OUR STRAIGHT MATE: DAVID DE LAUTOUR
From Xena to Westside, NCIS, and now Wentworth, but who’s his man crush?
DNA: Wentworth is a huge success. How does it feel to be part of that?
David de Lautour: It’s amazing! I feel lucky to be part of something they’ve created that has lasted for so many years and be a part of this family… and they totally are a family. They welcomed me from the very first read through. I’ve really enjoyed coming back to known faces and to welcoming new cast members. It’s nice to repay the kindness given to me.
What do you think is behind the show’s success?
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 unless all the people behind the scenes enjoying working together. What do you draw upon to build your character, Dr Greg Miller?
Greg’s biggest asset is the ability to listen, which is also the biggest asset you can have as an actor. It’s probably the most important skill for both crafts; a psychiatrist and an actor.
You got your start in musicals, correct?
Yes, I started when I was about 10. 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. One of the choreographers on Oliver! suggested I try a modeling agency, so I did and that lead me to a talent agency. 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?
Crews and actors are good at their jobs everywhere in the world, so all film sets are very similar. I find more similarities than differences. The main difference is when I talk to actors and crews 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. I remember working with Kiefer Sutherland on Touch; we did a couple of takes of one scene and the director got what he wanted, 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 worked better. It was cool to watch that kind of experience taking place. Do you remember a specific pinch-yourself moment, while working in the US?
My first role on Xena was playing a boy being sacrificed to the gods. I was about 13. It was very cool!
Yes, I’ll always remember being in a supermarket, before I had work, checking out my groceries. 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 sign a contract before starting, and this one specified the tens of thousands of dollars I could potentially make. I didn’t get that role, but it was very symbolic of Hollywood.
You’re well known for your role as Ted on Westside, the New Zealand crime drama set in the ’70s. What’s it like being part of a timepiece production?
We’re doing a final season. We started off in 1974, went through the ’70s and ’80s and worked our way up to 1990. One of the best things about Westside is the wardrobe, hair, make-up 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-’80s New Zealand. I’d walk through the set thinking, “Oh, mum and dad had that… and that!” It totally took me back!
One of your first roles back in the ’90s was playing an angel on Xena: Warrior Princess. 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 13 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 LA 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 on the streets, while looking for love. I got some nice write ups, including one from GLAAD.
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 10 years and went to a couple of gay clubs in LA. 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.
What’s your burn-the-floor song?
It’s usually something from the ’70s, like We Are Family. Disco always gets me out there. I’m always down for a disco vibe!
And your music diva is…?
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.
Is there anyone in the industry who particularly inspires you?
I 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 quality.
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 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, but it did make for an awkward first day at work.
Do you have a good grooming tip?
I like to wear a great fragrance, even when I’m going to the supermarket. At the moment I’m using Aesop. It’s a kind of sandalwood and masculine fragrance with a good vibe.
Briefs, 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.