Jake Cannavale.
Michael Parmelee/FXJake Cannavale felt “honored” to take the role of Chris American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez.
“When you’re a member of any community that you’re not a part of, you don’t want to f—. You want to do it with respect, and you want to do it with grace,” said Cannavale, 29. Us Weekly specifically about the FX series. “It’s not about intimidation, so I don’t want to use the word pressure. It’s definitely more than a much-appreciated invitation to work my ass.
Cannavale as Chris, a physical therapist who works for Aaron Hernandez (Josh Andres Riveraagent, Brian Murphy (Thomas Sadoski). A secret romantic relationship becomes an integral part of Aaron’s story as the athlete continues to battle with his sexuality.
Since Chris is a fictional character and not based on anyone from Aaron’s real life, Cannavale “absolutely” felt he had the freedom to create the part.
“Yes, there is no man named Chris, but the role and the role that he plays … he gives the impression of the vulnerability and tenderness and desire that Aaron does,” said the actor, noting that he felt “responsible” to get that right.
Josh Rivera bulked up and brought Aaron Hernandez to life for American Sports Story. Rivera, 29, plays the late NFL player in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming miniseries, which will premiere on FX on September 17.
“What really helps is that we’re both guys who’ve never played (characters) gay before on camera,” Cannavale said of himself and Rivera, 29. himself and also coming across as sincere.”
At American Sports Story episode 6, titled “Herald Street,” Aaron and Chris go on a romantic vacation, but there is a major shift in their relationship. During one night out, Chris has realized that time together doesn’t mean the same thing to Aaron as it doesn’t to him.
For Cannavale, the difficulty comes with “emotional decision” how much to expose Chris’ feelings.
“In my own life, I have a very strong problem,” the actor said. “So learning how to slow down the leak in a healthy way is probably the hardest part.”
Despite all the emotional moments, Cannavale and Rivera found some levity when shooting the sex scene. On the show, a clean-cut Chris asks Aaron about tattoos. This is “crazy funny” for Cannavale, who has many tattoos in real life.
FX’s American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez works hard to make these players look like his teammates. The first season of American Sports Story, starring Josh Andrés Rivera, debuts in September 2024, based on “Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc.” podcast, which focuses on Hernandez’s time as a tight end with the University (…)
“We cracked twice,” he recalled. “I remember that day. … I spent four hours covering up the tattoo to make it look naked and (Rivera) did the tattoo — because Josh doesn’t have a tattoo. It was hilarious. We were crushed, attacking the ball about it.
Cannavale admits he’s not one to watch his own work, but overall he’s “very happy with how it all turned out” American Sports Story.
“I couldn’t be happier with it,” he said us about being an important part of the series. “I just love that there aren’t any weak ties on this show, and everyone just does their own thing and does it well. I love that Chris and Aaron’s story line is underneath it all. I think it’s really symbolic of the emotional connection that’s going on.”
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez airs on FX Tuesdays at 10 pm ET. New episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
