Dominic Sessa is having a moment. After breaking out in The Holdovers, the young actor is taking on one of the most iconic figures in food and travel television: Anthony Bourdain. In the upcoming film Tony, Sessa steps into the well-worn boots of the late chef and storyteller, a role that comes with immense weight and expectation.
In a recent interview, Sessa opened up about his approach to the part, which he describes as anything but conventional. Rather than attempting a straight impersonation, he focused on capturing Bourdain's essence—his restless curiosity, his dry wit, and the vulnerability that made him so relatable. "I didn't want to do a mimicry," Sessa explained. "I wanted to find the truth of who he was, the man behind the public persona."
That meant diving deep into Bourdain's own words, from Kitchen Confidential to his travel shows, and also listening to hours of interviews to absorb his cadence and worldview. But Sessa also brought his own instincts to the role, something he credits to his training on The Holdovers. Working alongside veterans like Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph taught him the value of listening and reacting—skills that proved essential when portraying a man known for his conversations as much as his cooking.
"The Holdovers was a masterclass in presence," Sessa said. "Those actors taught me that the best performances come from being fully in the moment, not from hitting marks. That's what I tried to bring to Tony."
The film, which is currently in production, has already generated buzz for its casting and its sensitive handling of Bourdain's legacy. Sessa acknowledges the responsibility, noting that Bourdain's fans are passionate and protective. "I know how much he meant to people," he said. "I just hope I've done justice to his story."
Beyond Tony, Sessa is navigating the whirlwind that followed his Oscar-nominated debut. He's been selective about his next projects, looking for roles that challenge him and offer the same depth as his breakout part. "I want to keep working with people who push me," he said. "The goal is to keep growing, not to repeat myself."
He's also been reflecting on the lessons from The Holdovers, particularly the importance of collaboration. "That set was so collaborative," he recalled. "Everyone was invested in making the best film possible, and that's the environment I want to be in again."
As for Tony, Sessa is keeping details under wraps, but he promises the film will offer a fresh perspective on Bourdain's life, focusing on the moments that shaped him rather than just his fame. "It's not a biopic in the traditional sense," he teased. "It's more about the journey."
With his career on an upward trajectory, Sessa is already being compared to other young actors who've made the leap from indie darling to leading man. But he's not letting the hype get to his head. "I'm just grateful to be working," he said. "Everything else is gravy."
Fans of Bourdain and Sessa alike will have to wait a bit longer for Tony, but if the early buzz is any indication, it's a project worth anticipating. And for Sessa, it's another step in a career that's already off to a remarkable start.
