A line wound through the hallways outside of the Campus Center Ballroom on Wednesday as University of Massachusetts Boston students waited to get the chance to ask actor Evan Peters questions during a live Q&A. Peters, 27, is mostly known for his numerous roles in the FX television series “American Horror Story.” He is also depicting the character Quicksilver in the upcoming film “X-Men: Days of Future Past.”
Peters came onstage decked out in UMass Boston gear and even did a cartwheel for the audience when asked if he had a hidden talent. Fans sent in questions asking everything from his worst habit to his favorite type of pizza. (His answers were twirling his hair and pepperoni, in case you were wondering.)
Peters discussed why he began acting, saying that he has always enjoyed movies and getting the chance to make people laugh or even cry. He is inspired by actors Joaquin Phoenix, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, and Chris Farley.
When asked about his transition from working in theater to films, Peters recommended that all actors begin with theatre because of the direct feedback given from the audience. He also advised aspiring actors to go to Los Angeles, New York, or London to start a career.
Peters considers his roles on “American Horror Story” to be the most challenging he has ever played. He said that those roles were the most emotionally and physically draining. His favorite “American Horror Story” character that he has played is Tate from the first season. He described Tate as “fun” but “tragic” and “a normal kid driven insane by his circumstances.” When asked about some of his “American Horror Story” co-stars (Zachary Quinto, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates), he praised their talent and expressed how much he loves working with all of them.
Next for Peters is his portrayal of Quicksilver in “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and he described working on the film as fun and a challenge. Peters was asked how he feels about taking on a role played by another actor. He said he is excited to see what Aaron Taylor-Johnson brings to the role in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” set to come out next year.
Despite the differences between working on television and film, Peters said he doesn’t have a preference of the two. He enjoys both “as long as the material is good and as long as the character is cool.”
As for the future, Peters wants to continue acting and hopes to start directing as well. His bucket list includes to go skydiving, to do more travelling, and to act alongside Johnny Depp. On future roles he would like to play, Peters said, “I like to make observations on people and the world and how society works. I’d really like to get into a role that dives into our generation and kind of makes fun of us… and the media and technology.”
The fourth season of “American Horror Story” is expected to premiere this fall on FX, and “X-Men: Days of Future Past” is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 23.