Todd Lasance has played a policeman, lawyer, bikie, superhero, soldier, vampire and Julius Caesar. Now he’s heading up NCIS Sydney – and still waiting for that breakout gay role.
DNA: You’ve played diverse roles in your career – including Julius Caesar on Spartacus. That was a gay favourite.
Todd Lasance: Absolutely. There’s a lot of no-holds-barred nudity, battle, sweat and blood on Spartacus.
Have you ever played a gay role?
Not yet. It’s still to come. When I did my Spartacus research on the Roman era I discovered that relationships between soldiers were promoted because it created comradery and brotherhood.
Do you have a gay family member or gay mate you hang out with?
My best mate Kain is gay. His housemate is Willam from Drag Race and he made the documentary Access All Areas: The AAA Girls Tour, where he followed Willam, Courtney Act and Alaska on tour in the US – and won an award! Also, Josh, my childhood bestie since pre-school is gay.
Has anyone ever come out to you?
Yes, Josh did. I remember it distinctly. I was with my brother in our house in Newcastle when he told us. We gave him a massive hug and it was a beautiful and emotional moment. We had an inkling, and the 15 Spice Girls posters were a giveaway. Coming out took that weight off him and it was beautiful to witness.
Have you had any big nights out with gay mates?
One hundred per cent. We lived in West Hollywood for about seven years and hit plenty of those clubs. And the drag world? I’ve never laughed so hard as when I’ve been to a drag show. They’re just on another level and I love them.
What song will always get you on the dancefloor?
Pony by Ginuwine. It’s a good dancefloor filler. I danced to that with my wife at our wedding and… my shirt may have come off!
How about your music diva?
I must shout out to my country roots and say Shania Twain. She’s got some absolute bangers. Rihanna and Beyonce, too. If I had to narrow it down, it’d be Britney: …Baby One More Time.
Tell us about your character, Sergeant Jim Dempsey, in NCIS Sydney.
Jim heads up the Australian Federal Police (AFP) division with NCIS. He’s a bit of a larrikin. He’s the go-to alpha man who gets the job done but also brings an element of Australian comedy, especially with the dynamic between him and Special Agent Mackey (Olivia Swann).
Do you have a favourite quote?
My wife introduced me to this one: five seconds of courage. It’s that moment before you make a decision. It can be as simple as going to the gym, but it’s also about making those big decisions that scare you. Anything with a level of fear to it is usually where you’ll make the biggest breakthroughs, emotionally, spiritually or psychologically.
Do you have a grooming tip?
When a makeup artist asks if I have a request, it’s hair powder. It’s in a shaker and it textures your hair – thicker and fuller. There’s no need for gels, mattes or clays. Shake it, shape it and walk out. It’s a game-changer.
Have you had a memorable wardrobe malfunction?
Not a malfunction, but on Spartacus we had what’s called a cock sock. It’s not a private moment when you step on set naked with a hundred people present. You walk in, arse out, with a strapped-on cock sock holding your junk in. That was a regular occurrence with those nude scenes. I think it’s funny when someone says, “Oh, I love Spartacus,” and the first thing that comes to mind is, “You’ve seen my arse!”
Briefs, boxers or freeballing?
Freeballing at night in bed. I’m a hot sleeper! Fitted boxers all day.
Who would you turn gay for?
It’s a cliche but Brad Pitt. When you look at films like Se7en and Fight Club, his performance is brilliant. He’s still got it, too! Those recent shots of him at Wimbledon… He’s killing it!
NCIS: Sydney is streaming on Paramount+. Follow Todd on Instagram @toddjlasance
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Photography: Glenn Francis/Wikipedia.
