Faly Rakotohavana is definitely a rising star who has truly earned every opportunity to showcase his talent. He has achieved considerable success in the entertainment industry at a young age, playing diverse roles in films and television shows since childhood. Rakotohavana’s love for acting shines through not just in his on-screen presence, but also in our conversation. It’s clear that he dedicates a lot of time, thought, and energy to every aspect of his craft – from developing his characters to delivering authentic performances. He constantly works on improving his skills and techniques, and there’s a genuine sense of love and gratitude in his reflections on it all.

Rakotohavana takes on the challenging role of “Finn” in Hulu’s UnPrisoned. The second season is streaming now on Hulu. According to Rakotohavana, the show revolves around Finn’s grandfather’s journey of re-adjusting to society after spending almost twenty years in prison. Rakotohavana explains how the post-incarceration system presents challenges and is biased against those who were previously incarcerated.

RogerElbert.com recently reviewed Rakotohavana’s performance as “Finn,” commending him and noting that he is able to hold his own alongside his esteemed colleagues. When I inquired about his experience, he responded modestly, expressing gratitude for the review, and offered some thoughts and advice: “Make sure to continue attending your acting classes,” he began. It’s similar to any sport. Let’s say you’re running track and all of a sudden, you come to a halt. Sure, you can participate in a competition, but it’s highly likely that everyone will surpass you right away. They’ll be way ahead of you before you even begin. Collaborating with famous actors is a similar experience. They thrive because they regularly practice in their acting classes.

He reassured those feeling intimidated, saying, “Hard work pays off. Everyone sees your effort. Your colleagues aren’t judging every line you deliver. You booked the role for a reason, and if you’re authentic and committed, that’s what matters.” Characters are more than just roles—they’re real people.

We also discussed the types of roles Rakotohavana hopes to pursue in the future. “I started with a small role in the horror film *Nightmare Cinema*, and while comedy has been great, horror holds a special place in my heart. I’m excited to explore more opportunities in that genre.”

He shared his fascination with horror, tracing it back to childhood experiences. “Watching villains like the Green Goblin and Voldemort’s two faces scared me as a kid,” he laughed. “My first real horror film was *Jeepers Creepers* when I was nine, which left me scared to watch more. But discovering *Halloween* at thirteen reignited my love for the genre. Now, horror is probably my favorite, with its mystery and thrill being truly addictive.”

I asked about the differences between acting in a horror movie and watching one, particularly if he experiences the same fear. He responded with a laugh, “Not exactly—I’m not shaking in my boots and hiding under the covers. Filming involves creating a different kind of mystery and unpredictability. You work to make moments feel authentic and honest, even though you know the script and where the jump scares are.”

He continued, “The challenge is to act like you don’t know what’s coming and still find spontaneity in the performance. It’s tough but exhilarating. That’s why I love my job—figuring out how to be spontaneous and authentic, even when the outcome is already known.”

Looking ahead, Rakotohavana is excited about a range of future endeavors. He’s eager to tackle roles involving heavy SFX makeup, dive deeper into expressing himself through his music, and maintain a balanced perspective on social media. Above all, he remains committed to exploring the vast opportunities in acting and contributing his unique talents to the craft. As he puts it, “Acting has and always will forever be my thing.”

Credits
Photographer: Lindsey Ruth Photography @lindsphoto
Grooming: Jessica Robertson @makeup_by_jessicarobertson
Stylist: Alex Clough @alexclough.style