Wakefield Magazine Interview
Transcript by Matthew-Lewis.com
When did you start acting?
I started acting when I was 5 years old. So I’ve done it for about 17 years now. Pretty crazy.
How did you get into it?
My brother Anthony started first. He was about 8 and I was about 2. Being under 16 he had to be chaperoned by my mum so I got dragged along. I’ve grown up with it, and just figured that’s what most people did, so I wanted to do it too.
Which is your favorite Harry Potter film and why?
I prefer the last film, mainly because I reflect on the filming of that as the most enjoyable. As an actor you want to feel like your character takes a journey and the journey affects the outcome of the picture. In the last film I really felt like that happened for me.
Who is the most famous person you are friends with?
Erm, probably, Daniel Radcliffe I guess. I mean he’s pretty big time on an international level. To me, he’s just Dan. If I had to pick one of my friends who I consider to be famous then it’d probably be Kevin Sinfield or Jamie Peacock from Leeds Rhinos.
What is the most interesting place you have visited in the world?
South America was pretty special. I went to Argentina Chile and Brazil, it was incredible. The people there are amazing and I just remember having a class time. I would definitely go back in a heartbeat.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Jobbing away, doing the best I can for anybody who will pay me. I just want to work, it doesn’t bother me particularly what I’m doing as long as when we finish I can be proud of the part I play in it.
If you could act along side anyone who would it be?
It’s a tough question because I love Al Pacino. He’s the master as far as I’m concerned. De Niro isn’t too shabby either but for me Pacino is top dog. Would I like to work with him though? I’d jump at the chance but probably wouldn’t sleep until it was done, there’s a serious amount of pressure there.
What are the ups and downs of acting?
Ups are having lots of time off, traveling the world, meeting great and wonderfully talented people. Downs are being away from home for long periods of time and the long bizarre hours. Pretty small price to pay though to be honest.
If you were to cast your mum and dad in a film who would they be and why?
My dad would be either Dustin Hoffman or Harold Ramis from Ghostbusters because he looks like them both. And my mum, I don’t know really, somebody who works hard. She works dead hard on my behalf all the time so she’d be good at that.
What is your favourite place in Wakefield?
Excobar used to be good. Great place for live music. I’ve not been since it’s changed to Velvet though. I’ll have to check it out.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Wakefield?
Qubana!
Where is your favorite place to eat in Leeds & London?
Honestly, I’m not all into posh restaurants and that. I’m happiest in Nandos in London or Leeds. Flying Pizza in Roundhay is pretty good though and if I’m taking a girl out them probably Gaucho in Leeds.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just started a BBC mini-series called The Syndicate about some folk working in a supermarket that win the lottery. It’s good, honest drama written by Kay Mellor and I play a bit of a nasty piece of work and my hair’s not too great either, as you can see in the picture. Good fun though.
Which was the most memorable set you acted on?
The Chamber of Secrets will always be the set I remember as blowing me away when I first stepped foot on it. They built the whole thing and it had such an atmosphere. Amazing set design.
If you hadn’t gone into acting what career would you have chosen?
I’ve no idea. I think about it sometimes but nothing has ever jumped out at me to be honest. I’d love to sit here and say professional rugby player but I know I’m not good enough for that. If I quit acting tomorrow I’d probably join the Army. Or at least the Foreign Legion.
What type of music do you listen to?
I’m into rock ‘n’ roll. Any kind really. 50’s right through. That’s my bread and butter but I’ll listen to most stuff, just can’t do with chart music. Favourite band? Probably Oasis but Beatles play a big part. Artic Monkeys, Kasabian, Stone Roses, Smiths, too many to count.
Have you seen any artist recently?
Yes I like Jodie Alexandra that appeared in your October edition…she sounds great live.