Why Robbie Amell Owes His Success to Greg Berlanti

Photography by Mitchell Nguyen McCormack for DA MAN magazine

When you look at Robbie Amell, it's hard to imagine him not becoming a rising star with those stunning blue eyes, perfect grin, and chiseled frame -- albeit, a twink version of his cousin Stephen Amell (star of The Arrow) -- but as history has shown, looks only get one so far.

While admittedly there's talent to back up the looks, Amell has a secret weapon: Greg Berlanti.

"I owe so much to Greg," Amell says of the producer who first cast him on the ABC drama, Brothers & Sisters, before hiring him on The Tomorrow People and The Flash. And going further than helping with him with a few key roles, Berlanti also wrote him a recommendation for his green card (Robbie is a Canadian citizen), allowing him to live and work in the States. "He's really like an older brother to me."

Amell, who is now the lead opposite of Mae Whitman in the teen comedy, The DUFF, opening this weekend, is just one of many young stars Berlanti has worked with early in their careers. Chris Pratt? A regular on Berlanti's Everwood. Channing Tatum? Two filmed a pilot together. Bradley Cooper? He appeared on Bertlanti's short-lived Jack & Bobby.

And knowing Berlanti has an eye for talent (and launches careers), Amell is happy to be a part of the producer's pool of talent.

"If Greg called me and asked me to a play a tree on his next project, I'd be happy to do it," Amell says -- a damn sexy one at that.

For more on Amell's role in The DUFF and his John Hughes moment, read more at ETonline.