Miami Living Magazine

Harry Connick Jr

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"Every time I get a new script in my e-mail, the writing is really smart. There are so many twists and turns —it really is a quick read for me because it really is thrilling. It's been a great experience." Dan enjoys playing Trevor, who has much more to offer than what meets the eye in this exciting espionage series. "I'm a high-priced escort for 'Scottie.' I am becoming her confidant. She trusts me with her personal information she keeps close to her chest. I am the person there listening to her, holding her, comforting her. She trusts me to observe her procedures and we have a lot of fun doing so, too." He laughs as he notes the steamy scenes with his sultry, sophisticated leading lady Famke. Fans often speculate whether or not the spinoff series will intertwine with The Blacklist, so we had to ask. "I'm curious about that. We often do not hear about things until we read it online," says Dan. "I think it's a really great concept and I hope it continues." The TV series films in New York, where Dan lives with his beloved parrot, Havana, and three Maine Coons: John Quincy Adams, Teddy Roosevelt, and Lucille Ball. As indicated from his pet's names, Dan is an American history enthusiast. In regard to America's current events, Dan does not shy away from expressing his opinions, including on social media. "It's tricky because you have to decide if you want to make your opinions known. And I feel a lot of actors and artists shy away from sharing their beliefs. I totally can respect that too, but I feel like in this past election, it's unfortunate that they did that. I feel that it helps to have your voices heard. If I wasn't an actor, I'd still have a strong political voice. I do not feel that people should pay more attention to me because I am an actor, but I like people to know where I stand, what I believe in, and what I am passionate about." Do you ever fear that your political views may cost you opportunities? "You know, I don't know, and part of me wonders if those were ever the right opportunities for me anyway. It's funny, 'cause when I do post something political, I do lose some followers over it. But I don't get upset about it, because at the end of the day, I'm being truthful of who I am and my political views are a reflection of the experiences I've lived. There are so many issues that I feel people should be supportive of and embrace. I want that to be reflected on how people view me as a person, well, I guess as an actor." Dan, the youngest of four children growing up in Detroit, Michigan, knew early on that he wanted to become an actor. "My parents appreciate the arts. As a kid, they would take me to a lot of museums growing up, the symphony, and they took me to a couple plays. And for whatever reason, I was really excited by the make-believe and the magic of the plays coming to life in front of me." Fast forward a few years to Dan working in the industry that thrilled him since childhood. "I've been to L.A. twice within a week working on filming a web series, and then here in New York for Blacklist: Redemption. It can be a lot of travel. But it's good travel. Because it's work travel, and it's fun. I prefer to keep busy than the opposite." This past year, Dan landed the role of a Drone Pilot on Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. "It was an interesting project because not everything that we did ended up in [the final] cut, which is frustrating as an actor but I've been comforted to know, working with a lot of actors, that you cannot take those things personally. You want whatever is best for the film to be the final cut." On the upside, comic book world fans have their eyes set on Dan to play the Green Lantern. "It's an honor to be mentioned for consideration," he replies humbly about the nomination. On the topic of nominations, receiving the title People's "Sexiest Man of the Week" was flattering for Dan, but it hasn't gone to his head. "I was the chubby kid that was always made fun of. For whatever reason, nature changed my trajectory. I enjoy working out, but I try not to get too wrapped up in what I look like in a role. It's a weird thing when you watch actors from shows of decades past in the 70s, 80s, or 90s —they all don't look like muscle gods and models. I like to think of myself as an actor first. I want to be healthy and strong and not get too crazy." He did admit that it can be a little stressful being naked on TV. "We all have different bodies and I don't think people who look only like models should be shirtless on TV, so hopefully there is some sense of inclusiveness in our bodies." Dan adds that he has much respect for models as he views them as fellow storytellers. "Fashion shows are so dramatic and so intense, but it's over and done with in five minutes. I love how in those five minutes, someone can create a dynamic story." So, what's next for the 31-year-old? A web series called Vicious Nannies, on which he plays a mannie alongside Entourage's Rex Lee. And then there's the film, Brawl in Cell Block 99, alongside Vince Vaughn. "It's very different. It's a very gritty and dark film," says Dan. "I get to torture Mr. Vaughn a little bit. I had a really good time working with him and I really enjoyed the director and the writer. It was fun to play a bad guy —fun for me to play, but it's probably disturbing for the audience." The intense drama is slated for release later this year. ML Keep up with Dan on Instagram and Twitter @danamboyer —where he keeps it real— www.danamboyer.com, and don't miss The Blacklist: Redemption on NBC Thursdays 10/9c PHOTO CREDIT: ANNIE SHAK

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