On the heels of his Emmy-nominated performance in Ryan Murphy’s Hollywood, New England native Dylan McDermott introduces the new-age villain. NBC’s highly anticipated Law & Order: Organized Crime made a splash on the small screen this spring with the addition of native New Englander and Golden Globe winner Dylan McDermott. From his acclaimed role as Bobby Donnell in The Practice to the electrifying portrayal of Dr. Ben Harmon in American Horror Story: Murder House, McDermott knows how to keep audiences guessing. We sat down with the actor to chat about characters, beaches and the art of wellness.
Soon, we’ll travel again. Where are you most excited to visit?
My daughters and I are going to Costa Rica. I just love it there, so I think that’s going to be my first stop.
Summer in New England— what’s your go-to spot?
When I was a kid, I used to go to Hammonasset Beach. I also joined the Polar Bear Club in Rhode Island many years ago.
What’s up with your Law & Order character, Richard Wheatley?
I always try to take an animal when I’m doing a character; an octopus categorizes Richard. He changes form and shape—you don’t know where you stand with him.
What’s on your Spotify playlist right now that would be perfect for a New England road trip?
‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ by Roy Ayers, ‘Next Lifetime’ by Erykah Badu, ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ by the Fugees and ‘Thinkin Bout You’ by Frank Ocean.
This is our Wellness Issue—how do you personally maintain good health?
Mind, body and spirit [are] like a triangle, right? So when one of those is off, you’re off. I like to eat the right foods, exercise and take care of my body. I try to fill up my mind with good thoughts and pursue good deeds. My spirit is always seeking, always trying to find a deeper and better part of myself.
Photography by: David Higgs
