Craig Horner has had quite a year.
It wasn’t a year ago that he flew to New Zealand to star in his own show, Legend of the Seeker, the latest fantasy romp from the visionaries behind Xena: Warrior Princess, Rob Tapert and Sam Raimi.
And since then, his life had been turned upside down. The show has broken out as a solid hit and made plenty of fans (including yours truly; read my latest recaps of the show here and here).
Craig, an Australian native, has been at the center of a media storm.
But that doesn’t mean he has been a total trooper. Craig, 25, spoke to me by phone from New Zealand. According to a publicist, to determine the time there compared to the U.S., “You just subtract four hours and move forward one day.”
My math is terrible, but I think that means was up very early, and squeezing me in before a grueling day’s shoot.
But you never would’ve known it during our chat. He couldn’t have been more charming:
TheTorchOnline: I know you had a successful film and TV career in Australia before landing this role, but I’m wondering if you can’t relate to the character of Richard in that your life was much simpler a year ago, and then the producers of this show showed up and changed everything, just like with Richard.
Craig Horner: Oh, man, you hit the nail right on the head right there. It was just that big kind of leap into the next level of my career. I was forced to step up into the lead of a show with 22 episodes, move to another country, set myself up, and yeah, you couldn’t be more right. I’ve really grown up.
TTO: There are leads, and there are leads. You are in almost every scene, and it’s a very demanding role. How are you holding up?
CH: I’m holding up, man, I’m still going. I’ve got three weeks to go, and then I’ll probably collapse and vegetate and go into a coma. It’s been pretty full-on. It’s been long hours. There’s not a day when there’s not horse-riding and sliding and just running around. And every episode, almost every scene, it’s like the end of the world. And you can’t just walk through a scene where the whole world is at stake. You can’t just sit around and go, “What’d you have for breakfast?”
But it’s good. I love it.
TTO: Sometimes when I do something in life that I really enjoy, it seems like everything that came before it was leading up to that moment. Does it feel a little like destiny getting this role, a really good fit?
CH: You couldn’t be more right. You can only only live in the moment, and allow whatever the moment’s doing to move through you. But when I do look back on it, I was just being myself by using my imagination as a kid, and running through the house with a sword. And then I got into acting, and then I got into this, and I couldn’t do what I’m doing now without my enthusiasm for acting and sword-fighting and imagination and filmmaking and creativity.
Yeah, you’re right, everything’s led to this moment. Hopefully there will be more roles as well, but it’s a snowball effect.
TTO: I asked my readers to help me with questions to ask you, and I was really surprised by how many responses I got. A lot people asked what it’s like on the set. Who’s the biggest cut-up? Is it serious? Is it funny? What’s the tone?
CH: Well, we’re trying to shoot feature-film quality on TV turnaround schedules, so there’s not a lot of time for goofing around and blooper reels. Me and Bridget can’t come out and start jumping around. We just can’t do that, but we really want to.
There’s an element of pressure, but we try not to let the stress come in. But generally, everyone on the set is pretty chill. They’ve been doing this for ten years, since the Xena days.
TTO: So it is all the Xena crowd?
CH: Yeah, and Lord of the Rings. When you’re the lead of the show, you sort of set the tone of the set, along with the director. If the lead is a brat or a princess, and just a stuck-up idiot, then no one’s going to want to show up to work on that show. No one’s going to want to do his make-up or put his clothes on him.
People won’t care about the show or his character, and it’ll fall part. So I try to show that enthusiasm, but it’s not hard, because I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the show. Sometimes I can be tired, I can be exhausted, but generally I’m being enthusiastic, because I love being here.
TTO: I’ve heard Lucy Lawless say the same thing about her days in Xena, how being the focus of everything, she soon realized she was setting the tone for the whole set. Speaking of which, is there any chance she’ll guest on the show in the second season?
CH: I have no idea, but I can ask Rob [Tapert] and get back to you!
TTO: A lot of people asked me to ask you how you manage to stay in such great shape.
CH: For a year before I did this, I had a job where I played a character who was supposed to be a good shape. I think it’s generally a good idea for people to do some sort of bodybuilding or exercise, just for general well-being.
And I fell in love with it, so I kept with it even after that. Fortunately, when Legend of the Seeker came up, in the books, the character is supposed to be quite muscular and strong. So I had a reason to keep it up and amp it up even more. I love training five times a week, now I’m trying to [get in] two days a week.
You know what I did yesterday? I said to my runner, he drives Bridget and me home, she was running late, and I said to my runner, “Greg, pick me up, matey, I’m running down the road now, I’m getting some exercise!” And he was like, “Are you mad?” And I’m like, “Yup,” and I started running. The crew’s seeing the lead actor running down the road and going, “What the hell? Dude, do you need a lift?” And I’m saying, “No, I’m fine!”
TTO: In researching you, I quickly learned that you’ve becoming something of a sex symbol. How does that make you feel?
CH: I don’t think about it, to be honest. It’s great get to people’s attention, briefly, and then hopefully they can appreciate my acting. And I can bring them something, more than just eye-candy. But it’s all just fun and games, I guess.
TTO: I’ve noticed that the show is shot in HD, and you really see everything. Do you ever wake up with a zit and think, “Oh, God, I can’t go to work!”
CH: You know, I don’t even look in the mirror. I get up and go to work and don’t think about it. I’ve got a make-up artist, and they’re going to do my hair properly, to make me look decent.
And you’re right, for those reasons, once you start thinking, “Oh, I’ve got a zit,” you can’t go there.
TTO: Down that road lies madness. Do you have any idea what’s going to happen in the next season? Do you have any input, any idea?
CH: No one knows. I think they’re going to take the three months and sit and try to decide the arc. I don’t know, but I’m going to pitch to direct an episode. I’d really like to do that.
[Editor's Clarification: While the producers of the show are moving ahead with a second season and it is likely to come back, it has not yet been "officially" greenlit. It's a syndicated show, which mean commitments must be received from local markets. So far, 48 of the 50 top markets have committed.]
TTO: I know you said you’re going to collapse when the shooting is done, but do you have plans for the hiatus after that?
CH: I’m going to head over to Los Angeles for about two months with a friend or two. My new agency is there, and I’ll scope out what they want me to see, what’s going on.
It’s getting cold here now, so it’ll be good to head to a warm environment like Los Angeles.
TTO: Where’s your posse? Your friends must be back home. Are you single? Do you have a group of friends who travel with you, or do you just make friends wherever you go?
CH: It’s kinda cool. I am single, but I’ve got a lot of good buddies, I’ve got two or three good buddies, two or three really close blokes, really good boys, one from Brisbane as well as me, one from Rock Hampton. We all moved to Sydney to be actors together.
TTO: Have they been cast in the show?
CH: Yeah, I flew ‘em over, and they stayed with me for a month, and I got them on the show. Rory was a soldier, and Glenn was, like, the village idiot. It was nice just to have them on the set.
TTO: My final question. If you, Craig, talked to the Confessor, what do you think she would say you’ve learned in the past year? What wisdom have you gained about yourself and the world?
CH: I guess how to withstand pain. There’s a line from the show, I think from Zed, which is, “Don’t think about the past or what will be. See only what is.” And I’ve learned to do that, because I’ve been through a lot. I’ve learned to accept what is is what is.
Interested in buying The Sword of Truth books (or any other product)? Support TheTorchOnline.com by purchasing them through this link.
Special thanks to Eef, Ashley, Dana, Ethan, Stephen, Carmencita, LostinDarkness, Amanda, Caroline, Carrie, Annie, Bethany, Maria, Gina, Omar, and all the others who suggested questions, which I tried to incorporate into my own!
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the legend of the seeker is the best thing that ever happened to the small screen world.. hehehehe
well, craig horner was born 1983 january 24,,,ryt? so that makes him 27 tears old.. still young, for me. hahaha
i am his fan. one day, ill fly to australia and will get the chance to talk to him i person. he seems to be a very spontaneous and a fun loving person like me. :)
do you have information about his girlfriend or lovelife? please update me.. here’s my ymail, facebook , multiply and friendster:
maycee01_koganei29@yahoo.com
please..please. that would be of great help.
love you guyss.. :))
noooo she reminds me of lindsy lohan that bitch
I t is a good post
I know it list his age as 25, but by chance did you ever happen to learn his date of birth? Some of us Craig Horner fans have been wondering whats his western zodiac sign is? Different sites have said either Gemini, Capricorn, or Sagittarius.
Hey Brent with the upcoming new season of Seeker are you going to be doing any more interviews with the cast of Seeker. If so can you give us an update as to when we will see them.
I’m working on an interview with Briget, but the show has switched publicists, and they haven’t been very responsive.
Soooo…nothing yet, but working on it.
Great interview Brent i loved it. I’ve read the books and loved them and was so excited when they were making a show based on them, the show has not disappointed me it is great. Great actors and scenery really brings the books words to life.Thank you for asking an array of questions and I hope you do more interviews soon.
THE INTERVIEW WENT GREAT YOU ASKED ALL THE QUESTION I WOULD HAVE ASKED IF I INTERVIEWED HIM BUT IS HE REALLY SINGEL AS OF NOW
To repeat what everyone has been saying, “what a great interview!” I just recently finished watching the season on legendoftheseeker.com and finished the first book Wizard’s First Rule. I love the show’s adaptation of the book as the main characters stay true to the book as portrayed by the actors! Both Craig and Bridget did a wonderful job in playing Richard and Kahlan, respectively. Rarely am I satisfied with the TV/movie portrayal of the characters as I am with the TV version of Richard and Kahlan, and even Zedd!
Brent: Great job on your original questions for Craig!
Thanks, Holly, I appreciate that! :-)
This was a super interview. Some good questions. Will you be interviewing Craig and some of the others again? Love to find out what they did during hiatus to keep the characters fresh, real for the second season . Also has Craig done any theater? From what you said he has done mostly film and TV, not that that is bad. Love his voice. Kahlen sang a little in Listener. Craig plays guitar and writes music, does he sing? Thanks again for the interview. :)
He is such a fantastic actor, he’s also very beautiful. It’s not just the outside either, you can tell that his soul is very deep and beautiful as well. You’re very lucky to have spent time chatting with him. I wish I could do the same. So many questions I’d ask.
I enjoyed this interview, I’m glad you didn’t ask the typical set of questions most people ask. Hey, maybe one day you’ll interview me when I become the successful actress I aspire to be.
I appreciate that! And maybe I WILL interview you one day. :-)
no he is not gay
Is he gay? I’ve read that he was but I’m not sure because they were not specific enough.
Agree 110%.
I want to know his regular gym routine as well. He seems kind of slim, yet obviously very defined (as opposed to being just a mass of hulking muscle).
Great interview. Thanks. I started watching the show because I grew up reading books in this genre. I then got caught up in the relationship between the two main characters. What amazing chemistry. I wasn’t expecting that from this type of show but both actors have done an amazing job with their roles. I have fibromyalgia and am in pain most of the time. I walk and have tried swimming to not let my muscles atrophy too much and I have to say that Craig’s physique has inspired me to try working out again although very slowly as doing just a little too much can result in excruciating pain for the next few days. I don’t think actors know how much influence their efforts can influence others. Thanks to Craig’s commitment to this role and working out I have been inspired to not only feel better but to look better. I wish I knew his routine. I can’t really play any sports anymore (maybe someday) but I can try to work out in the gym with my physical therapist. If you ever have the chance to interview him again a general thank you to him would be appreciated. Also, if you ever get any specifics on his routine to look like he does (very ripped) I would have a more specific process to reach my goal and maybe alleviate some of this pain. I wish maybe Men’s Fitness would use him as a cover model and maybe have him explain his exercise routine. Well, I’ve gone on much too long. I apologize. Again, great job and thank you.
Dave
Nah, you didn’t go on too long. He’s definitely an inspiration to me. Nice to hear he is for you too…
omg i can not get off ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i love legend of the seeker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG OMG!!! I LOVE LEGEND OF THE SEEKER IT ROCK NEVER MISSED AN EPPISODED
Brent, thanks for a great interview! Greg sounds like a guy with a lot of talent as well as just being a nice person. I hope he directs at least one episode of Legend of the Seeker.
Correction: Craig, not Greg.
I wish I had found your website earlier. For one you write cool and funny reviews(which I am in the process of reading), but you got to speak to Craig. I would have loved to suggest a question. Not that you would have asked it; it really is not very deep. Anyway here it is. Why is his birthday and height not listed any where on the web(my bible imdb.com) ? It is like some super secret or something? It is just weird with as many credits as he has that his birthday is not at least listed.
Anyway, keep up the cool reviews! I love LOTS!
Great interview. I agree that you asked some questions that were a little different to the usuals. I’m one of Craig’s best mates and it’s awesome to see him doing so well. It was good to see him after the filming of the first season as it was just like old times. He hasn’t changed a bit which is a good thing! If it was me, I’m sure I’d be babbling about the show to the point of boring people. Instead we just shot some hoops and talked cr@p as always. Keep up the good work mate. Talk to you soon.
Oh and good interview Brent.
Thanks, I appreciate that. And Craig seemed like a really nice guy! It’s nice to know he hasn’t changed.
Awesome interview, Brent! And I was totally pleased with the questions you asked.
I appreciate that, Professor Watermelon!
Oh!! This is cool! Love the actors!Aka Craig and Briget! Not because of there looks really, but that they really care about the show!!And that they are doing a good job as Richard, and Kahlan! Their kinda what I imagined *their looks* when I was reading the books! They have the personality, they have whole package! If not their working on it! LOVE IT!
Aww man loved it how he just ran, when Bridget was being late…. Haha! He seems to be a mellow kinda guy,
One obvious question missed–does he see his career following that of Heath Ledger–where Heath gained fame with ROAR. If the comparison is apt, does he see himself growing into more character roles.
I don’t think speaking about the deceased should be a taboo subject. Leaving interesting questions off the table just because it might affect the subject’s sensibilities leads to boring answers and supplies the reader/listener/viewer with little insight. Might as well rewrite a press release from a publicist.
Outside of that, a short, pleasant interview. Though somehow your personality seemed to show more than the subject’s. Maybe Craig Horner’s just a boring guy.
I can’t imagine not asking a question because I’m worried about offending someone. If it’s an appropriate question, I ask it, even if it’s sometimes uncomfortable.
The real issue is time. It was a short interview. You simply can’t ask all the questions that need to be asked.
The very last picture of them in the article is super-cute. They are both doing such a great job. Their enthusiam for the sries, commitment and talent really show.
What does that mean that it hasn’t officially been renewed? I thought it HAD been….
Very confused now. :-(
No, not officially. Things look really really good, but ABC/Disney has not made it official. But this is more a factor of the show being syndicated, so it takes long to get all the individual affiliates on board.
He seems very sweet. And hey, he’s single!!!
Hey, why is my icon fat? :-(
He seems to be a VERY nice guy.
And doncha know, avatars put on ten pounds? :-)
Ha! I’ve noticed that about the HD too!
Great job on the interview. You asked some really good questions that hadn’t been asked a million times before. Thanks. :)
Thanks, I tried REALLY hard not to just ask the obvious ones. :-)