Roy Dupuis' career has been soaring the last few months in the US, thanks to his role as "killer" operative Michael on "La Femme Nikita". Passing through Quebec last week for an appearance on the "Jutra" awards ceremony, the popular actor has agreed to a "tete a tete". He spoke with generosity about his professional and personal life.

RD: Not really. I come back home every weekend after 5 days of shooting in Toronto.

7J: Is your career mostly taking place in Toronto these days?

RD: Partly. My role on LFN brings me to Toronto 9 months of the year. That's why I took the role. If shooting took place in Vancouver or LA, I would have refused because it would have kept me away from home for too long. Right now, it's something I can't accept.

7J: Why can't you stay away from home?

RD: Simply because it's important for me to come back to Quebec. It's essential for me to get back home every weekend, to relax.

RD: Yes. 3 years ago, I bought an old farm house built in 1840, with a big land. It's my dream house - it took me 6 years to find it. Now that I've found it, I want to spend time there, and do renovations.

7J: You do the work yourself?

RD: Absolutely. That's nothing new for me. I grew up in Abitibi (way north of Montreal), and when I was a kid, I built tree houses. I love nature.

RD: First year, I renovated the kitchen. Last spring, I built an oak porch. I have so many long term projects - I planted trees - I want to see them grow up before I die ! My house is my passion ! Having this house allows me to look at nature, trees, and people, in a different light.

7J: It sounds different from the lifestyle you had when you lived in the city!

RD: When I left Abitibi and moved to Montreal, I sure had a great time ! All was new, and I tried everything I could try ! Now, my priorities are different. Everybody tries to get in touch with their roots. I achieved that by
buying the house. As I was saying, it has a lot of meaning for me.

7J: So you want to live the rest of your life on that land?

RD: Absolutely. I want to raise a family. I want to see my kids grow in that environment. I want that land to be my legacy to my kids - a place for them to go back to after I die. A place for them to build their own future.

7J: Getting back to your career, the least I could say is that LFN has really helped your career in the english speaking world!

RD: The show is very sucessful. We are waiting for a confirmation on the 4th season, but the way things are going - it seems like a sure thing.

RD: It's more work and more concentration than working in French. But since my character is Belgian, it doesn't really matter if my accent is noticeable at times. It gives Micheal an international appeal - something I asked the producers to integrate into the storylines.

7J: Besides LFN, what are you working on these days?

RD: We're putting the final touches on a documentary about Maurice Richard. A year ago, I did this "patriotic minute" tribute to Richard - this time, it is much more. Part of it will be a documentary, part of it will be "fiction" - meaning actors will play out some scenes from Richard's life. I prepared for the role by watching film clips, and short documentaries on his life. It was extremely interesting.

7J: Did you meet the legendary hockey player?

RD: Yes ! And all I can say is our meeting was very emotional. Mr. Richard is a very touching character.

7J: Does LFN keep you from working on other projects?

RD: Yes, sometimes. Last summer, for example, I had to refuse a starring role alongside Dennis Hopper. Shooting was scheduled to begin only 2 days after season 2 of LFN wrapped up. I had no time to prepare - it would have been bad for me, and for the movie. Also, shooting was going to take place in Mexico, forcing me away from home for a good while. It's a shame, though, because the role was amazing. I was going to play a monk specialized in restoring religious artwork!

7J: Now that your career seems well established, what do you aspire to?