Photo credit: Wanstrom & Associates

Fulvio as Referee, Johnny McAvoy

Released this summer, Cinderella Man is one of Toronto’s most talked about productions. This Ron Howard film showcases the talent of many Canadian actors, including Fulvio Cecere who was cast as Referee Johnny MacAvoy.

Originally from Montreal, Cecere has appeared on ESPN-TILT, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Dark Angel, NYPD Blue, Jag, and movies such as Paycheck and Replicant. In preparation for his role as Johnny MacAvoy, Cecere attended Referee School and worked with legendary boxing trainer Angelo Dundee.

Fulvio Cecere Q & A

Fulvio with Russell Crowe

How did you prepare for your role as the Referee Johnny McAvoy in Cinderella Man?

I called the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York and got some info. That led me to a man in Minnesota that sold me a tape of the actual fight. I watched that numerous times picking up as much as I could about Johnny McAvoy, refereeing, the boxers, the time period and the fight.

What was the Referee School experience like?

It was fun. There were 7 people there and of the seven I was the only actor. All the others were refs or had been. Legendary Boxing trainer Angelo Dundee was the consultant. I was asked if I knew anything about refereeing and I told them I only knew what I saw on TV. They suggested I get in the ring and show them. I did and they were impressed. I was given some pointers and they felt comfortable enough with my skills to give me the okay. Ron Howard came by to see how we were doing. The refs told him I was good to go and Ron signed off on me. It only lasted about half an afternoon. After that we started with the choreography, which was extensive.

What did you learn from portraying this type of character?

A respect for what referees do and what the boxers actually go through.

What is like to be directed by Ron Howard?

Fulvio with Ron Howard

A pleasure! He was gracious and polite and listened to all suggestions. He took time to answer all your questions. He really made me feel like a true member of the team. A true gentleman.

How do you feel about the response the film has received?

As I expected, the movie was met with great a critical response. But I am amazed that it hasn't translated into greater box office revenues. This movie is stupendous and should be a monster hit. It will be nominated for many awards come Oscar time. I still expect it to do well.

Tell us about an actor you have worked with that really left an impact on you.

I'm not star struck at all. I'm not intimidated by any actor. Every actor that is professional and prepared and respectful has left an impact on me. I respect actors that really prepare for their parts through physical or mental preparation. We only get to share a short time together so you really don't get to know each other but there have been some great times on set.

Fulvio with the various referees at Referee School
getting prepared for the shooting of the film, Cinderella Man

Any upcoming projects?

I recently finished work on Tilt, a drama on ESPN. It recently aired all nine episodes but was not renewed for a second season. I just worked on a new teen comedy called John Tucker Must Die and am on hold for some work in Toronto. Also waiting to hear about some work that I just auditioned for in Vancouver.

Star Stats:

Full name: Fulvio Antonio Cecere
Birth date/place: Montreal, Quebec
Training: Lots of classes in Los Angeles and New York. But the best training is actually working at your craft. I've worked on over 160 projects.
Where you have seen me: Tilt, Tarzan, Nero Wolfe, Dark Angel (all in recurring roles) and many, many more.
Favorite Actors: Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Jeff Bridges, and Gene Hackman.
Favorite Movie: One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
My dream role: The next one
Last Book I've read: Easy Riders, Raging Bulls
Sign: Pisces
Best thing about being Canadian: It's such a great country. We have all that the US has but with so many fewer problems. And let's not forget how beautiful it is. And the beer's pretty good, eh?

Check out my website: www.fulviocecere.com