Brent Antonello is known for his roles in “Hit the Floor,” “Dynasty,” “S.W.A.T.,” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” In “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” he plays Detective Jamie Whelan, a member of the NYPD at the Organized Crime Control Bureau. Detective Whelan is eager to work and initially joins the force because of his hatred for “dirty cops.” Fans can watch Detective Jamie Whelan fight New York City crime in new episodes of “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” which airs on Thursdays on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock.

Suit by KYLE’LYK
White Bow-Tie Press Shirt by HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE

How did your previous roles help prepare you for your role as Detective Jamie Whelan in “Law & Order: Organized Crime?”
I think no matter what job you’re in, you’re always going to learn something. I think every job I have been on helped prepare me for ‘Law and Order: Organized Crime.” The cool thing about TV is that you’re constantly working with different actors, directors, and writers. Everyone has a different process and the way they work. I don’t ever think I leave a day of work without learning something, whether that be something internally within myself, or something on the technical side. I never took drama in high school or went to college for acting. My learning process has been from being on set. I think back to my first TV job ever and how I didn’t even know what standing on your “mark” meant. I was learning on the fly. I’ve grown so much as a person, and an actor just from being on set.

What is the most challenging part about playing Detective Jamie Whelan?
A 22-episode season in itself is a challenge. My past jobs have been 10-episode seasons, which is usually only four months of shooting in whole. Network TV is airing the same time that they’re filming. This means we’re busting out an episode every eight days. Learning to adapt to the constant rewrites which is normal for networks, has been challenging, but has taught me so much. As far as Jamie goes, It’s always going to be a little nerve wracking coming into the third season of a show, especially a well-oiled machine like “Law and Order.” The good thing is that everyone has been so collaborative and welcoming, so being able to explore Jamie has come easier than I first expected. Since day 1, the chemistry just clicked with our cast.

**Left:**
Light Grey Tuxedo Pleats Long Coat and Pant by
HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE
T-shirt by Theory
**Right:**
Suit by KYLE’LYK
T-shirt by Theory

How has Detective Jamie Whelan’s character developed since he first appeared in the show?
The first time we saw Jamie come into Organized Crime he was young and hungry, looking for his place in OCCP. He looked up to the stabler as his idol for what a cop should be. I still think there’s a lot that Jamie wants and needs to prove. I definitely see him starting to find confidence in himself on the team, but I still think that he has a lot to learn. I’m excited to see where we take him.

What is it like working on the set of “Law & Order: Organized Crime?”
I love this cast and crew. Like I said previously, it was nerve wracking coming onto a show’ in its third season. I can honestly say that working with everyone has been an absolute dream. I sometimes still can’t believe that I get to be a part of this universe. It’s funny because there are so many different personalities on set, but everyone just meshes. I think that’s what makes our show work. Chemistry isn’t something you can force, it’s just there.

How have you grown as a person and actor since the beginning of your career?
I’ve grown more than I can even put into words. I think about when I first moved to Los Angeles as a 20 years old and would freeze in the audition rooms. I was so in my head that I would literally go home and put myself on a DVD on tape to bring into the audition rooms as backup in case I blanked. I used to constantly get from friends and family “You want to be an actor? But you’re so shy!” I had to teach myself to go into the room in character to get rid of my insane nerves. This industry has a lot of rejection. That rejection got to me at first, but then it taught me to get to a point of not caring so much. I learned to enjoy the process a little more, rather than “I need to book this job.”

**Left:**
Plaid Mcallen Sport Jacket by Jack Victor
Yves Pant by Jack Victor
Shoes by Florsheim Shoes
**Right:**
Suit by ATELIER CILLIAN
T-shirt by Theory

What is the biggest challenge you have faced during your career and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge came during the pandemic. I was already in a dry spell of not working right before it hit. I had been so close to so many jobs, testing and having producer sessions, that it almost made it worse not booking them. I was burnt out. Once the pandemic hit, I had to make a really tough decision. I decided to leave the industry, move out of Los Angeles, and return to Florida to find steady work. I was 32 years old and had a girlfriend I had been with for eight years. I wanted to propose, start a life, and be able to provide for a future family. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life and to be honest, I don’t think I ever really came to terms with it. I immediately found a job pouring concrete, which then ultimately led to a landscaping job. I found myself digging ditches and planting trees in 100-degree, humid Florida weather, working 15-hour days. I’ll tell you what, that really humbles you and taught me so much. I have nothing but respect for the crew with which I was working. Not only was the job physically grueling, but I was also mentally grieving leaving acting behind. The next biggest challenge for me was the decision to return to acting after a year. I was offered the chance to read for a director with whom I had previously worked. Had she not texted me to read for that role, who knows where I’d be right now. The audition for “Law & Order: Organized Crime” came immediately after that, so everything definitely happens for a reason.

What accomplishment are you most proud of during your career?
I ‘m most proud of this moment on “Law &Order: Organized Crime.” I battled with the decision to return to acting. Although I wasn’t fulfilled landscaping in Florida, I was trying to have stability at this point in my life. After I decided to audition and found out I got the role, I was in complete shock. My life took a 180 degree turn and I got on a flight the next day. I didn’t even have time to process, but what I’ll say is there isn’t anything I’d rather be doing than working as an actor.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given during your career?
Be patient and stop worrying so much about things that are out of your control. There are so many factors that play a role in this industry. If you sit there and dwell or stress about every little thing, you’ll lose your damn mind. I’ve come to realize that whatever’s meant to be will be. I learned to live my life outside of acting, so now getting the blessing of being a working actor just makes life that much better.

**Left:**
Suit by KYLE’LYK
White Bow-Tie Press Shirt by HOMME PLISSÉ ISSEY MIYAKE
**Right:**
Delta Sport Jacket by Jack Victor
Textured Brown Polo by Jack Victor
Yves Pant by Jack Victor

What is your next big career goal?
I want to keep working and growing as an actor. I honestly don’t know and I’m riding the wave right now. There’s definitely numerous actors and directors with whom I’d love to work. I love independent cinema and I’m a big fan of Derek Cianfrance and Scott Cooper. Also, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want a chance to work with Christopher Nolan.

Social Media.
Instagram: @brent_antonello

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Brent Antonello
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Groomer: Lori Hamlin Penske
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Gage
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Angie Hines, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine