Heated Rivalry star Francois Arnaud’s career almost blew up years ago – he’s glad it didn’t

Heated Rivalry star Francois Arnaud is reflecting on the steady rise of his career, from jobbing actor to overnight viral sensation thanks to the steamy queer ice hockey show.

The 40-year-old actor, who has reached the upper echelons of celebrity thanks to his portrayal of gay ice hockey pro Scott Hunter in Heated Rivalry, sat down with writer Evan Ross Katz for a chat on his podcast Shut Up Evan.

During the conversation, Arnaud spoke about his quietly illustrious TV and film career to date, which began almost two decades ago with an appearance on dramedy C.A. in 2007.

Francois Arnaud has also appeared in major TV hits including Yellowjackets, Schitt’s Creek and The Borgias, as well as films including the critically acclaimed 2009 drama I Killed My Mother.

The actor revealed that during his early career, he auditioned for roles in major movie franchises, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Fifty Shades of Grey. 

While Heated Rivalry has taken his career stratospheric now, his major international fame could’ve come a lot earlier.

“When I was a much younger actor, greener actor – let’s go with green – there were moments where I thought that something approaching this level of attention or scrutiny was gonna happen,” he told Katz.

“I tested for Fifty Shades of Grey, for instance. And I was like, ‘Oh, am I ready to sign my life away, in a sense?'” He didn’t reveal which role he had screen tested for.

He admitted that part of him was “incredibly fearful of that happening” and him having to contend with becoming a household name.

“I wanted the opportunities that would come with a job like that and then being able to choose my projects,” he said, but added that he truly “valued normalcy and real life and real relationships” in his life, which fame may have impacted.

“I don’t think I would have been ready for that. I’m thankful that it didn’t happen to me… At that age, I’d probably be dead,” he continued.

While Arnaud is now 40 and in a better place to deal with the shortcomings of fame, he admitted to being “a bit worried” about his Heated Rivalry co-stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, who are both 25-years-old, and Robbie G.K. who is 29.

“You know, when you’re talking about the other three who are greener in their acting experience, there’s a part of me that is a bit worried for them but they’re so well equipped,” he said.

Elsewhere during his chat with Katz, Arnaud revealed that he is a super fan of Mike White’s eat the rich comedy series The White Lotus, and joked that he is very much up for a part in the upcoming fourth season, set in France.

“I feel like The White Lotus was kind of like that for me,” the French-Canadian actor said, comparing the hype of Heated Rivalry and White’s show. “I was certainly part of the fandom. I’m available for the French season if they’re still [casting]. I speak the language.”

Before any White Lotus role crops up, Arnaud has his hands full with his next project. He’s starring in kidnap thriller movie, Someone’s Daughter, which is expected for release later this year.

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