Playlist for Show: OUTSpoken

Daniel Franzese is an actor and singer, who recently starred as ‘Eddie Bear’ on the sophomore season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series Looking. Franzese’s character ‘Eddie’ is the one of the only HIV+ character that has been on scripted television in the last two years. His performance has been praised for leading the way to erase stigmas of HIV/AIDS through a performance of a counselor in a homeless shelter for gay and trans teens. ‘Eddie Bear’ is the romantic interest for Frankie J Alvarez’s HIV- character ‘Agustin’ pioneering a discussion for the HIV Prevention drug PrEP. Their relationship shows an uplifting modern portrayal of a serodiscordant couple, meaning that one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. Daniel’s involvement with HIV/AIDS awareness goes beyond the screen as an official ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

In addition to Looking, Daniel stars on ABC Freeform’s, Recovery Road, written by his frequent collaborators Bert V Royal (EASY A) and Karen DiConcetto (Ruby and the Rockits). Daniel portrays the patriarchal ‘Vern’, a go-go boy, who quit cocaine and in the process got chubby. Daniel has also hosted numerous events and shows including: LOGO’s Gay Skit Happens, Daniel’s continued success in entertainment extends beyond film and television. His YouTube comedy sensation Shit Italian Moms Say has reached audiences in the millions, with the first video released now at nearly 4.5 million views. Due to the overwhelming demand for more, Shit Italian Moms Say will be produced as a web series. Daniel Franzese has become a viral sensation, as his parodies of the hit songs Please Go Home/Stay Will Me and Shake and Bake/ Shake It Off have garnered millions of viewers as well.

Daniel’s passion and love for music extends beyond the parodies and is most prevalent in his musical Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin’ Rock Opera! with Hanna LoPatin. The New York Fringe Festival’s 2011 hit musical won the Overall Excellence Award and Best Ensemble award. The wild success at NYFF 2011 and rave reviews from The New York Times, NY Post and Nightline lead to an Off Broadway and long Los Angeles runs. 2014 was another big year for Franzese, as he performed to a near sold out run of his solo, off Broadway storytelling show I Never Really Made The Kinda Money To Become a Mess. In addition, the recent anniversary of Tina Fey’s cult classic comedy MEAN GIRLS captured much attention, once again bringing Daniel into the spotlight. However, nothing would compare to Daniel’s heartfelt viral coming out letter, Franzese inked the statement in letter form to his famous MEAN GIRLS character ‘Damian’. In the letter, he thanked his fans for their reactions to his character and his motivation to be honest with the world

Right when you thought there couldn’t be more, Daniel will return to the big screen in a hypnotizing ensemble comedy entitled MIND PUPPETS where he plays ‘Tony,’ a man stuck in a trance believing he is a pregnant woman. As well, this Christmas he will be releasing his first album on iTunes, Christmas Wrapping, with the first single “Young Santa”, which features Jessie Buttafuoco.

Daniel lives in Los Angeles, is lead singer of the band PEANUT BUTTER & JEALOUS @EatOnlyPBJ and can be found on Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and various other places as @WhatsUpDanny

Visit – Twitter@WhatsUp Danny

Visit- Instagram @WhatsUpDanny

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