Q. Was it difficult for you to fit into your character's role and act as if you really knew all your family and friends well, when in fact you were a virtual stranger to them?
Paul: Yes, it was like alien abduction, not that it’s happened to me; but all the guys I work with are so friendly that you feel like old mates instantly.
Q. Did you have a sleepless night before your first day on set?
Paul: Yes, many nights before. It was like I was a kid waiting for Christmas. You just don’t know what to expect, I still don’t. That’s exciting. .
Q. Did you experience ‘stagefright’ before your very first scene on Home and Away?
Paul: No, but I’m pretty sure my heart missed a beat, twice!
Q. Can you compare how you felt that first week to how you feel now about the rest of the crew on Home and Away?
Paul: It’s all the same. Great people, doing a job. .
Q. Do you get to choose the clothes you wear in the series – and are they the style of clothes you would wear in your private life?
Paul: No, I don’t really have a say. My private life clothes are very different….
Q. What is the most embarrassing moment you’ve had whilst filming? Was it a disaster – did it stop the show?
Paul: Haven’t had any yet, but working on it. .
Q. Are there any aspects or issues in the series that are similar to any situations you have known or experienced in your own family?
Paul: Great family, yeah! .
Q. Are you a natural surfer – can you ride a wave?
Paul: Not sure, hope so. I love to surf, much better at body boarding, considered going pro….
Q. Your star sign is Scorpio. Do you think you have any similar characteristics to your zodiacal star sign?
Paul: Yeah.
Q. Do you play a musical instrument – and what kind of music are you into?
Paul: I play G-tar, not good enough to play other people’s music. Big fan of classical music. I listen to music that suits my mood or sets it….
Q. Since you have become a national star to millions of people in Australia due to your role in Home and Away, do you feel a pressure on you to behave in a responsible way in your public and private life?
Paul: Yeah, it feels like big brother is watching all the time. Or I’m on a school excursion.
Q. Do your old friends see a change in you since your role in Home and Away. Do you still hang out with them, or have you grown away from them?
Paul: I have a few friends, but enjoy living in my own world. I’m new to Sydney so still meeting people, really…
Q. Do you still have your sense of ‘self’ or have you lost it? Does reality and unreality sometimes merge for you after a heavy day’s
shooting?
Paul: I’m just a kid with a dream.
Q. Do you identify in any way with the character you portray in Home and Away? Do you think your character is complex and why?
Paul: Yes, I surf and cook and if I weren’t an actor I reckon I would have become a cop…
Q. Would you say you still have your ‘feet on the ground’ and would your friends have seen a marked change in you since joining the series?
Paul: No, I’m grounded and focused. Human. .
Q. Do you think as an actor that you set a role model to young people who may be watching and identifying with you?
Paul: I hope so…
Q. Does your character ever dominate your own personality…
Paul: No, one is a job. Call the Doc if I do.
Q. Are you a more confident person socially now than before you joined Home and Away. In what way and how has that come about?
Paul: I think my confidence is more consistent now. It’s still early days.
Q. Do you have any hidden talents that are not known through your role? Are you artistic, musical, creative, poetic?
Paul: Yes, but everybody’s got a secret…
Q. In one word, would your family and friends describe you as (a) practical (b) ambitious (c) dreamy (d) eccentric
Paul: ambitious
Q. Are you a good money manager – do you spend it as fast as you earn it, or do you save part of your salary for a rainy day (or for a sports car)?
Paul: Everything in moderation, even moderation. I have a good business sense, tend to look at the big picture.
For even more info on Paul O'Brien read his actor biography
