TV Star Dylan Benson, one of the newest recruits on international soap “Home and Away”, talks inspirations, Margot Robbie and Batman with us in this exclusive interview.
Where do you call home?
Dylan Benson: I currently live in Rose Bay, in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.
Is that where you snag most of your jobs?
DB: Yep! Iʼve only ever been based in Sydney. Although sometimes I have to travel for shoots outside of Sydney. An example is in the Hunter Valley where I did a wedding editorial shoot
How did you get into acting?
DB: Iʼd done a few TV commercials in my teens but was never set on it as a career. I then took voice classes with Gabrielle Rogers when I was around 20 and things took off from there. Since then Iʼve been training regularly with Les Chantery who is an amazing screen coach. Once I started classes with him I couldnʼt get enough of acting!
Your parents started on the same soap that youʼre now going to do. Was there any hesitation at first to do it?
DB: Absolutely not. When I really started pushing the acting as a career around 22, Home and Away had been a goal. Iʼd auditioned a few times before with no luck. It was an amazing feeling to finally achieve it, after all those years of training
Are your characters related at all on the show?
DB: Nope. My character is in no way related to the ones played by my parents
Do you think your parents might stop by and catch up with the old cast and crew? Are most of them still there?
DB: A lot of the old cast and crew have moved on and arenʼt on the show anymore. Maybe two or three have stayed. Itʼs been around 20+ years since theyʼve been on it and a lot has changed since then
Is this your first soap?
DB: Yep! This role is my first soapie appearance. Hopefully the first of many.
Soaps seems to be what launches the film careers of many actors over there in Australia?
DB: Home and Away and Neighbours are definitely launching pads for a lot of careers. The list is quite extensive with Chris Hemsworth, Margot Robbie, Heath Ledger, Simon Baker and loads more all having been on the show. Itʼs definitely a good training ground and start for a long career in film.
Anyone whose career you especially admire?
DB: Margot Robbie is a true inspiration. She was on Neighbours for a while then took off to Hollywood. While she was on Neighbours she saved her money and trained for a solid US accent, with the long term goal of making it in LA. That level of dedication and discipline is inspiring to say the least. Sheʼs also an incredible actress and her career is exploding at only 29.
Tell us your dream role?
DB: My dream role is one where Iʼm challenged and look back on with pride and gratitude for the opportunity. Something thatʼs screened around the world and is moving for the people who view it. Canʼt really say specifically what kind of role but Iʼm sure Iʼd know it when it comes my way
If you could play any superhero on screen, who would it be?
DB: Batman. Hands down. The Dark Knight is one of my favourite films ever and loved the role of Batman in it. An opportunity to play such an iconic role would be life changing. Not only would it be a true challenge to take on such a role, Iʼd love to get into top shape and train to play Batman. It would be a dream come true!