CHARLIE DAVID - DANTE'S COVE

By Gavin

                               CHARLIE DAVID (ON THE LEFT) WITH CO STAR GREGORY MICHEAL

Hi Charlie thanks for taking the time to speak to us.  

GTEN: COULD YOU EXPLAIN WHAT DANTE'S COVE IS ABOUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT WATCHED IT?

Dante's Cove is a supernatural soap opera. The closest comparison I've come to is that the show is a blend of Queer as Folk and Charmed. Its's really about growing up gay or lesbian and the pressures we face in relationships just as with everyone else.But in Dante's Cove - Sometimes these pressures manifest themselves as witches and warlocks!

GTEN: HOW DID YOU GET THE PART IN DANTE'S COVE?

The production company had held auditions in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and Vancouver. I was living in Vancouver at the time, auditioned and then they flew me to LA for a screen test. From there we did some mixing and matching (reading with the other actors) to find the best combination. At the end of the day the producers took me aside and congratulated me - they said I'd be int the show they just didn't know exactly which role yet!

GTEN: WHO DO YOU GET ON BEST WITH IN THE SHOW?

It's hard to say - we are so lucky to have such an amazing group of people. It's a lot like summer camp when we go to shoot the series. We all hang out together, go for meals together, play golf and work out together, surf together. Jonny Fleming has become one of my best buddies both on the show and in real life. We hag out all the time and I'd definitely consider him one of my closest friends. Its great because he's straight, I'm gay but we have so much in common. My Boyfriend and his girlfriend are great buddies too. Sometimes I feel like the high school dork or suddenly gets befriended by the football captain (that would be Jonny) "Really!? you want to to hang out with me?!"

GTEN: HOW DID YOU COPE WITH THE STEAMY SCENES IN THE SHOW? 

I put on a blind fold and ear plugs. No really, its all choreographed and we rehearse over and over and over again in our trailers which as you can imagine is just absolute torture!. What hilarious is how it changes as you get to know people. In the  first season everything is new and exciting. We are now going on to season IV so its a bit like a marriage. We have to keep the energy alive. It is a little straing sometimes - like suddenly having to make-oot with a close friend. It's kinda hot, but a whole lot weird.

GTEN: HAVE YOU HAD PROBLEMS GETTING PARTS BEING A OPENLY GAY MAN IN HOLLYWOOD? 

I work extremely hard everyday. I knew that coming out would have positive and potentially negative effects. I'm not willing to dwell or focus on the possible negatives. In the world of media we live in today there are an infinite number of theatres, television networks, film production companies etc. There is no excuse for not working if it's what you love to do. In the very least and possibly the best solution is to make your own work. If you love to perform - then don't sit on your ass waiting for someone to hire you - write a play or a short film and produce it. When you are proactive - people pay attention. 

GTEN: ARE ANY OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SHOW GAY?

Yes there are.

GTEN: HOW DO YOU RELAX WHEN FILMING?

Umm...we shoot in Hawaii so it's pretty hard not to relax!!. Sometimes they have to call us in from surfing or off the golf course to shoot!!. The islands are so absolutely beautiful, I think it would be pretty difficult not to be lulled into their laid back vibe. While shooting other shows i do a lot of meditiation focused exercise and late night poker!

GTEN: ARE YOU SINGLE?

Who's asking? Just kidding. No, I have an amazing partner. 

GTEN: HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO THE UK? IF YOU HAVE WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE UK? 

Yes I was there a few months ago actually. I absolutely love to travel and host a GLBT travel series called Bump! I am on the road easily half the year doing episodes on gay and lesbian friendly destinations and there are quite a lot!!. We're currently in our third season and London was featured in season 1. I recently made a quick stop in London again on my way to Denmark, Finland and Sweden. I adore the UK. I think you are such a bunch of witty, fashionistas. I recently me Mr UK while judging the Mr Gay International competition. He was adorable and a Bobby. Trust me - that uniform gave him a few fans!! 

GTEN: HAVE YOU WATCHED QUEER AS FOLK?

Of course - I  thought it was a fantastic show and I have some very dear friend who were on it. I've watched both the UK and US/Canadian versions. Actually Thea Gill who played Lindsay in the N American version, and I just did a flilm together called Mulligans. It will be out on the film festival circuit this Spring. It's about a father who has an affair witih his college age son's best friend. Thea is absolutely brilliant in it - we're very excited to share it with the world.

Thanks for you time and have a good 2008.