Adam DiMarco isn’t new to playing emotionally complex characters in worlds that toe the line between comedy and chaos. But in his latest role in Overcompensating, the actor takes on something entirely different—a loud, theatrical personality with no fear of going over the top. It’s a character that, as DiMarco describes, was “just so fun” to bring to life.
Dressed in sharp pinstripes at the Los Angeles premiere, DiMarco was relaxed and warm as he chatted about his performance in the new series, which has already sparked buzz for its sharp writing and eclectic ensemble cast—including fellow White Lotus alum Connie Britton.
“Just getting to go fully in and not worry too much about chewing the scenery—just enjoying it—it was a blast,” DiMarco told Gayety during a red carpet interview. Known for his more subtle, emotionally nuanced roles in series like The White Lotus and The Order, DiMarco relished the chance to dive headfirst into a character who embraces excess. “It’s freeing to just let loose and not second-guess your instincts.”
A White Lotus Reunion… Sort Of
Overcompensating has become a meeting ground of sorts for some White Lotus alumni. DiMarco and Britton and Lukas Gage, all beloved for their roles in different seasons of the HBO anthology, found themselves on the same project again—sort of.
“Connie and I just saw each other on the curb outside,” DiMarco laughed. “She was like, ‘It’s so crazy—we did The White Lotus together, but never worked together,’ and I was like, ‘Right—and now we’ve done this show together and still haven’t worked together!’”
Though they didn’t share any scenes in Overcompensating, DiMarco clearly holds admiration for Britton. “She’s just lovely. We’d be sitting in the cast tent and talking about our White Lotus experiences. You connect through those shared chaotic environments.”
Comedy Meets Campus Life
The new series is set against a satirical backdrop of college life—fraternity dramas, self-discovery, overblown egos, and all the beautiful messiness in between. DiMarco plays a character that’s both self-important and self-destructive, a walking contradiction who’s impossible to ignore.
Asked if he had any hot takes about college culture—what’s in and what should definitely be out—DiMarco didn’t hesitate. “Me. I should leave. Other people can stay in,” he joked. “But honestly? Stay hydrated. That’s in. And make sure you actually like what you’re studying. If you’re not passionate about it, that’s out.”
It’s a subtle nod to the overarching theme of Overcompensating—the pressure to perform and succeed even when you’re unsure of who you are. The series follows a cast of young adults navigating identity, relationships, and unrealistic expectations in an academic pressure cooker. DiMarco’s role, while exaggerated, taps into something deeply relatable for anyone who’s ever felt lost while trying to be perfect.
A Reluctant Viewer
Despite his impressive performance, DiMarco admits he’s not a fan of watching himself on screen. “I find it really hard, like a lot of actors do,” he said. “But I love seeing what everyone else did—their ad-libs, how things were cut together, the music. It’s actually really emotional. Each episode ends on a cliffhanger, and I found myself thinking, ‘Well, I have to watch the next one.’”
The show’s rhythm, stylized aesthetic, and emotionally raw performances have turned it into a must-watch for queer viewers and beyond. Created by Benito Skinner (aka Benny Drama), Overcompensating blends camp with catharsis, serving as both a parody and an earnest exploration of what it means to grow up in an image-obsessed world.
“Benny got my ass on this one,” DiMarco laughed. “He really did.”
Connie Britton’s Graceful Power
While DiMarco brings the chaotic energy, Connie Britton offers her signature poise and emotional intelligence. Though she and DiMarco don’t share scenes in the series, their presence under the same roof feels significant—a multigenerational nod to the legacy of queer-adjacent storytelling on TV.
“Connie is one of those actors you immediately trust when she’s on screen,” DiMarco said. “Even when we were just chatting off-camera, it’s like she brings this sense of calm that elevates everything around her.”
Britton, known for her Emmy-nominated roles in Friday Night Lights, Nashville, and of course The White Lotus, continues to prove her range in Overcompensating, where she plays a high-powered administrator with a secret. The role is layered with quiet intensity, serving as a counterbalance to the more frantic energy of younger characters.
More Than a Satire
While the show is wrapped in glitter and gut-punch humor, Overcompensating also carries a powerful message about authenticity, identity, and what it means to overcompensate in a society that demands perfection—especially from queer individuals.
“There’s something freeing about embracing the mess,” DiMarco said. “I think a lot of queer people, myself included, grew up feeling like we had to overachieve, overperform, just to be taken seriously. This show flips that on its head.”
What’s Next for DiMarco?
Following the acclaim of The White Lotus, DiMarco continues to prove he’s not just a one-note heartthrob. His role in Overcompensating allows him to flex his comedic chops while maintaining emotional depth—a combination that could land him in even bigger projects down the line.
Though he’s modest about his own viewing habits, DiMarco’s fans are likely to replay his scenes more than once. With a natural charm and a fearless approach to storytelling, Adam DiMarco is carving a path that balances substance with style, vulnerability with bravado.
As for what’s next? He’s keeping it close to the vest. “Right now I’m just enjoying the ride,” he said, flashing a grin. “But I’d love to actually get a scene with Connie next time.”
