Actor Stephen Amell contracted COVID-19 while filming for his new Starz drama Heels. While Amell has tackled a variety of projects in the past, he's perhaps best known for his role as vigilante Oliver Queen in the CW's Arrow. Arrow's success led the network to further build out its superhero programming, creating what's now known as the Arrowverse.
Amell is set to headline Heels, which dives into the world of independent wrestling. The series is set in Georgia and centers around Jack Spade (Amell) and his brother, Ace (Alexander Ludwig). The brothers not only help run their family-owned business, but end up clashing over their father's legacy. Jack Spade is described as a perfectionist who desperately wants to make the family business a success. Ludwig's Ace, on the other hand, is arrogant, charming, and looking to leave small-town life behind as soon as possible.
Amell stops by Michael Rosenbaum's Inside of You podcast, where he reveals that he was diagnosed with COVID-19 while filming Heels. He explains that he'd tested negative for so long that he considered himself somewhat invincible. However, Amell says that he continued to practice social distancing and wear masks, which is why being diagnosed came as something of a shock. He also adds that the aftermath of his positive COVID test "sucked," especially in the first couple of days. You can check out Amell's full quote on his COVID-19 diagnosis below:
"I have not shot Heels in exactly three weeks today. I head back to work tomorrow. I tested positive for COVID-19. I started to notice something on a Monday but didn't have a test result. Phoned up the people at CTEH, had them come to my apartment, test me. Came back positive the following Wednesday, got tested again, came back positive again. But, frankly, at that point I didn't need a second positive test because those first couple of days, just really they just sucked. I always knew that it was a possibility, number one, and I felt a great deal of pressure to not get it. And this is something that I got into once I got a positive test, a lot of the mental fear…but to answer this question first, I've always been really good about mask wearing about social distancing, following the rules. So maybe there was a part of me that was starting to feel a little invincible because by the time I tested positive, we're looking at, gosh, 40 negative tests."
Regular COVID-19 tests have become a new norm for many actors in Hollywood. Although quite a few films and TV shows have resumed shooting, cast and crew members must now follow strict health and safety regulations, which include COVID tests. What's more, the costs for these tests can quickly add up. For instance, Universal Studios' Jurassic World: Dominion has reportedly spent close to $3 million on COVID-19 tests alone. Still, the pandemic has shown it's not going away anytime soon, and regular testing is a small price to pay to ensure everyone stays healthy.
Amell's time on Arrow proves he's able to play complex characters to perfection. After all, Oliver Queen quickly became one of the Arrowverse's most beloved characters thanks to his portrayal. To that end, it's good to know that Amell has made a full recovery and will be heading back on set soon. As such, Amell seems more than ready to take on the challenge of Heels' Jack Spade, all while continuing to stay safe in today's hectic COVID-19 environment.
Source: Inside of You Podcast