Taking over a role that’s been played by another actor is never easy. For the performer stepping up to the plate, it can be an intimidating task. Do you base your performance on theirs? Do you endeavour to bring something fresh and new to the role?
Or do you hope that the audience just won’t notice there’s been a switch at all?
These were the questions swirling around Todd Lasance’s head as he tentatively agreed to take over the role of Jack Shaughnessy from Michael Dorman in season two of The Secrets She Keeps.
“In this industry, you’re uprooted for so much of your life, constantly away from family and friends.”
(Image: TV WEEK)“I was terrified to get into it, because I wanted to do it justice,” Todd, 37, tells TV WEEK.
“It’s already terrifying stepping into the shoes of another actor, but then to also be in a show that’s already had such critical acclaim made me incredibly nervous, but at the same time honoured to be a part of it.”
But he needn’t have worried, slipping seamlessly into the role. As full of twists and turns as the first season was, somehow the second season manages to take the thrills to a new level.
“It was one of those page-turners for me,” Todd shares. “When I got those scripts, I couldn’t put them down…and that’s rare.”
Todd Lasance agreed to take over the role of Jack Shaughnessy from Michael Dorman in season two of The Secrets She Keeps.
(Image: Amazon Prime)For the former star of Home And Away – he played Aden Jefferies from 2005 to 2010 – being back on Aussie soil to film has been a blessing, especially after a long stint in the United States, where he met his wife Jordan.
But now, after settling down on Queensland’s Gold Coast with their five-year-old daughter Charlie Rose two years ago, he says he’s happy to finally call Australia home.
“We’ve travelled all over the world and lived in so many places, but we just love the Gold Coast,” he says.
“My wife definitely misses home in the States, which is difficult at times. It’s a Catch-22: you’re separated from your family and friends, but you have this lifestyle, the safety, the security here.
“Obviously there’s a lot going on in the US [work-wise], so we want to be able to split our time between the States and Australia now that the world has opened up again.”
For Todd, it’s one of the reasons his career comes in handy for the young family. With roles popping up in the US all the time, it means trips to visit Jordan’s family and friends.
But living out of a suitcase can be draining. And now, with Charlie starting school, having a home in Australia is more important than ever.
“The pandemic has put so many things in perspective,” he says.
“The pandemic has put so many things in perspective.”
(Image: TV WEEK)“In this industry, you’re uprooted for so much of your life, constantly away from family and friends. The key is having a base where you feel settled, safe and the sun shines 24/7. To have a little bit of extra stability again is so refreshing and nurturing.”
As the family embrace living in Queensland, both Jordan and Todd admire how Charlie Rose has taken their travels in her stride.
“I might be biased, but she’s such a phenomenal child,” he enthuses. “I can’t believe how well she adapts to new environments, new friends and makes connections with people. She’s the most beautiful, sweet little soul, and up for anything.”
Todd and his wife Jordan, whom he met in the US, have settled down on Queensland’s Gold Coast with their five-year-old daughter Charlie Rose.
(Image: Supplied)And, like countless parents before him, he can’t believe how fast his little girl is growing up.
“It’s all about the preciousness of time with her. They’re [children] only little once,” he says.
“They’re constantly changing, and evolving so quickly. She’s such a joy to be around. I want to spend all my time around her. I’m heavily family orientated and I don’t do well being away from my family too long, especially when she’s so young.”
