‘CARL’S BEEN A HUGE PART OF MY LIFE’

GYTON GRANTLEY The Aussie star gets candid about his portrayal of a convicted murderer

Slipping into the shoes of one of the nation’s most notorious criminals, Carl Williams, once again is no easy feat. But for Aussie actor Gyton Grantley, 39, he does it seamlessly – so much so, that he still gets called Carl by fans on the street, even almost 13 years on from when he first played him. Woman’s Day talks to the multi-talented star and dad-of-two about becoming Carl for Nine’s new drama Informer 3838, and how this role has haunted him for over a decade.

When the story of Informer 3838 came about, how did you feel about returning to the role of Carl?

I just couldn’t believe it. It’s so bizarre that this lady was playing both sides and no one knew about it, and it’s come to life 15 years later. I was shocked, intrigued and excited about the prospect of playing him again.

You’ve won many awards for playing Carl. Was it daunting taking on the role again?

He’s so familiar to me now. He’s been such a huge part of my life – we’re talking 12 years! And when I say he, I mean my character – my performance of him. I don’t know the real Carl, I never met him, but it’s been a great opportunity to slip back into his skin again.

What research did you do?

This has been a process of over 12 years. Originally in 2007, when I first played him, I read a lot of books, watched lots of videos of him being interviewed and arrested – that’s how I got the taste of his voice, his walk and the way he carried himself.

We had a lot of contact with the Victorian police back then, too.

I had to turn my phone off for about three days because everyone was calling. I was shocked, but I was more shocked that such a highprofile criminal in a maximum security jail was able to be murdered. Something is up with that.

I had a couple of colourful characters introduce themselves to me in bars back in the day. They just wanted to let me know they knew Carl and thought I did a good job, and they loved the show. I’ve never felt threatened or in danger, though.

Well, both Carl and Ron are big fans of food so it didn’t matter too much [laughs]. They’ve actually complemented each other in that respect. INFORMER 3838

‘It’s been a great opportunity to slip back into his skin again’

Having played this character for over a decade, were you affected by his death in 2010? Did you ever feel unsafe playing Carl? You also play Ron in the Harry Potter stage production. How did you juggle playing both roles? premieres April 20, 8.45pm, Nine Carl and criminal barrister-turnedpolice informer Nicola Gobbo (Ella Scott Lynch). Returning to a life of crime! Gyton’s playing Carl for a third time in Nine’s new drama.

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