10 Things about Callan McAuliffe
Originally from Australia, when did you decide that you would pursue acting as a career and how did you get your start?
Honestly, I was so young when I started that it’s all something of a blur, and I now have conflicting origin stories. The average essence, is that I did commercials as a kid in order to buy a dog, and at some point ended up in Rob Reiner’s “Flipped”.
Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman are just a few of many brilliant actors from Australia. Which actors have made a positive a positive impact on your career thus far?
Almost everybody I’ve worked with has impacted me positively through the kindness and respect they’ve exhibited on set. In such a way, I have great respect for Geoff Morrell (with whom I worked on the “Cloudstreet” miniseries a while back), and John Mahoney (who recently passed, and with whom I worked on “Flipped”). I’m also a big fan of what Joel Edgerton does, both in front of and behind the camera, though I’ve never acted with him (despite sharing a screen for “The Great Gatsby”). My favourite actors are Brendan Gleeson and Anthony Hopkins, but I haven’t worked with them yet, either!
Currently, you’re on AMC’s “The Walking Dead”. How were you first introduced to the series and what made you excited to be a part of this, now iconic show?
I was always aware of the show, and kept up with the narrative, by way of the character deaths that would regularly set the internet on fire. And how could I not be excited? It’s one of the biggest shows in the world, and I get to be a part of it.
On the show, you play the role of Alden. For those who don’t already know, what can you tell us about his personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?
Like many in the apocalypse, Alden has seen too much. But, he’s always endeavored to maintain his humanity – stepping as far as he can in the shoes of others. This side of him was put to the test recently, however, when Enid was killed. Of late, he has let his anger usurp his typical kindness, and that kind of conflict is fun to explore.
The show is always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Pretty much every episode is a cliff hanger. What can viewers and fans expect to see from Alden and the rest of the cast on this new season?
That’s a question I can’t give a satisfying answer to. But, I can say that we’re about to see The Walking Dead at its best.
Outside of your acting career, you’re very much involved in several charities that you lend your time and support to. What can you tell us about each one of them and why it’s important to you?
At the moment, UNICEF is the main focus. For me, demonstrable efficacy is more important than charitable intent alone, and UNICEF has the data. When I’m asking people to contribute to certain causes, it’s very important that I trust the recipients to properly utilize the donations. Why is it important to me? I’m a lucky guy and people click the links I post. It’s the least I can do.
A as a UNICEF Ambassador, you participated in the global UNICEF singing of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” with a large number of high profile musicians and children from around the globe for in 2015. What was that experience like for you?
An honour! I was hardly qualified, but was more than proud to have lent my voice.
If you weren’t working as an actor, what career choice would you make instead?
Were I smart enough, I’d work in the sciences. They are where I always wanted to be, but acting came easier!
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I dislike highly branded attire. There’s no faster way to ruin an item of clothing for me than to slap your brand across most of its visual real-estate. This is especially true of t-shirts. I refuse to die in a branded t-shirt, so I try not to wear them. I love the rustic simplicity of some of All Saint’s past catalogues, and I’m a big fan of Fossil watches, in particular their mechanicals. As far as fancy goes, it’s MJ Bale all the way.
We look forward to seeing you on AMC’s “The Walking Dead”. What other projects do you have coming up?
There’s a secret one that I’m not allowed to talk about. But, with any luck, you’ll hear about it anyway! Keep a weather eye out.
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Photos: Chase Anderson