Masters of craft: Damon Herriman
For decades Damon Herriman has been transforming himself on screen, building a career as one of the country’s most masterful actors. Known for turning out deeply layered performances, Damon is an actor’s actor who’s earned the respect of his peers and has the awards to prove it.
It was because of one of those award ceremonies that we first connected with Damon, creating a tuxedo for him to wear to the AACTA Awards. Now, just a few years later, we’re excited to introduce Damon as our latest ambassador.
Though he spends the majority of his time on film and television sets, Damon is most comfortable in the back garden of his home in Newtown. It was there we caught up with him, wearing a Tonik Wool Beige Suit and drinking coffee, for a chat about his journey with acting.
What’s your earliest recollection of an interest in acting?
I was eight when I started, and initially it just felt like playing. Getting to do this fun thing where you pretended to be other people. It wasn’t until I left high school that I started taking acting seriously – mainly because I couldn’t think of anything else to do.
What kind of training did you go through?
I never went to acting school. But I’ve certainly had some incredible on-the-job training. Whether it’s those things you pick up consciously or things you pick up without even realising, getting to work with amazing actors can only be a benefit.
What actors or artists did you look up to when you were younger?
I was a huge fan of Anthony Hopkins from the moment I saw him in The Elephant Man. He was really the gold standard for me.
You do a lot of work both here in Australia and the US. What’s the biggest difference in lifestyle between the two?
It’s funny, some things feel almost identical and others are like being on two different planets. It’s also a tricky comparison because most of my experience there has been in LA, which really isn’t representative of the rest of the country. We definitely have more of a coffee and breakfast culture here. And way better bread!
Now for some quick fire questions... Jeans or chinos?
Jeans.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs (cats if they’re affectionate).
Night in or night out?
Used to be out, but now I’m 60/40 siding with in.
We talk a lot about being masters of craft. What does that mean to you?
Someone who’s determined to aim for perfection – who does everything in their control to be the best at what they do. Whether it’s in fashion or in acting, I’d say it’s a pretty good outlook to have.
How would you describe your signature style?
Predominantly, a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. But that’s exactly why it’s nice to put on a great suit for special occasions.