‘The Young Pope’ actor Silvio Orlando on how he landed role and his fake mole

“The Young Pope” cast member Silvio Orlando has talked about his role as Cardinal Angelo Voiello, which happens to be his breakthrough role in a US television show. In one of his latest interviews, the Italian actor has shared how he and “The Young Pope” writer Paolo Sorrentino have become acquainted, how he has been involved in the show and his fake mole.

Orlando has shared that he was lucky to have the opportunity to act in some of Sorrentino’s first scripts during the ‘90s. During that time, the latter was not directing yet, but a screenwriter.

The two were reunited most recently for “The Young Pope.” Orlando said he has auditioned for the role, which went very well because he felt he had an edge from other Italian actors that have more difficulties with foreign languages. “So I found myself on this great train that has given me the opportunity to take part in a real international project, which had an all-Italian locomotive,” he said.

As for his fake mole, Orlando told Vulture that it is a way to stress his character’s lack of attractiveness compared to Pope Pius XIII (Jude Law). He describes Law’s physical appearance as “extreme handsomeness.”

Those who have seen the first four episodes of “The Young Pope” would remember Voiello as a dual camerlengo and cardinal secretary of state under Pope Pius XIII. His motive in the show is to compromise the reign of the young pope no matter what it takes.

Orlando is best known for his performances in “The Caiman” (2006), “Giovanna's Father” (2008) and “The Yes Man” (1991). It is expected that more of Orlando’s character will be seen in the upcoming episodes of “The Young Pope.”

The remaining episodes are slated to air Sundays and Mondays at 9PM in HBO in the US. Fans in Australia can catch up with “The Young Pope” through HBO GO.