The New Zealand actor shares the words of wisdom that have defined his life. 

Dean O’Gorman has been a fixture on New Zealand television screens for nearly four decades. After making his New Zealand acting debut when he was 12 years old in kidult drama Raiders of the South Seas, O’Gorman went on to star in a plethora of iconic television series both here and in Australia, including Shortland Street, Young Hercules, McLeod’s Daughters, The Almighty Johnsons, Westside and After the Party. He’s also enjoyed an extensive film career, from  Bonjour Timothy to The Convert to playing Fili In the Hobbit film trilogy, making him one of Aotearoa’s most recognisable and experienced actors. 

O’Gorman returns to our screens this week in Three’s new local crime drama Ms X. He plays Oscar, a private investigator who offers to help an old school friend Mia (Melissa George), who suspects her husband of being unfaithful. What Mia doesn’t know, however, is that Oscar lives behind a rundown video store and that this is his first ever case, and his wild schemes are about to expose them to Auckland’s criminal underbelly. O’Gorman gives a lively, hilarious performance as the unpredictable Oscar, and stars alongside Simone Kessell, Oscar Kightly and Robbie Magasiva.

While his character might not have his life together in Ms X, O’Gorman has gathered plenty of words of wisdom since he first appeared on our screens. Here, he shares his best life advice, including a shocking statement about stacking a dishwasher. 

What bothers you most about the world right now? 

Feelings masquerading as fact.

What sort of people do you avoid?

I like to give everyone a chance. My snap judgements on people are usually wrong, so I’ll have a chat with pretty much anyone… for a bit.

What makes you want to get up in the morning? 

Having to wee. Making coffee and chatting with my daughter while my wife Sarah gets caffeinated.

How do you hold onto hope in these crazy times? 

Cynicism is a defence against hope, so I scroll less and hold to the idea that if it isn’t alright, it isn’t the end. 

What is the single best quality a human can have? 

Empathy.

What’s over-rated? 

Opinions.

What’s under-rated? 

Kindness.

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

Probably give some of my chest hair to those in need. Maybe I’d say yes to some more things when I was younger – but I like where I am at the moment and don’t believe you can cherry pick your way through life.

What brings you joy? 

My wife, my daughter, my dog and an open bar.

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

Start with prosecco and start slow – you’ll stay awake longer.

What advice do you wish you’d never followed? 

Buy two love birds instead of one, or they’ll get lonely. Turns out they don’t. They just form a VIP club. I had two birds flying around my house that didn’t want a bar of me.

Tell us about a controversial opinion you hold. 

It doesn’t matter how you stack a dishwasher. Dog bowls don’t need to be washed. Not everything happens for a reason.

When you’re feeling low, what helps? 

A motorbike ride on Highway 16 in the sun with my friend Jamie.

In what ways is public-facing Dean O’Gorman different to private Dean O’Gorman? 

At home Dean is usually covered in food, paint stains and ripped clothes trying to nap. Public me is a bit more groomed, but still loves a nap.

Give us some life advice. 

Take advice with a healthy dose of skepticism. Having said that, an old friend of mine told me to water the flowers as well as the weeds, which I like.

Ms X premieres on Three and ThreeNow on Monday August 3 at 8.30pm.