Faly Rakotohavana’s path to stardom is as captivating as the roles he plays. Born in Madagascar, the actor’s journey from a young dreamer in Phoenix, Arizona, to starring alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s critically acclaimed series “UnPrisoned” is a testament to his resilience and talent.
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Rakotohavana’s passion for acting ignited at a young age. “I was born in Madagascar, and I lived there for about 6 years before my family moved to the United States,” he recalls. Settling in Phoenix, he faced an early setback: a severe stutter that derailed his first audition. “I completely tanked the audition, so I had to go to speech therapy for a while to deal with that,” he admits. Despite this challenge, Rakotohavana’s determination never wavered. His perseverance paid off when he discovered a new world of acting opportunities in Midland, Texas. Through a fateful audition call for Disney Channel, he joined CGTV, leading to the pivotal moment of meeting his agent and manager.
Today, Rakotohavana is making waves in “UnPrisoned,” a half-hour comedy series on Hulu. The show, inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s life, explores the chaotic yet heartfelt dynamics of a single mother and her teenage son, whose lives are upended when her father, freshly released from prison, moves in.
“As an actor, I will take nearly every role that comes my way and I’ll work with whoever will have me!” Rakotohavana shares about his role as Finn, Kerry Washington’s son. “Working with an amazing cast really pushes and inspires you.”
The success of “UnPrisoned” has been nothing short of extraordinary. It was the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series of 2023 and garnered numerous accolades, including being named Best TV Comedy by the African American Film Critics Association as well as an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. “It genuinely does not feel real,” Rakotohavana reflects on the show’s success. “I just do the work and go home, so to see the results of that work doing so well obviously makes me feel grateful but it just feels like a dream.”
He also showcased his versatility with his lead role in Disney+’s “Secret Society of Second Born Royals,” where he played Matteo, a royal with an unconventional superpower. “Playing bug boy was definitely a trip!” he laughs. “He was a fun character, and a lot of that work was just building a relationship with the cast and occasionally waving my hands around.”
The actor’s rise has not gone unnoticed in the industry. He has presented at prestigious events like the Movieguide Awards and the ACE Eddie Awards, where he had the opportunity to meet Bryan Cranston. “It was insane!” Rakotohavana exclaims. “My dad and I talked to him about his Mezcal business with Aaron Paul, and it was definitely an amazing experience for me.”
Looking ahead, Rakotohavana remains focused on his craft. “For me, it’s just learning to relax and be flexible,” he says of his approach to acting. “Everything about this industry is unpredictable, so you just have to breathe and let things be.” As for the second season of “UnPrisoned,” he teases, “You can expect more laughs, more problems, more therapy, and a bigger cast including John Stamos.”
Rakotohavana’s journey underscores a powerful message for aspiring entertainers: “Stay in your acting classes!” he advises. “That’s the best way to stay motivated and grounded.”
As Rakotohavana continues to make his mark, it’s clear that his dedication, passion, and unique background are driving forces behind his rising star. With a promising career ahead, fans can eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this remarkable young actor’s journey.
Looking ahead, Rakotohavana remains focused on his craft.
“For me, it’s just learning to relax and be flexible,” he says of his approach to acting."
Rakotohavana’s journey underscores a powerful message for aspiring entertainers: “Stay in your acting classes!” he advises. “That’s the best way to stay motivated and grounded.”
As Rakotohavana continues to make his mark, it’s clear that his dedication, passion, and unique background are driving forces behind his rising star. With a promising career ahead, fans can eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this remarkable young actor’s journey.
Looking ahead, Rakotohavana remains focused on his craft. “For me, it’s just learning to relax and be flexible,” he says of his approach to acting.
To stay up to date with all things Faly, follow him on Instagram @falyrakotohavana.