Bobby Cannavale Opens Up About Parenting, Acting, And Working With Rose Byrne

Every parent knows that fear—fear of not being enough for your child. In the heartfelt film Ezra, currently playing in theaters, Bobby Cannavale embodies this struggle as Max, a divorced dad navigating his own emotional battles while striving to be the best father he can to his autistic son. “What fascinated me was the idea of a guy who’s constantly reacting, driven by impulse,” Bobby confides to Closer. “He’s his own worst enemy in many ways, but that’s what makes him so relatable. Despite his mistakes, his heart is in the right place. He’s trying, and that’s what matters.”

Bobby Cannavale’s journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. Since bursting onto the scene with his breakout role on Third Watch, he’s earned two Emmy Awards and carved out a reputation as a versatile actor capable of portraying both heroes and villains with equal depth. “When I was younger, I thought I could play every role under the sun,” Bobby recalls with a chuckle. “But as you grow older, you realize there are limits. That said, I’ve been lucky enough to bring some unforgettable characters to life, and I’m grateful for every opportunity.”

A Lifelong Love for Acting

Did you always dream of becoming an actor?

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“Absolutely. From the time I was a little kid, it was all I ever wanted. Growing up wasn’t easy—I was a latchkey kid after my parents divorced. My mom worked hard to provide for us, and she didn’t want me running around unsupervised, so I ended up spending countless hours glued to the TV. HBO came out when I was about ten, and suddenly, I was exposed to an entire world of incredible films and performances. I fell in love with classic actors like James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Paul Newman. Their ability to convey raw emotion through their craft inspired me deeply. I knew then that this was my calling.”

Why Max’s Story Resonated

What drew you to the character of Max in Ezra?

“It started with my friendship with Tony Goldwyn. We’ve been wanting to collaborate for years, and when he presented this script, I was immediately hooked. The story felt so personal and authentic. It wasn’t just about Max; it was about family dynamics, love, and understanding. Plus, the chance to work with a neurodivergent actor was incredibly appealing. We were fortunate to find a young talent who brought so much authenticity to the role. It made the entire experience richer and more meaningful.”

Reuniting With Real-Life Partner Rose Byrne and Robert De Niro

How does it feel to share the screen with Rose and Robert De Niro?

“This project was one of those magical moments where everything just clicked into place. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could get Bob De Niro to play my dad? And maybe Rose could take on the role of my wife?’ As luck would have it, both agreed, and it was like watching a dream unfold. It’s been such a rewarding journey, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.”

Have you experienced this kind of serendipity in other projects?

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“Absolutely. Take The Station Agent, for example. That movie was years in the making, and we had to fight tooth and nail to secure funding. But slowly but surely, we pieced it together, and it became a massive success. Being part of a project from its infancy is incredibly fulfilling. It’s like watching something grow and blossom right before your eyes.”

Relating to Max as a Father

Do you see yourself in Max as a dad?

“Oh, absolutely. As parents, we all have that instinct to fix everything for our kids. I’m no different—I’ve been guilty of trying to solve every problem my children face. But over time, I’ve learned that letting go and allowing them to find their own path is essential. It’s tough, especially when you’re tired and just want things to run smoothly. Still, Max’s impulsiveness and his desire to protect his son struck a chord with me. It’s something I think most parents can relate to.”