Tristan D. Lalla – Nurses

By starrymag | January 27, 2020

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on? 

 

A) Currently you can catch me on the original medical drama series “Nurses” airing now on Global. Most recently you can catch me in the movie Long Shot (alongside Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron), “The Moodys” (with Jay Baruchel and Dennis Leary) and “Bad Blood” Season 2 (on Netflix starring Kim Coates). Upcoming projects are The United States VS. Billie Holiday directed by Lee Daniels and written by Suzan-Lori Parks and Home (a psychological thriller) directed by Adam O’Brien and written by Philip Kalin-Hadju. I have a few videogames and commercials that will also be coming out soon. I have also been collaborating with some clothing brands: ONE BONE (@onebonebrand), a Montreal based clothing line geared towards the big and tall men, and HOODTIE (@hoodtie), a Swiss company that designs hand-crafted titanium jewels for neckties (I’m their first Canadian brand ambassador).

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the show “Nurses.”

 

A) “Nurses” takes us into the hectic life at St. Mary’s Hospital. It follows five rookie nurses who are thrown into the realities of what it takes to be an effective team player under high stakes situations. It’s an ensemble piece put together by a highly acclaimed team of writers, directors, producers and editors. I’m really proud to be a part of this one.

 

Q) How was your character Damien Saunders originally described to you?

 

A) Head charge nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. The “stage-manager” of the nursing squad. Damien loves a system – that he has created and implemented. And if you’re one of the new ones who questions his ways or, God forbid, goes out on his own (like the crazy uncle on “Family Feud” who defies his family and goes with his own answer) your life at St. Mary’s will be, quite simply, hell. He and head nurse Sinead O’Rourke (Cathy White) – two peas in a wickedly funny and oft times cynical pod – act as a sort of Greek Chorus about their new charges and their odds of making it to full maturation. For in this business, the stakes are high and the burnout rate is even higher. Damien can be your best friend and biggest champion. He was chief field medic when he was in the military, so Damien is a highly-skilled nurse but has a soft side for those he loves.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to Damien that wasn’t in his initial breakdown? 

 

A) Yes. Like with every/any character that I play, there is a lot of myself in Damien. On top of the vision of the creators of our show I also made an amalgamation in my mind of some hard-ass, but fun-loving people that I did my best to embody throughout Season One. There may be some hidden talents up Damien’s sleeve that folks may not expect. You’ll have to tune in to find out, though.

 

Q) What kind of prep/research went into your portrayal? 

 

A) I have many family members who work at hospitals. Not only did I call on the memories that I’ve accumulated over my life of visiting various hospitals for different reasons, but I actually spent hours hanging around a few hospitals in Montreal and Toronto to get a true sense of the everyday life of an active charge nurse. I also spoke to several friends who are nurses about their experiences and the complexities of what goes into them doing their jobs effectively and empathetically.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your co-stars before working with them on the show? 

 

A) Yes! I first met Jordan Johnson-Hinds (who plays Keon) when he was very young and did a set visit to a movie that I was shooting in Toronto called How She Move, which was produced by Sienna Films and Paramount Vantage. He told me that that experience (of him visiting that set and seeing “how the sausage is made”) inspired him to really take up acting. Also, I’m a huge horror movie fan. Natasha Calis (who plays Ashley) starred in this wicked flick long ago called The Possession that I always dug.

 

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming (either on screen or behind the scenes) from filming “Nurses?” 

 

A) There were lots of great moments of cast bonding during our time shooting season one. And a few pranks. But all I will say is, episode #6 is not to be missed. Damien’s storyline really opens up…

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will be receiving to the show? 

 

A) I definitely appreciate how interactive we have become. Whenever I get a message from someone who digs my work in some way or who was moved by a character I’ve portrayed it always brings a smile to my face.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this series that will make it such a fast fan favorite? 

 

A) It’s honestly not like some of the medical dramas that are out there. The point of view of the nurses is often overlooked and underplayed. Bringing their stories to the forefront really gets to shine a light on these everyday heroes that do so much for the world.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do? 

 

A) There is lots of good to do. And we’re really only getting started. Whether you’ve enjoyed a movie I’m in, a show I’m on, a video game I’ve voiced… Thank you! Stay tuned and thanks for the support! Catch me on IG or Twitter @tdlalla or tristandlalla.com