Behind the scenes with Diego Klattenhoff
The Blacklist star takes us through the making of the much-loved show.
From his Mean Girls days to playing the role of a marine captain in critically acclaimed series, Homeland and now, as a highly dynamic FBI agent on The Blacklist, Canadian actor Diego Klattenhoff has certainly come a very long way. With his role of Donald Ressler in The Blacklist becoming a people’s favourite on television, Diego is all set for another season of the crime thriller series. In a conversation with us, the actor was at his wittiest best, as he spoke about the show and his life as a star...
You have had Mean Girls, Homeland and now The Blacklist — quite a mixed bag of films and roles you’ve chosen over the years.
Many people take their clothes off by that resume (laughs). I’m kidding! It is all about what comes along at the right time and trying to find interesting, fun stories to be part of. I’ve been very fortunate over the years, whether it’s Pacific Rim or Mean Girls way back. There’s no method to the madness, it’s just trying to find what works.
What do you think made The Blacklist a big hit?
It was a very enticing concept right from the beginning. The casting choices, finding right people at the right time, it was kind of similar to Homeland in the way that you catch lightening in a bottle and nobody knows why. It’s all about what is impactful for the show. It’s been very exciting to see the show grow from the first shot of the first day of going along on this ride.
What does it take from an actor to be on a show over many seasons and not let the character get redundant?
The schedule spans over eight to nine months, and it’s not easy. We do five days a week, but it’s like shooting eight movies in eight months. As an actor, it can be grueling and all you can do is own the script, and do your best job in trying to keep it fresh every day — whether it’s waking up at 4.30 am on a Monday or shooting in the freezing cold.
What can one expect from Donald Ressler in season five?
I honestly have no idea yet. The writers are right now on a hiatus, but they’ll be working away soon trying to figure out the mysteries and directions for the next season. I think I’ll have to buy a bottle of scotch and bribe somebody to know what will happen to Donald Ressler (laughs).
What was it like working with James Spader?
He’s a very generous person and a great actor. He casts a very long shadow that everyone looks up to and wants to know about. Every actor on Homeland congratulates me on this new show and they come up to me asking ‘What’s he like?’He’s terrific to work with, and it’s great to work with someone who wants to make the show better.
Would you say any role of yours shaped your career significantly?
It’s been about trying to keep working and staying busy, finding fun stories and new experiences. I haven’t had a career defining role yet like Luke Skywalker. But, I think it’s good that people don’t stick to being one role and keep evolving.
Could you tell us about any other projects that you’re working on?
I’m sitting here working on my tan right now! (chortles) We’re going to be back with The Blacklist soon enough. So, right now I’m taking some time off for myself and trying to be a normal person. Taking out the trash and doing the dishes, some really glamorous stuff!
(The Blacklist Season 4 finale will be aired on Star World and Star World HD on June 3 at 8 pm. Season 5 will premiere in September)