hunter doohan
In Showtime series
“YOUR HONOR”
Hunter Doohan’s latest role in Showtime’s latest miniseries, Your Honor, where he performs opposite Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston. The American actor plays Adam Desiato, the son of a respected NOLA judge who’s involved in a tragic hit-and-run. The series has already broken viewership records in Showtime’s limited drama series category. Doohan talks to ContentsMan about his experience filming his latest role, and the new year ahead.
Interview by Juan Marco Torres
JMT: How has your 2021 begun? Do you have any resolutions for the upcoming year?
HD: Well, I got engaged! I proposed the day before New Year’s Eve hoping to start the new year off on a high note! As far as resolutions, I’ve started learning guitar for probably the fifth time in my life… So, we’ll see how it goes this time.
JMT: Looking back, when were you first introduced into performance art?
HD: In high school I got involved in my school’s drama department and discovered my local community theatre around the same time. I feel really lucky to have found those opportunities, especially while growing up in Arkansas.
JMT: Apart from acting, you are also a writer and director. How did you get into these other aspects of filmmaking?
HD: A lot of people have asked about these short films. Advice to actors: Be careful what you put on your IMDb. They’re just shorts I made with friends because no one was giving us opportunities. We made them for no money so we could have material for our reels. I do love writing and directing though so I’ll continue to do both.
JMT: Can you share your background growing up in the South and how it has influenced your craft?
HD: Yeah, I technically lived in Alabama, Georgia and Arkansas while growing up before moving to Los Angeles in 2012. It feels hard to put into words the influence it’s had over me because it’s just a part of who I am.
JMT: What was it like preparing for the role of Adam in Your Honor, alongside Bryan Cranston?
HD: I’m a huge Breaking Bad fan so getting to work together was a literal dream come true for me. I would ask for his advice any chance I got and he’s so generous and just the best person to work with. But I have to admit, I definitely felt a lot of pressure because I knew how lucky I was to have gotten the role.
So, before I even got to New Orleans I met with a pulmonologist and several people who have asthma so I could portray the asthma attacks as accurately as possible. I also spoke with two psychiatrists about Adam’s PTSD from the crash and learned how to shoot on film and develop in a dark room since Adam is a photographer.
JMT: The show presents various moral dilemmas regarding how far someone would go to protect their own blood. What else do you think the show highlights that is also worth discussing?
HD: The show definitely highlights the systemic racism that exists in this country especially within the criminal justice system. I think Peter Moffat and the other writers also did a beautiful job exploring white privilege and police brutality by comparing what happens to Kofi Jones and what Adam is able to get away with.
JMT: How intense was it for you emotionally to play the role of Adam? What was the most challenging aspect of it?
HD: Relating to [Adam] and spending a lot of time beating myself up was the most challenging. Adam feels immense guilt and hatred of himself, especially as he continues to cover up what he did. Spending that much time in that headspace was sometimes difficult to shake off or not allow it to affect me and my life off set.
JMT: From what I have watched so far, Adam seems to be very sweet and vulnerable in the show. Do you think he has a stronger backbone than we think?
HD: I think it’s nice of you to say Adam seems very sweet, haha. I loved playing Adam because he is so complicated and deeply flawed. A lot of actors talk about not judging the character you’re playing, but for me that was my way into his head. The mistakes Adam makes are so obvious and he is constantly judging himself for it. He hates himself for it, especially as the show continues and more people are affected by what he and his dad have done.
JMT: Can you share about your continuous support to the fight against ALS?
HD: This is something I’m extremely passionate about because my dad, Peter Doohan, passed away from complications due to ALS in 2017. Since then, I’ve gotten involved with the ALS Association Golden West Chapter in Los Angeles as well as donating and volunteering for Team Gleason in New Orleans. Thank you so much for asking about this and helping to bring awareness. I know times are tough, but if anyone is looking to make a charitable donation, I strongly urge them to look into these incredible organizations!
JMT: With the show being filmed in New Orleans, what was it like going back to your roots in that region and experiencing the city?
HD: New Orleans is in the south but it is also kind of a world of it’s own. I love New Orleans! The food, the people – everything. Shooting there was one of the best times of my life (and not just because we got to be there during Mardi Gras) and I hope I get to go back soon!
JMT: Who are some of your role models?
HD: I’m really inspired by people who make their own path like Donald Glover and Michaela Coel. I also love watching people who are around my age and who are doing work. I’m blown away by Timothèe Chalamet, Zendaya and Anya Taylor- Joy.
JMT: What kind of characters do you see yourself portraying in the future?
HD: I think this last year has taught me not to rely too much on my own plans. I never could have dreamed of getting to play Adam so I will just have to wait and see what kind of characters I get the chance to play next. I’ve gotten to read some amazing scripts lately and I’m excited about what’s to come!
