Comic and movie expos swarming with adoring fans is what fuels the passion and commitment actors have for their work in imaginary worlds, according to The X-Files star Dean Haglund.
“When you do a TV show, you’re just in a studio and you go home, and maybe your mum calls you and goes ‘you look a little fat on the show’, and that’s about the only feedback you get,” Haglund says.
“It’s nice to come to where there are fans to have discussions with about your work and the show, and that actually fuels a lot of the actors to keep doing what they do.”
Known for his role as Richard Langly, one of The Lone Gunmen in the science fiction series The X-Files, the outlandish Canadian actor will be making his second guest appearance at the upcoming Australian Movie and Comic Expo in Melbourne this October.
Chatting to the star whilst he walks his Doberman Pinscher’s through the streets of Sydney (and letting it slip I’ve never attended an expo before), Haglund says the expo is an eye-opening experience, even for those who are just mildly curious.
“Oh my gosh, I insist you come. It’s not how the movies portray it – we are not just a bunch of nerds. It’s actually so fun to see, especially the new generation of kids that are totally into it [The X-Files] now, coming to say hi and just having a chat. And that’s what it’s all about.”
With university studies science and a hobby in nanotechnology, the actor, inventor and visual artist admits to the similarities between himself and his eccentric character, making his appearance at the expo even more exciting for fans of the series.
“The whole time during the show, it was always my real hair – I’ve cut it short now though. The glasses were fake, but it would be my own wardrobe – except for the T-shirt. I would just put on a Ramones tee and suddenly that was it, I was in character.
“However, I don’t know if I’m that paranoid.”
Between sharing classic ‘dad jokes’, chatting about his side venture in pet portraiture and “top secret” inventions, Haglund explains his true passion is comedy, which has seen him tour around the world performing critically acclaimed improvised comedy shows, and inspire him to potentially open a comedy and improv theatre in Sydney.
“I was doing stand up to actually pay my way through theatre school. I consider it my waiter job – it’s the one I can always fall back on. I just really enjoy it.”
Last year Haglund gave fans at the expo a full sensory experience with a one-man improvised episode of The X-Files live on stage, where he used audience members to play Mulder and Scully in the quest for truth. While not making any promises as he will be spending the evening hosting the first ever Apollo Awards (a ceremony based on fan voting), Haglund says the improvised comedy show may be on the cards again this year.
“You’ll just have to come and find out.”
For the full list of talent visit www.amcexpo.com.au
Written by Talia Rinaldo
When & Where: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne – October 15-16