Theo Rossi, best known for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and Emily the Criminal, is not just a talented actor but also a dedicated method actor who goes to great lengths to embody his characters. Recently, Rossi sat down with M&F to discuss his evolving relationship with food and exercise, and the processes involved in losing and gaining weight for his art.
For his role in the 2021 series True Story, Rossi dropped a significant amount of weight to portray an obsessive Kevin Hart fan. However, for his upcoming role as Dr Julian Rush in The Penguin miniseries, Rossi has been bulking up with pounds of muscle, showcasing his dedication to transforming his physique according to the demands of his roles.
Rossi, who stands at 5’11”, is a dedicated runner, averaging about 10 kilometers a day at an impressive 8-minute pace per mile. However, for his role in the movie Come with Me, Rossi has had to cut down on his running and focus more on weight training to gain muscle mass.
Despite his ectomorph body shape, Rossi has found success in both losing and gaining weight for his roles. He recalls a time during Sons of Anarchy where he weighed upwards of 213 pounds before adopting a running and cardio-heavy workout regimen.
In terms of nutrition, Rossi has had a journey of his own. A vegan since 1997, he recently introduced a small amount of bison into his diet after health check-ups revealed a need for animal protein. Rossi emphasizes the importance of knowing where his food comes from and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the sake of his two young boys.
Aside from his dedication to his craft and his health, Rossi is also known for his philanthropic efforts as an ambassador to the Boot Campaign, supporting veterans and their families. With his impressive resume including roles in Star Wars, Marvel, and now DC universes, Rossi continues to live out his childhood dream of acting in iconic franchises.
The Penguin miniseries, in which Rossi plays Dr Julian Rush, is set to stream on HBO from September 19, 2024. Follow Theo Rossi on Instagram for more updates on his fitness journey and upcoming projects.