John Turturro on Choosing Christopher Walken as His ‘Severance’ Love Interest and Auditioning to Play Madonna’s Boyfriend: ‘She Really Kissed Me’

John Turturro recalled auditioning to play Madonna’s boyfriend in *Desperately Seeking Susan*, where a kissing scene caught him by surprise. He did not get the boyfriend role, but the story reflects the unexpected encounters behind his long acting career and how he chooses projects that offer different kinds of fulfilment.

At a Miami Film Festival conversation, Turturro said he was cast instead as club manager Ray in the 1985 film. He described big franchise work as financial stability and independent films or theatre as opportunities to grow, and said he chose Christopher Walken as his romantic interest in *Severance*, valuing Walken’s vulnerability. Turturro is also starring in *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*, a role that has prompted Oscar speculation, though he says awards are not his priority.