Kevin Iannucci, a rising talent in Hollywood, is raising the bar and challenging old stereotypes with his passion for acting and dedication to inclusivity. The 29-year-old Raleigh native’s journey into the world of acting began at the young age of seven with his older sibling’s encouragement.
His hard work has paid off, and Iannucci stars in the recent film “Champions,” which tackles themes of redemption and acceptance. “Movies and TV shows are about life and people, and I think we all need to be included and accepted,” he asserted, advocating for diversity in storytelling.
“Champions” follows Marcus (Woody Harrelson), a deteriorating former minor-league basketball coach whose anger leads to him being court-ordered to manage a community center team for players with disabilities where Johnny (Iannucci) runs the show. Iannucci was immediately drawn to the role of Johnny.
“My first audition tape for the role of Johnny was the carpool Karaoke scene, which made me laugh because I sing in the car all the time,” Iannucci said. “Johnny was a lot like me, except for the not showering part. Acting alongside Woody Harrelson was a pretty big deal too!!”
Joining a full cast of disabled actors on the set of “Champions” proved to be a transformative experience for Iannucci. “I had never been on set with that many actors with disabilities, like myself, it was amazing,” he remarked. “We had so much fun and made lots of new friends,” Kevin added, underscoring the profound connections a production like this creates.
Representation and visibility are paramount for changing the entertainment industry, particularly for disabled individuals. Iannucci is hopeful that his role in “Champions” will help pave the way for greater inclusion and understanding. “I’m proud to represent the Down syndrome community and hope that we will be included more in the media,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of authentic representation and casting.
Looking ahead, Iannucci is eager to explore a wide range of roles and projects. “I am hoping to get more movie and TV roles. I would love to be in a horror movie like Scream and definitely in a Marvel movie.” Like other disabled actors, Iannucci emphasized he is open for all roles – whether or not the character has a disability.
Iannucci’s next endeavor, “R&R,” promises to be another milestone in his career. He stars as Robbie, a responsible, neurotically organized, hopeless romantic, in the heartwarming comedy film about a pair of codependent twins, written and directed by newcomer JJ Herz. “When I read the script for R&R, I laughed and blushed a little! I like comedy and I thought I would make a good Robbie.”
With his talent, passion, and dedication to inclusivity, Iannucci is poised to leave his mark on Hollywood, redefining diversity and paving the way for a more inclusive entertainment landscape.
