Anthony LaPaglia: ‘Women do more work than men’
ACTOR Anthony LaPaglia on the state of gender politics, why he doesn’t like hanging out with other actors, and whether he would outlast his brother Jonathan on Survivor.
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ACTOR Anthony LaPaglia on the state of gender politics, why he doesn’t like hanging out with other actors, and whether he would outlast his brother Jonathan on Survivor.
Give us your take on the state of gender politics in Hollywood right now.
I have a 15-year-old daughter. I’m all for gender equality. Women should be paid the same as men. They usually do more work than a man, to be honest... All that stuff going on in Hollywood has been going on since Hollywood was invented. The whole Harvey Weinstein thing has been going on for 30 years. Everybody knew about it.
They don’t teach kids how to navigate the business, but that would be a better class to teach than an acting class. To be fair, it’s not just show business. We live in a pretty patriarchal society, so it’s everywhere. Your question is a big question and it deserves a much better answer than the one I’m giving.
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You must be used to being asked big questions. How about US politics — are you happy to speak up on that?
I’m vocal. I’m also happy to be quiet, because I just think there are people better qualified to steer the nation. The cult of celebrity can be a bit much, I think. We have an unhealthy obsession with celebrities in general. I don’t think celebrities are the best people to ask about the state of the nation, really. But I’ve definitely been vocal in the past.
You’re 59 and have lived in the US for more than half your life. Is Australia still home, or is America where your heart is now?
My life is in the States, but I still have a lot of connections in Australia. It’s an interesting question. I don’t identify, at a nationalistic level, with being Australian because I’ve spent my entire adult life in the States.
You play the United States Secretary of Defence in the new season of Rake. Is it strange being an Australian playing an American in an Australian production?
These days that’s just show business in general. Everyone comes from everywhere. How much of the story can I give away? [Laughs.] That’s the problem.
It’s been 18 years since Looking For Alibrandi was released. Did you ever anticipate how much of a hit that film would become?
I never know. Sometimes you do a project and the writing’s fantastic, the actors are great, the director is great, but for some reason it doesn’t work or the audience doesn’t take to it. I never have any idea whether things will work or not.
You were in another cult flick: 1995’s Empire Records. If it were remade or there was a sequel in the works, would you step back into your role?
I would have to think about it. It would depend on the script and who was directing. But mostly I tend to think we should leave that stuff alone. It was good the first time. I haven’t seen many remakes that are better than the original. Occasionally... but not many.
You played Jack Malone on Without A Trace for seven years. Do you keep in touch with your co-stars?
After the show ended, everyone pretty much went their separate ways. And I, well... I don’t like actors all that much! [Laughs.] I tend not to hang out with them.
You married Alexandra Henkel in Hawaii in April. It looked like a wonderful day.
Thank you. It was a beautiful experience. But I prefer not to get into my personal life.
Your brother Jonathan hosts Australian Survivor. If you were both contestants, who would be voted off the island first?
He would. He definitely would. First day.
Rake Season 5 premieres 8.30pm, Sunday August 19, on the ABC.