15 questions with actor Paul Gross starring as King Lear at Stratford

About 23 years ago, acclaimed Toronto actor and director Paul Gross made his first stage appearance at the Stratford Festival production of Hamlet in the lead role as the Prince of Denmark. Now, decades later, he’s back and now he’s the King of England. Gross is set to star in the iconic Shakespeare tragedy King Lear, which opens May 30 and runs until Oct. 29. 

What is it like to be back on the Stratford Festival stage to perform?

Oh God, you can’t imagine how beautiful that feels. There is something so magical about that stage. It’s epic.

How was the first day of King Lear previews?

It was really good. The funny thing, though, when you do a preview, it was actually exceptionally good, but you’re also in the middle of it thinking, “OK, that didn’t work. That’s got to change. This has to do that.” But by and large, I thought it was amazing.

How does King Lear rank in terms of your storied career?

This will be the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life, outside of Hamlet. Everything else you do it’s fun. It’s great. You’re committed to it. I mean, I’ve made movies that I’m committed to, but nothing will touch this.

It’s a pretty good group you’re working with on this.

Yes, this extraordinarily cohesive unit is just driving toward something. I was really impressed by that last, “Oh, my God, that’s actually there.” You know, it’s happening. Right? Something which is a fairly elusive in most productions, I think. It was great. I thought we’d write a lot to do, you know, a lot to figure out.

What is your approach when taking on a monumental role like Lear?

I don’t really have an approach to acting at all. Whatever happens happens. And I took that into the broader base to approach Lear, which is just to start reading the play, read it a hundred times, and start talking it out loud to yourself, to your dogs. And then eventually it will pull out of you what you need to do that part.

Any similarity between Lear and your last role at Stratford, Hamlet?

No, I mean, the only similarity I suppose is the level of pressure you might feel playing a part like this.

You feel the pressure of the moment?

The weird thing is I don’t feel any pressure up there. I get out on the stage, and I ramble my head off, and I scream my brains out, and I just really don’t care what anyone thinks. And I mean that kind of seriously, because they’re going to take it wherever they take it. And by the end of the play, all of them will be wounded. Because that’s what Lear does. They will cry. 

What was your first job?

In the parking authority of Toronto. There’s a parking garage in Toronto that was built purely on my whim.

What is the worst piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Well, I think it was probably when I auditioned for theatre school. I think it was the National Theatre School, that audition. They said you will never be a good actor, so quit.

What is your favourite Toronto view?

Cherry Beach.

Who in Toronto would Paul Gross most like to hang out with?

Doug Ford.

Which trait do you most dislike in yourself?

Selfishness.

What is your greatest fear?

To reach a point where I could no longer work. I like work. 

Which living person do you most admire?

Martha Burns.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Doing King Lear at Stratford and then meeting my wife [Martha Burns], having a good meal, and going to bed.