Lucas Bravo, now recognized internationally for his role as Gabriel in Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” has spent the past five years deliberately shaping his career to avoid being pigeonholed. While many know him as the charming chef from the romantic comedy, Bravo has increasingly chosen roles that showcase his ability to portray darker, more complex characters. Recently, he took on the part of the morally ambivalent Comte de Gercourt in HBO Max’s upcoming limited series, “The Seduction,” illustrating his commitment to evolving past initial typecasts.
Bravo’s journey began in the kitchens of Nice, where he worked as a sous-chef before landing his breakout role. He recalls how, despite his newfound fame, he remains grounded, not rushing toward Hollywood but embracing each opportunity as it comes. His time working alongside prominent figures such as George Clooney and Julia Roberts in “Ticket to Paradise” left a lasting mark on both his personal and professional life, offering mentors who helped steer his early Hollywood experiences.
Returning to Gabriel’s Lighter Side in ‘Emily in Paris’
The actor has expressed a newfound appreciation for the lighthearted spirit of “Emily in Paris,” especially as the series approaches its fifth season. After Gabriel experienced a notably somber phase in recent episodes, Bravo is enthusiastic about returning to the more playful, original essence of his character.
“I wanted to bring back a fun Gabriel,”
Bravo shared, signaling a creative shift that aims to recapture the qualities that first won audiences over, satisfying both fans’ and cast members’ desires to revive that energy.
Reflecting on his approach to Gabriel, Bravo notes the importance of portraying complexity. The character’s initial vibrance and later gloom offered challenging material, but Bravo relishes the opportunity for variation, stating that being able to explore both light and dark corners of a role is essential for an actor’s growth. He commented on the evolving series and his own journey, acknowledging how both character and actor have matured in the public eye.
According to Bravo, the television and film industry is shifting toward greater depth and nuance in storytelling, reflecting the reality that people are multifaceted and often face inner conflicts or emotional scars. He believes this move toward rich, intricate narratives resonates with viewers who see themselves in the “gray areas” of humanity depicted on screen.
Creative Freedom and Bold Choices in Recent Roles
Bravo appreciates the collaborative environment on set, especially when working with “Emily in Paris” creator Darren Star, who welcomes input and spontaneous moments. This openness allowed Bravo to influence his character’s journey, especially when moving from lightheartedness to more serious themes. In “The Seduction,” Bravo relished the opportunity to reinvent the infamous Gercourt, taking inspiration from both classic and contemporary interpretations of “Les Liaisons Dangereuses.” With his director’s support, he embraced darker traits, striving for a portrayal that is both subtle and chilling.
He described his approach to villainy as relying more on calm menace than outward physicality, believing that true fear comes from unpredictability in a seemingly composed demeanor. Playing such an intense figure took its toll, requiring conscious effort to separate role from reality off set.
Formative Experiences with Hollywood Icons
Working on “Ticket to Paradise” marked a pivotal moment early in Bravo’s career. Fresh from his success in “Emily in Paris” and only a handful of film roles, Bravo found himself sharing the set with established stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Their mentorship, both protective and encouraging, played a significant part in shaping his transition to bigger projects.
“George and Julia have been pivotal in my career ever since because they took me under their wing — protected me, guided me, provided me with amazing advice. I still see George. We still talk on the phone,”
he recalls of their influence, especially Clooney’s.
Bravo’s relationship with Clooney grew beyond professional boundaries, with the Hollywood star even hosting him at his home in Provence, France. He describes Clooney’s kindness and steadfast guidance, calling him
“the most amazing godfather you could have in this industry.”
While Clooney offers advice only when solicited, Bravo notes the most valuable lessons came from watching him work: Clooney consistently focuses on elevating his scene partners, demonstrating that selfless performances prompt the best collaborative results.
“Most actors come in thinking,
I need to take my space.
George’s attention is always on,
What can I do to make the person in front of me shine?
By doing so, he shines naturally. You can have a completely selfless performance, and that makes your performance even better. That I got from George.”
— Lucas Bravo
Collaboration and Admiration among Stars
Bravo speaks fondly not only of Clooney but also of Julia Roberts, who left a unique impression on him through her warmth and sense of humor.
“She smiles, and rainbows and butterflies appear around you,”
Lucas Bravo reflected. He playfully refers to Roberts as “woman No. 1,” her upbeat demeanor contrasting the pressures of a high-profile career.
Bravo also credits his “Emily in Paris” co-star, Lily Collins, with elevating his own professional standards. He is effusive in his praise, acknowledging how her dedication, preparedness, and acute awareness on set have made him a better actor.
“I think she’s a genius — but don’t tell her that, she won’t acknowledge it,”
he shared, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work and how high-level partnerships continually challenge him to grow.
Expanding Horizons and Upcoming Projects
Pushing his boundaries further, Bravo recently wrapped filming on “Melodie for a Bear,” directed by Gilles de Maistre. In this project, shot in the forests near Montreal, Bravo plays a bear wrangler reuniting with his daughter, a role which required him to spend months working closely with animals and learning to play the violin. The involvement demanded physical and emotional adaptability, providing new avenues for his evolving career.
Away from the spotlight, Bravo finds comfort in nature, suggesting that these rugged adventures help him recalibrate and return refreshed to creative endeavors.
On the Importance of Portraying Real Complexity
Bravo frequently returns to the theme of complexity, both in characters and in life. He believes that audiences connect most to stories that embrace imperfection, uncertainty, and the shades of gray that define real human experiences. Drawing from personal history and his current trajectory, he embraces the demand for deeper, more textured representation in media, suggesting that both authenticity and bold choices are now valued in Hollywood’s storytelling landscape.
He reflected on formative inspirations, including how early exposure to “Sex and the City” playfully shaped his understanding of relationships and masculinity.
“Oh, wow, those are the things you can or cannot do as a man.”
— Lucas Bravo
As Bravo’s projects continue to cover new ground, from edgy roles in streaming series to heartfelt stories set in the wild, his commitment to growing as an actor and person is evident. He celebrates the guidance and camaraderie found among legendary colleagues and looks forward to bringing both lightness and complexity to future endeavors.
Looking Forward
With upcoming releases like “The Seduction” on HBO Max and the new season of “Emily in Paris” premiering soon on Netflix, Lucas Bravo’s career shows no signs of slowing. His experiences underscore the importance of mentorship, creative freedom, and embracing both the bright and shadowed aspects of his craft. As he continues his evolution, Bravo remains grateful for figures like George Clooney—his Hollywood godfather—and for the opportunities that have come his way, ensuring that his journey is defined by growth, collaboration, and a willingness to step into the unknown.
