July 26, 2020 // Q&A

Perry Mason. What are your memories Matthew of the original show? I knew it was a big show that was always on. You knew he was a lawyer. You had a vague Rhys recollection of people confessing on the ACTOR stand. And that was about it. But [it’s] like yeah, he’s a bit of a do-gooder, isn’t he? Interview by TIFFANY BAKKER Initially, though, you weren’t going to take the role. My agent said, “I need to talk to you about this remake of Perry You and didn’t just co-star Mason,” and I thought, “Oh God, who on TV show for seven would remake ? That sounds years – you also fell in love and like a terrible idea.” But [then I discovered] became partners. What was that like? it wasn’t going to be a remake, really. And I think we were fortunate because we the era really appealed to me – you know, worked well together, like our characters 1930s Los Angeles during the Depression. on screen. There were days I’m sure I Which co-stars, besides Keri of course, drove her up the wall, but I thought we have made the most impact on you? worked incredibly well as a team in that I would say Sally Field [Brothers & Sisters] we have the same goals, appreciate the and Tom Hanks [A Beautiful Day In The same things and love the same elements Neighborhood]. Both are double Oscar of the show. It was just this incredible winners, and you understand why. They teamwork to do the best we could; come at the job with the exact same it was a very special moment in time. attitude. When I worked with them What are the positives of being in [I realised], “Oh, that’s the level of work a relationship with another actor? I have to put in.” I mean, I knew it, but The obvious thing is that they understand to see it up close is something. Their the job you do. They understand that you natural talent is enormous, but their work have to… I was going to say go away, but ethic is of an equal par. Sally gives 110 per it doesn’t look like that will be happening cent and expects everyone else to do the anytime soon. Keri wishes I would go away same. She is very nice about letting you [laughs]. She’s like, “Aren’t you shooting know you’re being slack [laughs]. It makes somewhere?” And I’m like, “Um, no dear.” you want to up your game. They also understand the harder elements “Keri and I spent 20 hours a day arguing over And is Tom Hanks really the nicest man of what it is you do. But in the same vein, in the world? He really is. He’s aware of they’re also human and know you’ve got a scene, so we’re used to being together” the effect he has on people. You see it to film sex scenes and do those things, and when he walks on set – people are it’s not easy in a relationship. But I think star-struck. I think it takes an inordinate the understanding of it outweighs the past few months in lockdown been for patience. Oh my God, it’s an exercise in amount of energy to put everyone at ease negative, because you also know what goes the family? Well, how are we all doing, imagination and how you can continue to in order for everyone to perform at their into doing those scenes, so it’s not a really? Your kneejerk reaction is to go, find ways to entertain them. But onThe best. He must be exhausted, because he’s complete mystery to you. “Great! I’m great! Fine, fine!” In all Americans, Keri and I spent 20 hours a forever making sure everyone is OK. You and Keri have three children [their sincerity, we are very lucky, because day together arguing over a scene, so To me, it just sounds bloody exhausting. son, Sam, is four; River, 13, and we’ve been isolating up in the Catskills we’re used to being together [laughs]. But I don’t have two Oscars. Willa, 8, are Russell’s children from [in upstate New York]. Homeschooling You star as the titular character in Perry Mason airs at 11am and 8.30pm her previous marriage]. How have the has been a challenge. I realise I have no a new reboot of the classic TV series every Monday on Fox Showcase.

08 “I don’t think I’m naughty; 03 (reverse flip) David Campbell 04 Q&A with Rachel Khoo I’m glad you think I am, 03 Matthew Rhys 04 Natalie Barr 04 Public relations because I’ve always 08 Carla Zampatti & Camilla Franks 05 Advice 06 Post-iso beauty wanted to be naughty” 10 Tatiana Grigorieva 12 Style 08 Wellness 10 Beauty PHOTOGRAPHY: HBO/GAVIN BOND; CHARLES DENNINGTON. STYLING: JILLIAN DAVISON. MAKE UP: VICTORIA BARON. HAIR: ALAN WHITE 13 How I make it work 12 Treatment 13 Stars 14 Homes 15 Travel 14 Nutrition CARLA ZAMPATTI THIS PAGE:

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