Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with FAK YAASS’ Vasilios Filippakis

Vasilios Filippakis is the star and creative genius behind FAK YAASS. The must-see comedy can best be described as My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Queer as Folk/Girls…basically, it’s a series you should watch immediately. Based on real events from Vasilios’ own life, the show establishes the emerging storyteller as one you won’t soon forget. Pop Culturalist recently caught up with Vasilios to chat about all things FAK YAASS.

PC: Tell us about FAK YAASS and what inspired the series.
Vasilios: FAK YAASS tells the story of my character, Nico, as he travels home to care for his homophobic grandfather. It’s really a clash of taking someone, like myself, who is confident and free in who they are and those old views that older generations can’t seem ever let go of. My family, friends, and my life are all inspirations for this series. I took what I had around me and used it to my advantage!

PC: You created, wrote, and star in the series. How challenging was it to wear so many different hats? How early on in the creative process did you realize you wanted to do all those different roles?
Vasilios: I did have lots of help along the way! I created the concepts for the show; I had outlined everything in point form from plot twists, example conversations, and how the show ended. At that time, I asked my dear friend Anthony Filangeri (who I had known to be a screenwriter) to create the screenplay for FAK YAASS. After that, when it came down to bringing this to life on film, I reached out to Matthew McLaughlin at Bulldog Productions to direct and produce the work. Together with our other amazing producer, Leanne Noelle Smith (who also co-stars as Torri), we made the show happen. I divided all those hats into elements we could all thrive in! I honestly don’t think I could have done this alone.

PC: FAK YAASS is based on real-life events. How difficult was it to revisit those moments? Was there ever a time that you questioned whether or not you wanted to share a particular moment?
Vasilios: It was very cathartic overall! There are some moments and conversations that I haven’t had the chance to have yet with my family; it was those moments for me that were difficult to go through. There was a lot of this project that I had to remove myself from when accepting that it got picked up and would be airing on national TV. I literally have not only put my life out there, but my family’s, too—that was terrifying! Luckily, I have one of the most amazing families in the world that surrounds me with love and support, and at the end of the day, this story wouldn’t be here without them.

PC: What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling to receive acceptance from their family?
Vasilios: From my experience, all I would advise is that it takes time. People need time. When I came out, I said to my parents, “It took me eighteen years to be okay with my sexuality. I’m not expecting you to turn around and get it…I’m still the same boy you’ve always loved, have dreams for, and who you want to get married and raise a family, and I can still do all those things!” Outside of my blood family, I have another family—my chosen family. These friends and peers have embraced me since day one and they are who I turn to in times of weakness. Find your people and treat them like family.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away from the series?
Vasilios: After watching the show, I want people to see that all families have their own struggles. In our show, it’s Nico being gay and that’s his unique battle. Whether it be an issue of dating interracially, what you do for work, or where you choose to live in the world, this theme of Old World traditions clashing with the New Age is universal. I want people to be willing to learn, have empathy, and change.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Vasilios: X-Factor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Vasilios: Mean Girls

PC: Favorite book?
Vasilios: Room

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Vasilios: Hamilton

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn in on your playlist?
Vasilios: Fifth Harmony

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Vasilios: Bonding

PC: Hidden talent?
Vasilios: I can make this really cool popping sound with my mouth!

Catch FAK YAASS on OUTtv today.