Published: September 17, 2009 8:27 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive: (September 2009) David Moretti
David Moretti
David Moretti can be currently seen in the hit original HereTV series, The Lair, where he plays one of the main characters (Thom Etherton) of the show. The popularity of the series and his character can be contributed from the amazing work Moretti's does with his character on the show. Being honest about whom he is also plays an integral role in how Moretti chooses to live his personal and professional life. In this exclusive spotlight with our Webzine, the talented star of The Lair speaks candidly about his acting, coming out, and doing what he loves. Here is the outcome. Enjoy!
Photos used in this interview are copyrighted by Regent Media/Here Media
Isaac: Hi David, I wanted to first wish a wonderful day. Let's get started with the interview. Let's talk about your background. You are from Cranston, Rhode Island. Elaborate a little about your upbringing in Cranston, Rhode Island.
David: Thanks for having me! And ohh Craaaaannnnnnston (that's how RI'ers say it). Honestly, I can't think of a better place to have grown up. It's the epitome of suburbia. I had the greatest group of friends ever and an awesome family raising me. We did things like bowling, the movies, swimming in the lake, and playing video games in our basements. Compared to life now, that could appear as boring, but it definitely structured a strong sense of camaraderie and helped develop my character. It also kept me out of trouble :)
Isaac: I read in your bio that you graduated from the University of Southern California in 2002 with a degree in English. After graduation, did you always wanted to pursue acting as a career or where you hoping for something direction?
David: I actually started out at Boston College and then transferred to USC when I realized I was supposed to be an actor. I drove out to LA in the summer after my sophomore year to take a summer internship at NBC. I was actually supposed to return to BC the following fall, but put in an application to USC just in case I liked it here. I did. And luckily, I got accepted to USC in the middle of my internship and
never went back to Boston. Fate works in mysterious ways. I immediately joined an acting class in Hollywood. My first ever day in class, I was greeted by Nicole Ritchie, Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson,
and Kevin Richardson as classmates.... It was kind of surreal.
Isaac: One personal moment that changed your life I am guessing is when one of your Delta Chi fraternity brothers spotted your online profile on a gay dating site and outed you to the rest of the fraternity. How did this moment change the way you looked at life?
David: Well, I was absolutely not ready to come out when that happened, so it really sent me to a bad place personally. It actually kept me from accepting it for at least another year, when I would have been ready earlier had I led my own path. After the instance, I put up a lot of guards, didn't trust many people, and was just unhappy in general. It was like someone stole my moment. No one should be forced out of the closet like that. It's something that needs to happen organically. It's great to have a mentor or someone pushing you a little bit, but when someone just turns your world upside down - it's pretty awful. Of course, when I finally did accept who I was, everything became a lot easier. But for a while, I had a very hard time.
Isaac: In 2007, you were offered the role of Thom Etherton in The Lair. What originally made you decide that you wanted to work on the series?
David: Honestly, being offered the lead on a series is a pretty special moment for any actor. That's something you don't take lightly. 99.9% of actors never ever get a chance like that. Not to mention it was an option for me to work on a series where I could be who I was in a comfortable environment. I was very fortunate.
Isaac: Before taking the role, you decided to come out as an actor. What was the main reason why you decided to come out?
David: I actually came out in The Advocate after shooting season 1. I realized more actors need to do this if the glass ceiling that exists is ever to shatter. While I am facing many challenges progressing
in my field because of this decision, such as being given the opportunity to play straight roles or acquire a top notch agent, it was a worthwhile one I would never change. I am confident sexuality will not be as much of a factor in the coming years. We just have a bit of a battle ahead of us.
Isaac: What has been the best moment that you have experienced while working on The Lair?
David: Honestly, it was probably the first day I drove to set - where I was thinking in my brain "I'm here to start production on my series" It was a pretty cool feeling. I was full of optimism and ready to be a
working actor. It was an "I made it" moment.
Isaac: What is the biggest joy about being an actor?
David: The ability to play. I get to play make believe for a living! Who else can say they dusted vampires, fell off a cliff and plummeted to his death, or got a machete in the back by a zombie?!
Isaac: What message would you like to say to those actors and actresses who are afraid to come out?
David: I'd say it's a very daunting decision but worth it. You will face a lot of challenges and hear a lot of people tell you how dumb you are and how unmarketable you are to the red states... but you gotta be
strong, tell them to eff off, and be who you are. It's not worth years of therapy and personal unhappiness by trying to be someone who has to bring their "beard" to the red carpet and play the dodge game every time someone asks you about your love life. I'd rather be honest and happy.
Isaac: How do you handle being categorized as one of the sexiest men on TV?
David: I think you're interviewing the wrong person. Who said that? I'm just a good ole Italian boy from Rhode Island...
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one director, who would it be and why?
David: I need to work with the Farrelly brothers someday. They are from my home state, and every project they do has something to do with Rhode Island. Not to mention Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary are two of my favorite movies ever. I HAVE to work with these guys. Also, I'm dying to work in comedy. That's actually my favorite genre of acting...
Isaac: Where can fan connect with you online?
David: Check out davidmorettionline.com! That's my website and you can find me on Facebook through the site as well. You can also check out home vids on youtube.com/davemoretti. I have a video blog I air through YouTube.
Isaac: What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?
David: Right now, The Lair season 3 is airing. Check out heretv.com for details. I have a few other irons in the fire but nothing is set in stone yet. Check the website for updates as they become available!
Isaac: In ten years, you will…
David: Be 10 years older. ha. And I will also have progressed in my professional field, look back at the days when discrimination was a factor and laugh about it, and hopefully have someone by my side.
Isaac: Ahhh!
Isaac: Final words from David Moretti...
David: Stay true to who you are. Progress will only happen when we break from the norm and refuse to accept that the closet is the only place for a working actor.
