In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Melissa Fumero discussed her experience filming her first major death scene in the second season of “Based on a True Story.” Premiering in 2023, the show follows a fictional couple, Ava and Nathan, who collaborate with a serial killer named Matt to launch a podcast that capitalizes on the true-crime trend. Fumero expressed both excitement and nerves about her role as Drew, a character pivotal to the West Side Ripper Case. The anticipation surrounding her character’s fate was heightened by showrunner Annie Weisman’s decision to inform Fumero in advance that her character would meet a tragic end, which involved being stabbed by Tory, Ava’s sister. This heads-up allowed her to prepare mentally and creatively for her pivotal scene.
As she prepared for her role, Fumero sought to research death scenes to portray her character authentically. She engaged in watching famous death scenes online, hoping to find the right balance for her performance. Upon reflecting on the intricacies of filming her death, she mentioned the unexpected difficulty of simulating realistic coughing of blood, a task that proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Fumero noted that during her initial attempts, she struggled but eventually found her rhythm. Overall, she described the support she received from her fellow cast and crew as crucial, highlighting the camaraderie and humor throughout the filming of her death scene. Despite the morbid nature of her character’s fate, she found joy in the process and considers the experience one of the fondest memories she’s had while working on the show.
Fumero emphasized how essential it was to know her character’s true identity and motivations from the beginning. Drew, initially presented as a friend to Ava, is eventually revealed to be Olivia, Matt’s ex-wife, who is driven by her desire to bring him to justice. Having this context helped inform Fumero’s performance and the choices she made throughout the season. She appreciated being privy to her character’s secrets, describing it as an exciting dynamic that she could weave into her interactions with other characters. Fumero acknowledged that being unaware of her character’s eventual reveal might have led her to make different choices during her performance, which could have altered her on-screen chemistry with others.
Before joining “Based on a True Story,” Fumero garnered fame for her role in NBC’s hit sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” While she acknowledged a pattern of appearing in shows centered around crime and mystery, she insisted that it wasn’t a deliberate choice on her part. Reflecting on her upcoming project, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society,” which also revolves around murder, she humorously recognized a trend in her career. Despite not intentionally seeking out such themes, she expressed a clear enjoyment of the genre and has no objection to continuing to embrace roles in this realm.
Looking ahead, Fumero remains open to returning to “Based on a True Story,” even after her character’s demise. The show has utilized creative techniques such as flashbacks and hallucinations, suggesting that there may still be opportunities for her to reprise her role in future seasons. Her enthusiasm for the cast and crew was palpable, as she expressed a strong desire to participate again if a third season were to materialize. She emphasized how much she enjoyed working with the team, and her willingness to return was conditional on their interest in having her back, underlining her commitment to the characters and the story.
Overall, Melissa Fumero’s reflections on her experience in “Based on a True Story” underscore her dedication to her craft. From preparing for her first death scene and navigating the intricacies of her character’s identity to embracing the ongoing themes of crime in her career, Fumero’s insights reveal both the challenges and joys associated with her role. Her enthusiasm for the project and the collaborative spirit she experienced during filming emphasize the unique bonds formed in the process. As she looks to the future, her willingness to return, even in unconventional narrative forms, suggests that her journey in the world of mystery and drama will likely continue.
