Phil Idrissi

He played in Mark Hensley’s The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby Film as Detective Sal Deangelo.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Phil Idrissi: I am principally an actor, but have been doing a bit of writing as well. I’m a late-bloomer to the arts having spent the first 25 years of my career in Sales, Marketing and Business Development, mostly in the Insurance, Software and Packaging industries.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor? 

Phil Idrissi: I was almost 40.  I had been working on my first film in Seattle called “The Scratch” and we had just wrapped a gruling 9 hour shoot in the cold, pouring rain of February. I was exhausted, driving home from that shoot and just caught a glimmer of the sunrise over the horizen. I just knew, at that moment, this was what I was supposed to do with my life.

SKSM: How did you become involved in The man who loved flowers Dollar Baby film? 

Phil Idrissi: I knew Mark Hensley and Peggy Lewis from a previous Project they wrote and directed. He reached out to me and asked if I’d be interested in playing the role.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much? 

Phil Idrissi: Well, unfortunately it’s a pretty timeless portrayal of mental illness and the pain, both endured and inflicted by someone dealing with a devistating loss.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Phil Idrissi: I’m sure there were many people that Mark could have asked to do this, but I just got lucky.

SKSM: You worked with Mark Hensley on this film, how was that?

Phil Idrissi: Mark’s an amazing director.  It was a very organized and efficient shoot, despite the normal challanges of shooting in a dense urban setting.  It really couldn’t have gone any smoother.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about? 

Phil Idrissi: There was a debate about the amount of blood they should use to cover the corpse (played by Peggy). That was a humerous moment.

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Phil Idrissi: I occasionally see Guy Picot in my Cold Reading Group, LA TUESDAYS @ 9. Also, Mark and Peggy are my neighbors so we see each other occasionally. Mostly though I keep up with folks on Social Media

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Phil Idrissi: Up until the COVID19 Pandemic, I was enjoying a busy Network TV Pilot Season here in Los Angeles.  Hopefully, it will resume after this condition passes through.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work? 

Phil Idrissi: I’ve read parts of several of his books and, sure you could say I’m a fan. Horror, in general is not a genre I seek out in particular, however.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Phil Idrissi: I’m terrified of needles which has saved me from both experimenting with IV drug use and getting tattoos.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Phil Idrissi: Thank you for watching our Little film. I hope you enjoyed it.