Tony Hale Enjoyed Exploring Rome While Shooting Netflix's 'Decameron' — Check Out His Top Spots

Let’s wander through Rome with one of the most vibrant actor-comedians around, shall we?

Tony Hale, beloved for his roles as Buster Bluth in Arrested Development and Gary Walsh in Veep, as well as appearances in films like 'The Angry Birds Movie' and 'Toy Story 4,' recently traveled to Europe for his latest hit, 'The Decameron.'

Debuting on Netflix this Thursday, this darkly humorous series is set in 1348 and follows a group of nobles navigating the Black Death pandemic in a lavish Italian villa, which led Hale to spend six months in Italy, with Rome as his central hub.

“To prepare for Italy, I binge-watched countless YouTube videos about Rome and the ancient Roman Empire,” he shared with Dinogo in a recent interview. “Then I found myself at places like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, and it was absolutely mind-blowing—so hard to articulate. In the Colosseum, I’d just gaze at a random stone, pondering the history behind it.”

A memorable tourist experience for Hale was his visit to the Vatican, where he made a new acquaintance.

“I went to visit, but I couldn’t find anyone to join me," he recalled. "So, it was just me on this tour along with a family and our guide. Everyone was posing for pictures with their families in front of the Vatican, and I ended up taking a photo with the tour guide instead.”

A self-proclaimed “tour enthusiast,” one of Hale's standout experiences was a Vespa Sidecar Tour he took with his wife and daughter to celebrate her 17th birthday. He humorously remarked, “We looked like something straight out of 'Despicable Me.'" A hidden gem he discovered towards the end of his Rome stay was the Sant’Egidio convent church.

“It’s a faith community dedicated to kindness, prayer, and helping the less fortunate," he shared. "It was such a sacred little haven nestled in the heart of Trastevere. I want to spend more time there on my next visit.”

And let's not forget the amazing cuisine. His favorite culinary stops include Neve di Latte for a scoop of black cherry with white chocolate ice cream, Pianostrada for a delightful Italian-Mediterranean fusion, and Fraschetteria for a cozy Italian dining experience.

Beyond his adventures in Italy, Hale loves skiing and cherishes travels that involve gathering with family and friends around a fire pit, sipping wine... “I live for those moments,” he said.

Conversely, there are certain aspects of adventure that Hale isn't fond of, particularly anything that involves heights.

“I have a friend named Gabriel who loves that type of skiing where they take you up in a helicopter and drop you on a mountain," he shared. "He’s also into skydiving and those thrilling activities... that’s just not in my wheelhouse. I once went zip-lining with my daughter and thought, ‘none of this feels natural.’ But, of course, I wore a smile for the camera.”

One of Hale’s favorite work-related travel spots is Vancouver. While filming the first season of The Mysterious Benedict Society during the pandemic, he explored the area’s natural beauty. A standout memory is his visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where he walked a narrow suspension bridge high above the Capilano River.

Another unforgettable moment he often recalls is being featured in the epic Beyoncé Verizon commercial during this year’s Super Bowl. Acting as Beyoncé’s sidekick as she unveiled her country album and dropped two new tracks — which earned him some serious dad points with his daughter amidst their travel adventures.

"My daughter had just seen Beyoncé live with a friend, and due to my non-disclosure agreement, I couldn’t spill the beans about the commercial," he reminisced. "Since then, I’ve become a fan of her Cowboy Carter album... and it was thrilling to be part of something that resonates with our culture. Plus, I scored some cool dad points, even if it meant my daughter was a little upset I couldn’t tell her sooner.”