5 Things I Learned Interviewing ‘Stranger Things’ David Harbour in Monmouth, Maine
What a night!
Here's something I learned about David...he's a VERY lovely and generous man. Saturday, August 12 at the Theater at Monmouth, I (Lori Voornas) was on stage with David for 90 minutes interviewing him. It was a fundraiser for the theater where David was a member for four seasons in the mid-90s. There was a little reception with food after at the Tavern on the Hill 305 in Winthrop. That was so much fun and the perfect mix of people and yummy food. We all got a chance to say hi to David and grab a quick photo.
But prior to that, the interview itself went very well. Since there is a writers and actors strike, David wasn't able to talk about his work on 'Stranger Things' or any film work. He is striking to support actors who are starting out and not able to make a living at it. It's not about the David Harbours of the world, it's about the thousands of actors who aren't on your television nightly. That's why he's on the picket lines in support. It did not matter, because David Harbour and his time at Theater at Monmouth produced 90 minutes of fascinating chit-chat. Here are 5 things I learned that I loved.
1. His left side is his good side.
On stage were two chairs, I went to sit in the one on the right (from the audience). He leaned over to me and asked if he could have that chair because 'that's my good side'. Since I don't have a good side, I let him take it.
2. He never had a backup plan.
When asked, 'What was your backup plan?' David quoted Al Pacino who told him, that good actors don't need a backup plan. He was shy about saying it because he knows how that sounds. But it's more about the drive and passion he has for acting. He simply can't do anything else. He has to act, so he has to make it work.
3. His time at the Theater in Monmouth was the happiest he'd ever been.
David was a member of Theater at Monmouth for four years and loved every minute of it. He loved going to Cumberland Farms down the street and having older actors buy him beer. But, beyond the fun, he loved that it was a true heaven for serious actors. He has incredibly fond memories of his time there.
4. Met his wife Lily Allen on a dating app.
He was in London and not seeing anyone and decided to check out an app and found Lily. He loved her music and thought she was a hot ticket. They've been together ever since. Bonus fact - he loves being a stepdad and says it has redefined the word love for him.
5. He's no foodie because 'food is fuel'.
He'll go out to a nice restaurant, but food is fuel. He could also 'just as easily have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich'. So, don't expect him to review any upcoming restaurants.
But mostly the thing I learned about David Harbour is that he's a pretty serious actor who loves what he does and loves who he does it for. He has a couple of projects that he couldn't talk about, but I could see in those baby blue eyes, he's very excited about. I can't wait for this strike to be over. Thank you to Theater at Monmouth for allowing me to be part of this great night.