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Roy dupuis is now an international star. The
"Nikita" TV show in which he co-stars with Peta Wilson, is broadcast in more
than 50 countries. As he did in a Jan 96 interview, Dupuis sat down at the end of the table in the kitchen of his agent Hélène Mailloux, drinking coffee. Back in 96, Roy did not know he would be a part of "Nikita". The show premiered a year later on the USA Network. Physically, the actor has not changed. Still a little shy, he talks more than he did when he starred in "Emily". He's been opening up to reporters ever since the release of Christian Duguay's film "Screamers". At that time, Roy told us he did not care too much about his career. "I think it's more important to take care of myself before taking care of the career. I need to get in touch with myself more. These days, I have more free time on my hands, and I take things easy". But he soon became very busy with "Nikita". However, the Abitibi native certainly seems to have "found" himself. The TVA network (Montréal) is now airing season 1 of "Nikita". "In France, says Dupuis, they used a french actor to do my voice-over. I found out about that when I learned that the show was airing in France. So when I learned that "Nikita" was going to air in Québec, I insisted on doing the voice-over myself." Roy admits that "Nikita" has become a cult hit worldwide, much like the X-Files. The online fandom is incredibly strong, and many web sites are dedicated to the actors of "Nikita". Produced by Warner Brothers, "Nikita" is shot on location in Toronto. "That's one of the reasons I took the role. It allowed coming back to Québec frequently. But at first, I didn't think my character would be as important as it is today. I thought there would be fewer working hours since Peta is the main character. My character developped, and it takes more time than I expected." Hollywood had been flirting with Dupuis for a few years before "Nikita", but he did not want to move to LA. When Roy Dupuis comes home to Québec for weekends and holidays, he goes straight to his land. Where is it located ? He keeps it secret ! "Judging by the fan mail I receive, there's quite a few people who want to know where I live!", Dupuis says laughing. The actor says he's through with urban life and he needs wide open space. "It's very important for me. I have a beautiful little house built in 1840. I work on it with my own hands, and I want it to become a family house someday." Seeing him dressed casually and hearing him talk with passion about his
house, its isolation and the birds singing, Dupuis reminds us of "Ovila", the
character he played in Emily. That's quite a departure from the character he portrays in
"Nikita", a cold-blooded spy wearing Jean-Paul Gaultier designs ! |
