt like it wasn’t meant for me. I had spent years building a life as a writer and director. Even though it was a Tina Fey Netflix series, it initially felt like an obstacle to everything I thought my future would be.
Thankfully, I had people around me who encouraged me to embrace it.
How did The Four Seasons come into your life?
Marco Calvani: Colman Domingo actually played a huge role. We became friends while traveling through the festival circuit. One day he called me and asked if I was still acting. I actually said no because I didn’t really think of myself that way anymore.
He encouraged me to audition. I put myself on tape and honestly didn’t think much would come from it. Then I got a callback and shortly afterward received the offer. It all happened very quickly.
Did landing this role rejuvenate your outlook on your career?
Marco Calvani: Absolutely. I love that word—rejuvenated. It reignited my passion for acting. I’ve always loved actors and storytelling, but now, being back in front of the camera in my forties feels liberating in a way it never did in my twenties.
Back then I was incredibly insecure. Now I feel more comfortable saying, “I deserve to be here. They wanted me here.” Life is bigger than all those doubts.
Do you think you’ve finally gotten past that imposter syndrome?
Marco Calvani: Yes, I think so. Sitting alongside all of these giants of American television could have been intimidating, but I’ve learned that I’m there to play, to contribute and to help create something that makes people happy.
How much of Claude is actually Marco?
Marco Calvani: Claude and I share certain traits, but I’m actually much more like Kate. I’ve always appeared extroverted, but at my core, I’m an introvert. I enjoy solitude. I’m an observer. I’m very much in my head. That’s probably why I became a writer in the first place.
Since you have a writing background, do you ever struggle not having your hands in the scripts?
Marco Calvani: Not really. It’s a collaboration. Everyone in this cast is creative in some way. We’re writers, directors, producers and storytellers ourselves.
When questions come up, they’re usually about clarity or character development. Sometimes there are cultural references or phrases that don’t fully translate for me, and I’ll ask questions. But it never comes from a place of ego. It comes from wanting to make the material better for everyone.
What differences stand out to you between the European industry and Hollywood?
Marco Calvani: My experiences in Italy were many years ago, so things may have changed. But what struck me here was how structured everything felt.
The union protections, the support systems, the attention given to the craft—all of that felt stronger. In Italy, things often felt rushed and chaotic. Here, I found a storytelling language that was closer to my own artistic voice.
I’ve never really felt bound to one place. I’m proud to be Italian, but creatively I feel like a citizen of the world. The way stories are told here simply connected with me.
Moving to New York permanently had to be a huge leap of faith.
Marco Calvani: It absolutely was. At first, I was coming over for theater productions that lasted a few months. Then I decided to stay longer and eventually pursued a visa.
Looking back, it feels almost impossible that I did it. I left behind a career, collaborators and everything that was familiar. At the time, it felt like the biggest mistake of my life. But I also felt like I had no other choice. Something inside me knew I had to keep going.
With Season 3 officially happening, are conversations already starting about how long The Four Seasons could continue?
Marco Calvani: We all genuinely enjoy working together, and that camaraderie shows on screen. Part of all of us would love to keep doing this forever.
Realistically, I don’t know how many seasons we’ll get, but I think we need at least four seasons of The Four Seasons. The title alone demands it!
Lastly, who is Marco Calvani in 2026? What gives your life purpose right now?
Marco Calvani: That’s a beautiful question.
As I’ve become more visible publicly, I’ve also felt a stronger responsibility to cultivate purpose beyond my career. Much of my work as a writer and director has focused on immigrants and marginalized communities.
I’m proud that, through Claude, I get to represent a generation of queer immigrants in this country. I hope whatever platform I have can be used in service of causes that matter to me.
A lot of my time is spent helping others, finding community, writing and trying to contribute something meaningful. That’s who Marco Calvani is in 2026—someone trying to balance the public version of himself with the private one while staying connected to what truly matters.
The first two seasons of The Four Seasons are currently streaming on Netflix, with Season 3 officially on the way.
