What is it like to get into a head like that?

It’s fun. I love exploring the psyche of the characters I inhabit. It allows me to empathize with all different sorts of people. You have to fill in the blanks in order to live in a character. I like to make a history for them. Sometimes I use traits of an animal when thinking about what a character might do in a certain situation. I think Brady is very much a stray dog. He’s not used to being a part of a pack. He’s had a difficult childhood and that’s left him wounded. He’s quick to lash out as part of a survival mechanism and that often gets him into trouble.

Professionally, what are you better at now than before?

I’m better at understanding that there’s no clear path to success. At first, I thought I needed to book every single audition and if I didn’t, there was something wrong with me. Now I’m much more aware that sometimes many doors must close before the right one opens. There’s no crystal ball. I can look at it and say this was the one I should’ve gotten. As I look back on some of the jobs I came close to getting that fell through, I now see that they would’ve prevented me from getting jobs I currently have that are much more successful.

Do you have any secret desire to work with a certain director? and why? 

I would love to work with Clint Eastwood or Ron Howard. To be able to work with someone who has been in the industry for as long as they have would be a great gift. To be able to tap into their knowledge and hear the stories they have would be invaluable. I’ve always wanted to direct. To learn from two greats who have made the transition in such a impactful way would be a dream.

Many actors are fascinated by characters with a dark side. Does it happen to you too?

I’ve always found it more interesting to play a character that are considered an antagonist then to play the hero. The best roles out there are ones where the character is deeply flawed and then throughout the story they learn to overcome those obstacles and become a better person. As the saying goes, you cannot have light without the dark. For me, the intrigue comes from the duality and contrast.

Do you like risk?

Less so as I get older. Maybe it’s me getting wiser or maybe it’s having a family of my own. I find I’m less inclined to take risks now then I was when I was 20…but I still own Bitcoin so ;). 

Are you of method or guts?

Both; I studied at an acting conservatory called the National Theatre School in Montreal for three years. The way the school was structured we constantly had new professionals from around the world come in and teach us their unique style. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and confused with everything that was thrown at me. New techniques being taught would sometimes contradict previous techniques. Now, I sort of cherry pick all of the stuff that resonated with me and I am able to mash it all up to form my own unique hybrid style of approaching the work. I find myself using different techniques for different projects, but almost everything I use is structured around preparation and instinct. 

Have you ever felt typecast?

No. I’ve been very lucky that way. I think sometimes that can be to my detriment though. In this industry it can be financially very beneficial to be known for one thing that you do very well.  Unfulfilling as it may be, producers often want to know what they are getting. There is so much money on the line and sometimes they don’t like the unpredictability of casting someone in a role that they’ve never seen the actor play before. It is a business after all.

Do you read books? If so what was the last one?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had much time for reading lately. I’m often busy reading scripts and I really miss reading a good novel. Hemingway is my favorite author. My wife and I love the name so much we named our oldest child after him.

What scares you?

The idea we won’t be able to reverse the damage we’ve done to the earth. If we don’t embrace change it will have a snowball effect on us all. It seems like every year there are more fires, hurricanes, floods and air quality warnings. I know it seems as though we as individuals don’t have the power to make a difference, but we do. It’s in our everyday choices that effect the flow of trends. Simple choices like to recycle, to eat less meat and dairy, and to buy local and sustainable foods. It's the small things we do that can start to change the tide of culture. I look at it like fashion; small, strong and bold choices by influential people can create a new trend. Let's start that new trend together, now. 

And what makes you angry?

When people litter or disrespect the environment.

What do you do to stay fit?

Just about everything. I stay very active with my kids; running, biking and hiking. I spend a lot of time in the gym. I prefer being outside though and will take sports over a barbell any day. 

What’s something you could eat for a week straight?

Oh man. Pizza and ice cream. Excuse me while I drool.

Do you wear glasses?

No, but I have used them in photo shoots ;)

Are you interested in clothes and style?

Of course. One of the reasons I look forward to fall is the all of the great clothing options that arise. Nothing beats a comfy knit sweater. 

How would you describe your personal style?

I like mixing classic style with a bit of a modern twist. Men’s style is more grounded then women’s. I find if you buy something classic and good quality, it will stand the test of time quite well. A timeless piece can be a good investment.

What cologne do you wear if any?

The One by D&G.

What would your perfect night be like?

When I’m not working, I love to indulge in food and wine. My wife and I love wine tasting. So for me, it would have to be somewhere in the hills of Tuscany eating pizza and pasta and drinking a tasty Brunello while watching the sun-set into a castle on the hill. 

Is there time for love with your schedule?

There is always time for love.

Friday or Sunday?

Friday night lights. 

Dogs or cats?

Man’s best friend.

What makes a perfect man?

I hesitate to use the word "perfect” when describing a man because it seems inherently unattainable. For me, it's really more of a concept than a state of being because, in my mind, it's all about the pursuit of perfection rather than embodying it. So what is my idea of perfection? I think it's being humble, compassionate, living with conviction and principle. I think its being creative, healthy and conscience of your actions and choices. It’s living a life that leaves the world a better place for future generations. It’s seeing the potential in everyone and everything and believing the best is possible when our motivations come from a loving place. It’s cherishing family and setting an example for our children. It’s pursuing perfection and forgiving yourself when you fall short. Perfection is the journey not the destination.