Get to know Tyler Read
Meet Tyler Read, who plays Wendy Cooper's likeable son,
Evan.
How long have you been acting and how did you get your
first big break?
I have been acting since I was five - on screen and stage. My first break came when I got the lead role in a New Zealand film 'Bow Down Shadrach' when I was six. Unfortunately, the film did not go ahead, but I signed with an agency as a result and started working from there.
Name three similarities between you and your onscreen
character.
We are both determined to be successful in whatever we do, neither
of us liked school and both our families are crazy!
What has been your best experience/scene on the show to date?
I really enjoyed the storyline with Evan running away
from home and accidentally setting fire to the apartments. It was
cool to see how the special effects were created, and how the
stunts were choreographed then performed. Being a part of that was
a great experience.
Which other character would you like to be and why?
As an actor I think it's important to be able to able to
portray either gender, so I would say Gabrielle. She is a complex
character who presents many challenges for an actor, and while I
think Virginie Le Brun is doing a fantastic job, I wouldn't mind
having a go myself, although something tells me we won't be allowed
to swap&
What are your hobbies/interests outside of Shorty?
I play a few sports- football (soccer), touch rugby and boxing. I'm
also interested in history, music and languages.
What do you do in your down time during the day when you're not
shooting?
Sporting commitments take up a fair bit of time, and I
set aside time every day for learning lines and reading new
scripts. Relaxing is also important, so I like to chill out and
listen to music or read. During the weekend I tend to hang out with
mates.
What is your favourite destination in NZ and overseas?
I haven't travelled extensively overseas, so I'd say my favourite
destination would be Nelson. I love going back to my home town,
catching up with family and spending time at the beach and rivers,
enjoying Nelson's fantastic weather. I really feel at home
there.
How many brothers and sisters do you have, are they older or
younger?
I have an older sister Bianca (25) and a younger brother, Oscar
(12).
What is your date of birth and what star sign are you?
17th January - I'm a Capricorn.
Do you have any pets?
I'm not allowed pets where I'm currently living, but I'd
love a dog; preferable an Australian Kelpie.
Who is the actor or actress that you look up to or admire the
most?
James Dean- he's the man, what more can I say?
What is the thing you enjoy most about going to work
everyday?
I love acting. To be able to say "I'm going to work" and
then spend all day acting is fantastic. How many people get to do
the things they love as a job? It's a real privilege.
What has been your favourite scene to film in your time at
Shortland Street?
There have been many. Scenes in which you get to eat are always
great, but I'd have to say that the scene where Evan confronts
Murray over his parenting and then exits, throwing money in his
father's face, was great. All actors love the emotional stuff!
Do you watch Shortland Street at home? If yes, is it strange seeing
yourself on television or are you used to it?
I used to find watching myself on TV to be quite awkward, so for
that reason I didn't watch the show. Recently, however, I have
gotten over this and found watching myself occasionally is a great
way to reflect critically on my own performance, and see what I'm
doing right, and where I can improve.
Are you from Auckland or did you move here to film
Shortland Street? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Nelson but I moved to Auckland when I was
quite young. As a child I spent lots of my school holidays in
Nelson so it feels like I grew up there, as these are my happiest
childhood memories, even though I lived in Auckland and went to
school here.
Which other actors/actresses do you like working with
the most and why?
I like working with Jacquie, who plays my onscreen mum
Wendy. She's very dedicated to her role which makes it easy to
connect with her character and invest emotionally in any given
scene.
Have you made any good friends amongst the cast and
crew?
I generally hang out with Pua (Vinnie) when we're not
shooting, and during lunch breaks I often train with him and some
of the guys from the crew, so we all get along well.
Can you remember your first day on Shortland Street -
what was it like?
I was filming the car-wash scenes with Sally (Nicole) and
Anna (Maia). I was really excited and had been looking forward to
starting on the show, so it was a lot of fun and everyone made me
feel very welcome.
Catch Tyler in action weeknights 7pm on TV2 - for more
cast/crew and general features,
click through to our Features
page.
Meet Pearl McGlashan, who plays
Tyler's on-screen sister Jasmine Cooper.
