IOAN GRUFFUDD

A quick chat with

The actor, 44, plays a surgeon accused—perhaps falsely—of sexual assault by a teacher ( Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt) in Liar (Starts Mon., Oct. 30, 8.45 PM; Seven). He tells WHO’S Cynthia Wang about the benefits of ageing, his respect for his co-star and where to get good coffee in the US.

After starting your career with morally straightforward characters like Horatio Hornblower, how has it been to do this? It’s a massive challenge. I believe I was cast because of the quality I have that you totally believe there’s no way this guy did this. I’ve never been able to get those more adult parts [before] because I’ve looked so young. Now I’m a bit older and greyer, these parts are coming my way.

You’re a longtime resident of Los Angeles and Joanne lives there now, too. Did you meet up before filming?

I didn’t even know she lived there! But I’ve been a great admirer of hers, you know. I was a huge fan of Downton. I knew we were cast together in this and we reached out and had lunch. We were so lucky, we hit it off straight away, and that’s helped enormously for this show because it’s quite heavy.

Can LA baristas make a proper coffee or tea?

No, not at all. America’s got a lot to answer for. They’re obsessed with their Starbucks and their cold coffees and their sweet coffees. It’s basically sweetness and calories in a cup. Unless you go to an Italian restaurant in America, you’re not going to get a proper coffee.

You’ve changed tempo again, you’re now shooting in Queensland. How is that?

Harrow Fantastic. I am having an amazing time. The scripts are wonderful. The character is flawed, a bit grumpy, sort of a cross between House and Quincy. It’s a bit of comedy as well, so a real three-dimensional adult part. I’m having the time of my life.

It’s been great to see the evolution of your career.

Thank you. I am so grateful to be working and having the chance to play interesting characters.