Actor Yoo Seung Ho recently shared his heartfelt journey portraying Prior Walter in the intense play Angels in America - Part One: Millennium Approaches. Speaking from a cozy café in Samcheong-ro, Jongno, Seoul, Yoo revealed the emotional and physical challenges he faced during the production.
Angels in America is a gripping 200-minute play set in 1980s America, exploring the lives of characters dealing with issues like race, politics, religion, and sexuality as they approach the new millennium. Yoo Seung Ho took on the role of Prior Walter, a character struggling with a terminal illness after a heartbreaking breakup. His performance was filled with deep emotion, capturing Prior’s pain and vulnerability beautifully.
This role marked Yoo’s first foray into theater since his debut. He admitted, “I was always scared to be on stage. I didn’t think I was a good actor and feared facing the audience. But turning 30 made me realize I needed to grow. With the support of veteran actors, I pushed through.”
Yoo also spoke about the physical strain of his role. “I started at 64kg and ended at 56kg. Playing an AIDS patient meant I had to lose weight, which was really tough. I couldn’t eat properly and felt weak, but I had to endure the long performances.” The pressure was immense, causing him to lose his appetite and struggle with maintaining his health.
Reflecting on the ending of the play, Yoo shared his mixed emotions. “The ending was incredibly powerful. It left me feeling grateful and brought me to tears many times. It made me realize how much I can grow as an actor and face my fears.” He emphasized how the play not only tested his limits but also gave him the courage to believe in his abilities. “I never thought I could handle a 3-hour-and-20-minute performance, but I did. This experience changed me deeply.”
Yoo Seung Ho’s dedication to his role in Angels in America highlights his growth as an actor and his ability to embrace challenging roles. His honest reflections on the ending show how impactful the play was on his personal and professional life.
Stay tuned for more updates on Yoo Seung Ho and his future projects!
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