One of the really good guys to ever step off a soap opera set, David Fumero will forever be grateful for his years spent on One Life To Live – – where he first met stardom, and his wife of more than a dozen years, Melissa Fumero (now one of the stars of the hit NBC-TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine). David is currently starring in the Spectrum series LA’S FINEST (second season debut is set for September 9th), which was also scooped by by FOX (broadcasting season one), after spending three years in the much talked about series Power. Now a father of two boys, David talks to HollywoodHI about his life now, his life in New York, and why he will never take his years of playing Cristian Vega for granted.
How are you dealing with this quarantine, staying at home?
David: We are very lucky. This is normally our off time of the year. I wrapped in February and Melissa a couple months before. We have a yard and a pool to entertain the kiddos, the most important task of everyday. But it does feel like a Groundhog day and that can get a little annoying.
Your son, Axel, was born right before this started, so that was kind a good distraction because you would have wanted to be home with him anyway?
David: Yes, another perfect timing that the universe afforded us. Axel was born on February 14th so some sleeplessness and baby training was added to our quarantine. The only downfall is that he hasn’t been anywhere. We’re little worried once all is normal again how he will react to socialization, but he’s got a big brother that gives him a lot of very hyper attention. I think he’ll be ok.
You had just finished filming the second season of LA’s Finest?
David: Yes, that was put on hold, but I’m so excited that season two is gonna be released all at once because it’s one of those shows you’re gonna wanna binge! I’m gonna have to do a few at a time because sleep is limited in my house at the moment. But it’s gonna be hard not to do an all nighter! But the first season of LA’s Finest will be airing on Fox this fall, so that’s exciting.
What will be different for your Lieutenant Jason Calloway from seasons one and season two?
David: In season one I play a Lieutenant that heads the Narcotics Division and I butt heads with the leads in the robbery homicide division. In season two I get a transfer to lead the robbery homicide task force. Things get interesting!
So we’ll get to see even more of you in season two?
David: You’ll definitely get see a lot more of me in season two. You’ll get to learn a little more about my character instead of just giving orders and giving people a hard time.
It must feel good to know your work in season one is being rewarded with a bigger part of season two?
David: Yeah. I mean, of course! And it’s always exciting when you’re given stuff to play, where you’re portraying a real human and what his feelings would be and how he would react to certain situations. I was really excited for season two. I’m excited for season three! We haven’t heard anything and don’t know what’s going to happen, but, it’s such a great fun show. You know, it’s a Bad Boys spinoff, so it has that fast pace action with some comedy.
Had you seen Bad Boys, when it originally came out?
David: Absolutely! Bad Boys 2 was my favorite. And it is still one of my most favorite movies.
And this is like your role character on Power, he became much more prevalent as the series went on, and then – – spoiler alert – – well, he wasn’t?
David: Yes, I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am to that show. That’s what kinda broke me out of that ‘soap star’ stigma. And I’m so lucky and grateful that I got that chance on Power.
You’re still a big supporter of the show?
David: Of course! How could I not be? It’s the genre I’m most drawn to. Action, drama, thrillers… It’s what I’m into. I like to feel like I’m looking though a window at reality when I watch a show. And Power is packed with the talent that does that for me. It’s as popular as it is for a reason!
Did you love the break of going back to New York when you would be shooting Power?
David: Yeah, it was awesome being back in the City. I was on a high being on Power and getting to see my NYC family at the same time. What sucked was that Melissa was pregnant through some of it and then Enzo was a baby through the rest of it. So, that part was tough. I flew back as much as I could, but it was still hard.
So you got see your friends from when you got your start in New York – – Is there anything you miss about your days as Cristian Vega, on One Life to Live?
David: Yeah, I miss that i was 20 years younger! Good times back then! But now middle age and kids, although draining, are pretty amazing times too.
Middle age?
David: Yes, I’m 47 years old. That’s middle age, bro! So, of course, I miss those good times. But i still keep in touch with some of my boys from work and that makes me happy.
But you also had the distinction of being part of a very special club… the one where people met their spouse on the show?
David: Oh Yeah! Ha! I mean, fate gave me the shot on One Life to Live. Fate kept me as long as they did on that show. Especially through the beginning! Because it took me a while to get used to the factory of drama that soaps are. Fate made Frank Valentini ask me to come back to the show after I left. And I’m forever grateful to the fans for wanting me back because that’s how I met Melissa. I was adjusting to life in LA when Frank called me to come back to One Life To Live. I didn’t want to move back to NY so we agreed on a three months storyline. But then fate showed me its master plan – Melissa, so I had to give in. Two kids later, back in LA, I think my fate has treated me very well. I’m blessed!
Have you ever imagined what might have been or what not would have been, if you hadn’t come back on the show before that – – do you think you would have ever met Melissa, otherwise?
David: Nope! One of the things I used to do a lot was, to live in the past. As much as I tried to live my life to the fullest the pesky ‘should’ve, could’ve, would’ve’s’ have always haunted me. But then I had kids and the realization that no matter how bumpy and imperfect the road that lead to this moment in time was, I have met perfection in these two little souls. So imagining anything different is blasphemous!
Jim Warren
Exclusive to HollywoodHI