Life

Arts Q&A: Medici actor Stephen Hagan on Bruno Mars, Snow Patrol and a stout bestie

Jenny Lee puts performers and artists on the spot about what really matters to them. This week, Co Antrim actor Stephen Hagan

Greenisland actor Stephen Hagan who recently appeared in the third series of Sky 1's blockbuster drama, Stan Lee’s Lucky Man will play artist Leonardo Da Vinci in the Netflix series Medici: The Magnificent
Greenisland actor Stephen Hagan who recently appeared in the third series of Sky 1's blockbuster drama, Stan Lee’s Lucky Man will play artist Leonardo Da Vinci in the Netflix series Medici: The Magnificent Greenisland actor Stephen Hagan who recently appeared in the third series of Sky 1's blockbuster drama, Stan Lee’s Lucky Man will play artist Leonardo Da Vinci in the Netflix series Medici: The Magnificent

1. When did you think about a career as an actor and what were your first steps into it?

I was always quite a performer when I was young and remember singing at a very young age at family gatherings. It was my mum who looked into drama classes and productions to help me spread my wings.

2. Best gigs you’ve been to?

I saw Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in Los Angeles at the start of last year. It was magical. It was also the first gig I’d ever been to on my own, which added a whole new level to it as I was focused on the show and nothing else.

3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?

Bruno Mars. I saw him and his band at the O2 in London. Even though the place is massive you felt like you were at party in his living room. Superb atmosphere. It’s the only gig I wanted to go straight back to the day after.

4. The record you’d take to a desert island?

Snow Patrol – The Final Straw. It brings back so many memories from when I first moved to London.

5. And the book?

I recently read a biography of Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. I feel it would inspire me to build something to get off the island or invent something to help me survive. Great writing about a great man.?

6. Top three films?

Back to the Future 1, 2, and 3.

7. Worst film you’ve seen?

In my line of work you can learn something from everything. But I’d have to say Against The Dark, starring myself. Ricky’s face really annoyed me.

8. Favourite authors?

Ross Armstrong and Tara Flynn.

9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?

Rugby (Ulster and Ireland) and football (Arsenal).

10. Ideal holiday destination?

A boat in the Greek islands with my wife and children.

11. Pet hate?

People not flushing the toilet on a boat in the Greek islands.

12. What’s your favourite:

Dinner? Medium-rare sirloin steak, chunky triple-cooked chips and broccoli.

Dessert? Warm rhubarb crumble with cold ambrosia custard.

Drink? Guinness.?

13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?

Guinness – I can’t remember the night we first met.

14. Is there a God?

Everyone has a right to believe whatever they want. They also have a responsibility to not be a dick about it.

:: Stephen Hagan is set to play artist Leonardo Da Vinci in series three of Netflix's high-profile drama series Medici: The Magnificent about the Medici dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential families in 15th century Europe. Series 2 is currently showing on Netflix.