He was one of the gay characters on A Place To Call Home. Now, David Berry has a worldwide hit with Outlander.
DNA: On A Place To Call Home you played a gay character, James Bligh. Do people still remember that when they meet you?
David Berry: They did at the time. They’d tell me about their experiences and how they related to the character. It’s been a while since A Place To Call Home aired but it still has a life and I still run into people who tell me how much they loved it. It’s a gem that was perfect for the time. It stands on its own.
DNA: Many of Our Straight Mates often have witnessed or experienced homophobia; how about you?
Yes, absolutely. I went to an all-boys school and the worst thing you could be called was “gay” or a “fag”. It was a constant way of policing masculinity. I don’t think any of us truly understood what it meant to be gay at that age. If you were creative or considered slightly feminine in your pursuits, whether academic or creative, that was derided as “other”, which meant gay.
No one wanted to be gay and not be part of the cool crowd. But I think that’s changed so much over time. Being gay is now being part of the crowd. It’s been reclaimed. Young men now have a lot more confidence about their sexuality. It’s probably not perfect, and I don’t know what it’s like to experience that now, but growing up there was homophobia everywhere.
DNA: We know you have some good gay mates, have you had any wild nights out with them?
Yes, and sometimes I think, “Wouldn’t it be great if I were gay, because I’d have so much fun!” [Laughs].
Recently in LA, a straight friend said to me, “Bro, the hottest ticket is West Hollywood.” He suggested we go to a restaurant there and I said, “Absolutely!” It was one of the most fun evenings ever. There isn’t that sense of stigma or separation that there used to be. There’s a feeling of people enjoying themselves all in one place together. It’s very cool!
DNA: You’re currently enjoying international success with Outlander. Tell us about playing Lord John Grey.
I play a great character, with actors and a crew who are world-class. It’s been a fun experience and opened me to a whole bunch of other experiences while working and living in Scotland.
DNA: You’ve been in quite a few period dramas.
It’s great. You get to play dress-ups. The thought that goes into making a period production is something special. There’s so much artistry and work from people behind the scenes. From a performance point of view, the issues we all worry about are very similar across time and space.
DNA: How do you feel about the fans calling for a Lord Grey spin-off series?
It’s a testament to the popularity of the character created by Diana Gabaldon. I don’t know how much I’m responsible for that! I think it already existed so it’s a privilege to step into his shoes. It’s an affirming and validating experience.
DNA: Your latest work has been on Riptide. Was it good coming back to work in Australia?
The script has a very interesting whodunnit premise and the character is a departure from what I usually play. It was a very challenging experience and probably the fastest I’ve ever filmed. We did four episodes in four weeks, and when I went back to Outlander, they thought that was insane! It was the tenacity and spirit of the production company, and our director, who got it over the line.
DNA: So, there’s a difference in production values between countries?
I am spoiled on Outlander with time and budget. In Australia, it’s noticeable that new content is not supported. So, it was great to do something that was new. In the span of my career, Australian drama productions have dwindled quite a bit, but productions like Riptide provide opportunities for actors who want to live and work in Australia.
DNA: You recently played a 1970s film star on Barons. How does one prepare for that?
That was during covid and hardly anything was filming in Australia. It was a period piece that allowed me to play dress-up in ’70s costume. I was excited to get out of the house.
DNA: Last time you did this interview, you said James Dean was your celebrity crush. Has that changed?
He had an attitude that, as a young man, I related to. There was something brooding and angsty about him. He wasn’t happy with the world. As a young man, I don’t think I was happy with the world either. He also had a huge presence in his work and was very stylish and handsome. He was a role model for me.
DNA: What about someone contemporary?
People are beginning to appreciate gay culture in popular media. Part of that, for me, has been watching the new season of Queer Eye and Jonathan Van Ness. His positivity and freedom with himself are a very cool thing. For his attitude and resilience – I really admire him. He’s a great role model for what it means to be a modern-day man and modern masculinity.
DNA: What’s the song that gets you on the dancefloor?
Pony by Ginuwine.
DNA: What about your music diva?
Ella Fitzgerald. She sang the entire American songbook perfectly. Her songs put me in that chill mood. She had such presence and power. You get a sense that she’s lived her songs. Her performances demand respect.
DNA: Do you have a grooming tip?
I made the decision to grow out my natural hair for Outlander and it’s now very long. I’ve learned a whole bunch of things about having long hair: you should only wash it probably twice a week and invest in a good hair shampoo and conditioner. It also pays to invest in a good hairbrush because you’ll be using that a lot!
DNA: What’s your most memorable wardrobe malfunction?
I haven’t had any but I’ve had some questionable wardrobe choices! Recently I was at the BAFTA Awards, and they gave me a suit that was way too big. I looked like I was 14 years old wearing my dad’s suit. The collar of the shirt was sticking over the jacket lapels. It was not my fault!
DNA: Sounds like a 1970s film star from Barons!
[Laughs] I guess so, but not intentionally!
DNA: Briefs, boxers or commando?
Boxer briefs. Boxers are so uncomfortable. I don’t know how anyone can wear them. They sweat and the hang is no good! Briefs are too tight and remind me of something from the ’70s. Boxer briefs are modern, masculine and give support. I don’t know what sort of savages go commando!
DNA: What about Lord John Grey?
All I know is that those costumes are not comfortable and I constantly have to adjust myself in those pants. It’s not comfortable down there!
MORE: Outlander streams on Netflix. Riptide will air on Network TEN.
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