NBC’s Constantine (premiering Friday, Oct. 24), the series spinoff of the comic book Hellblazer and the 2005 movie Constantine, features blond and British Matt Ryan as John Constantine. A seasoned demon hunter and master of the occult, Constantine decides, with his soul already damned to hell, to abandon his campaign against evil — until a series of events thrusts him back into the fray, working to protect the innocent. Playing Constantine’s sidekick Chas is Charles Halford, an artistic, thoughtful vegan from Utah who is perhaps best recognized for his disturbing serial-killer role on HBO’s True Detective. Hopefully for Halford, Constantine will change that image. He says when people recognize him, “They all expect me to be some homicidal, child-trafficking meth addict. … So that’s always a little awkward.” To prove you have nothing to fear, we grilled Halford with our 7 Questions:
1) What has been your strangest fan encounter?
Almost any fan encounter I got from True Detective. Fortunately, I was pretty incognito in a jockstrap and bleach blond hair. Since I don’t wear that around very often, it takes the rare fan, but when they do recognize me, they’re expecting a meth-addicted child trafficker.
2) Tell us about a time when you were starstruck.
I was working on Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I was riding up an elevator, and the guy in front of me was talking. And I said, “Who is this? He sounds familiar.” It was Bill Paxton. He was one of the actors, when I was coming up, who made me realize what acting was. Bill turned to me, and said, “I’m in love with [True Detective]. That’s some of the best TV I’ve seen.” That moment, to me, will stand out for ages. The fact that one of my idols actually recognized my work. It’s one of those moments where, here’s a man who’s inspired me in so many different ways, and I’m offering him some sort of entertainment. I worked with Anthony Hopkins back in the day, as well. He doesn’t seem human, he’s so big. And then he’s so human when you meet him.
3) If your TV carried just three shows or networks, what would they be?
I don’t know if you’re familiar with The Young Ones, the British comedy series. The Andy Griffith Show. I used to skip school. I used to fake sick. That was some of my first acting experience, acting my way into not going to school. And I would watch reruns of Andy Griffith the whole time. The third one would have to be a guilty pleasure, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I just thought it was so much fun.
4) You’re at a magazine rack and can only pick three titles. Which ones do you choose?
I was a skateboarder growing up, so I don’t even know if Thrasher is still in print [Editor’s note: It is!], but I was always a fan of that. I’m a big fan of Juxtapoz. It’s like an art rag. And Playboy, for the articles, of course.
5) What are three things you have to have in your fridge or pantry?
Chili peppers. Super spicy. I actually grew ghost chilis and scorpion chilis before I moved to Atlanta. Tofutti Cuties, which are tofu vegan ice cream snacks. And I’d have to go with peanut butter.
6) What’s a movie you can watch over and over again?
The Princess Bride. I could watch it for days.
7) What is your favorite sports team?
The Utah Jazz. I’m from Utah. It’s the only sports team we have. I grew up in the Malone and Stockton days.
Photo: Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBC