‘We’re defined by our compassion’: Harry McNaughton on finding true Happiness

As his musical rom-com Happiness returns to New Zealand screens tonight, Harry McNaughton reveals the best advice he’s ever had. 

Harry McNaughton may be fondly remembered by a generation of New Zealand television viewers as Shortland Street receptionist Gerald Tippett, but there’s much more to the actor, writer and producer than a single role. After leaving Ferndale, McNaughton worked on numerous successful local TV dramas, from The Pact and Under the Vines to Madam and Friends Like Her, but it's his most recent project that sees McNaughton back in front of the camera in the charming musical comedy Happiness.

Described as a cross between Schitt’s Creek and Glee, Happiness was created by Luke Di Somma and Kip Chapman and stars McNaughton and Rebecca Gibney. McNaughton plays Charlie Summers, an uptight Broadway director who returns home to Tauranga, moves in with his mum and reluctantly becomes involved with the local amateur theatre company. Madeleine Sami is the head writer for the show’s second season, which begins tonight and sees Charlie take on a new Sherlock Holmes theatrical production in the hope of repairing his tarnished reputation. 

Charlie could certainly do with some helpful life advice, but what are the best words of wisdom that McNaughton has ever received? Ahead of the launch of Happiness season two, McNaughton reveals why compersion is so important and why he wants to eat gelato with every meal. 

What bothers you most about the world right now?

The prevalence of  misinformation/disinformation. It’s bonkers that we’re still debating whether climate change is real, or if genocides are happening. I’m hoping this election is a chance for New Zealanders to remind each other that we are defined by our compassion and cleverness.

What sort of people do you avoid?

Anyone cruel or closed-minded. Also, over the last few years I’ve been burnt by a few people whose egos were orders of magnitude larger than their abilities; it makes for a unique kind of fragility that can turn nasty very quickly.

What makes you want to get up in the morning?

My husband, my daughter, and work. Despite the chronic instability and current unsustainability of my industry, I love the things I get to make, and the people I get to make them with.

How do you hold onto hope in these crazy times?

See above.

What is the single best quality a human can have?

Compersion. I think Buddhists call it Mudita? The ability to take pleasure in others’ happiness could, in my opinion, sort out a bunch of shit pretty quickly.

What’s over-rated?

Meditation. Don’t come for me. I wish I could, but I can’t. I go to the gym instead. Christ, this answer gets more embarrassing by the word.

What’s under-rated?

Gelato. I would have it at every meal if I could. Shout out to Giapo – no-one makes me drool like that man. Except maybe Ryan Phillippe in Cruel Intentions. 13-year-old Harry spent a lot of time rewatching that pool scene.

If you could have a do-over, what would you change?

I’d love to have had more confidence in myself and my desires in early adulthood.

What brings you joy?

Among other things, my family, my friends, making things, and eating things.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

The queen herself, Morgana O’Reilly, once told me your career is defined by the things you say no to. I’m probably butchering the quote, sorry Morgs. It has taken me way too long to figure out why that’s important.

What advice do you wish you’d never followed?

My first manager in the US asked me without asking me to pretend to be straight in auditions. No wonder I never got work over there.

When you’re feeling low, what helps?

The same things that bring me joy. With extra salt, fat and sugar.

In what ways is public-facing Harry McNaughton different to private Harry McNaughton?

I think they’re probably quite similar? Although I wouldn’t publish the content of various group chats I’m in.

Give us some life advice...

Soz guys, I’m a new parent who works in the arts. I’m taking, not giving.

Happiness streams on ThreeNow and screens on Thursdays at 8.30pm on Three.