From Xena to Westside and NCIS, David de Lautour has many roles to his credit, but his most intriguing yet is probing the minds of those Wentworth gals!
Wentworth has become such a success. How does it feel to be a part of that?
David de Lautour: It’s Amazing! I feel very lucky to be a part of this family. In fact, the first thing I noticed when I started is that they totally are a family. They welcomed me from the very first read through. I feel very lucky to be a part of something they’ve created that has lasted for so many years. I came into it late, but I’ve really enjoyed coming back to known faces, and to welcome new cast members as well. It’s nice to repay the kindness given to me.
What do you think is behind the show’s success?
I definitely feel the writing plays a huge part. Wentworth has some pretty tough subject matter, but also in terms of longevity, I think it’s to do with how the cast and crew get on. Making a show last this long is very hard to do, unless all the people behind the scenes enjoying working together.
What do you draw upon to build your character, Dr Greg Miller?
Greg Miller’s biggest asset is listening, and listening is one of the biggest assets you can have as an actor. So the biggest thing I have to do is to listen. I use the listening skill I already do as an actor for the character as well. It’s probably the most important skill for both crafts, as a psychiatrist and as an actor.
David de Lautour plays prison psychiatrist Dr Greg Miller on Wentworth
How is this season looking for Greg?
Greg is still very ambitious. Last season he came with a mandate to cure recidivism, which has now been taken away, so he finds a particular case study with an inmate, who has a unique backstory. It’s that which could potentially bring his ambition back into the forefront again.
You got your start in musicals?
Yes, I started when I was about ten. I got into a local theatre and did Oliver! Then Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The King and I and The Wind in the Willows. That got me started and one day one of the choreographers in Oliver suggested I try a modeling agency, so I did and that followed on with a talent agency. To this day I’m still a huge fan of musicals. If I’m going on a long road trip I’ll chuck on some Les Mis or Lloyd Webber.
You’ve worked in the US on shows such as NCIS, Touch and the sitcom Mom with Allison Janney. How do you find working there compared to locally?
I find all film sets very similar. Crews and actors are good at their jobs everywhere in the world. In fact I find more similarities than differences. The only main difference is when I talk to actors and crews in different countries about sports. I’m a big sports fan, so in America I’ll talk about NFL, here I’ll talk about rugby or cricket, and in New Zealand it’s definitely rugby! But it’s amazing working with those actors in the US. I remember working with Kiefer Sutherland on Touch, where in one scene we did a couple of takes of his close up. The director got what he wanted and was ready to move on, but Kiefer asked for one more take. He moved a couple of props into slightly different positions and went again. Kiefer’s movements around the set seemed to flow, and that scene just worked better. It was cool to watch that kind of experience taking place.
“I did a one-man show in L.A called Stuck, where the character was gay.”
Do you remember a specific pinch yourself moment, while working in the US?
Yes, I’ll always remember being in a supermarket, before I had work, checking out my groceries and I didn’t have enough on my card. I even had to put some things back. Then, when I got to my car, I had a call from my agent telling me to go in for a screen test. That meant I was down to one of the last choices. You actually sign a contract before starting the role, and this one specified the tens of thousands of dollars I could potentially make. I didn’t actually get that role, but it was very symbolic of Hollywood.
You’re also well known for your role as Ted on Westside, the New Zealand crime drama set in the Seventies. What’s it like being part of a timepiece production?
We’re actually doing one more, and final season. We started off in 1974, went through the Seventies and Eighties and worked our way up to 1990. One of the best things about doing Westside is experiencing the wardrobe, hair, makeup and the cars, which are just so good! I directed the show last season and it was a challenge having outside scenes set in mid-eighties New Zealand. I’d walk through the set thinking, “Oh, mum and dad had that…and that…” It totally took me back!
David de Lautour has had a number of roles including Westside, NCIS and Xena Warrior Princess
One of your first roles back in the Nineties was playing an angel on Xena: Warrior Princess. Now that’s kinda cool!
It was very cool! That was actually my second role on Xena. My first was playing a boy being sacrificed to the gods. I was about thirteen and my older brother, who was trying to kill me, was Karl Urban – Judge Dredd himself! That was amazing. I was taking days off school to go up on wires in a blue screen rig.
Have you ever played a gay role?
I did a one-man show in L.A called Stuck, where the character was gay. I wasn’t working, so I hunted for a piece to put on and found this amazing play. The character is homeless, a bit lost and searching for love. It goes through a crazy drug-fueled night about being on the streets, while looking for love. I got some nice write ups, including one from GLAAD.
David de Lautour (Dr Greg Miller) with Bernard Curry (Jake Stewart) in a scene from Wentworth
Have you gone out much to gay bars with your mates?
Oh yeah, I’ve been to the gay parade in West Hollywood. I lived there for ten years and went to a couple of gay clubs in L.A. In fact I went to one specifically to do research for Stuck. I find gay bars so much fun, and I really enjoy getting up for a dance.
“I had to do a sex scene fully naked in a cock-sock!”
So what’s your burn the floor song?
It’s usually something from the Seventies, like We Are Family. Seventies disco always gets me out there. I’m always down for a disco vibe!
And your music diva is?
Well, I’ve got Bette Midler on vinyl, which gets played quite a bit and I recently saw Beyoncé in New York. That was phenomenal! I also saw Celine Dion in Vegas, on Halloween! That was pretty awesome. I’d have to put Celine at number one. All By Myself rocks me to the core, especially when she hits the high note.
Who’s your celebrity man crush?
Right now it’s Andrew Scott from Fleabag. That’s a great show and he’s a very good-looking guy with an awesome Irish accent. He’s also extremely talented.
David de Lautour
Is there anyone in the industry who particularly inspires you?
I really like what Joel Edgerton is doing, mainly because he’s writing, directing, producing and acting, which is exactly what I want to do. He also turns in some incredible performances. Everything he puts his hand to is a quality production.
Have you ever had an on-set wardrobe malfunction?
On my first day of Westside I had to do a sex scene fully naked in a cock-sock. We were filming in an actual house that happened to have really narrow corridors. So I was literally squeezing by this crew, who I’d never met before, in my cock-sock and nothing else, saying “Hi, I’m David. Nice to meet you.” It wasn’t a malfunction as such, but it did make for an awkward first day at work.
Do you have a grooming tip?
I like to wear a great fragrance, even when I’m going to the supermarket! At the moment I’m using Aesop, which was a present. It’s a kind of sandalwood and masculine fragrance with a good vibe.
Briefs, fitted boxers or free-balling?
I’m fitted boxers and I like them a little bit longer in the leg. I’m quite specific about them. I buy a whole bunch and, away I go!
Wentworth premiers 2 June 8.30pm on Showcase
David de Lautour with Matt Myers on the set of Wentworth
