Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Stephen Dorff, 47, started acting as child. His films include The Power Of One, Blade and Somewhere. He also co-starred in the third series of True Detective. His latest film, Embattled, is released on 5 July. He lives in Tennessee.
When were you happiest?
In the 90s. I am pretty happy now, but back then I didn’t have the heavier things that life brings as you get older.
What is your greatest fear?
Drowning; airplanes crashing.
Which living person do you most admire, and why?
My biggest teacher and my supporter over the years has been Jack Nicholson. I worked with him, we became very good friends and, every time I hit a low moment, I go visit Jack.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Social media has turned people into complete idiots. I like smart, interesting people, and I’ll know immediately if I want to know you or walk away.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I was on a date with a girl when I was 16. I had a brand new BMW and I thought I was really cool, until I got into a big car accident driving over Laurel Canyon.
Aside from a property, what is the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
When I was 24 or 25, I bought a Warhol canvas. It was a lot of money to throw down on a little painting, but I’ve always loved art.
What makes you unhappy?
Losing people. I lost my mom, I lost my brother – that makes me unhappy pretty much every day, but I try to do things that I know they would be proud of me for.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I would have taken a couple more inches – from 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in. Other than that, I am pretty happy. I feel lucky that I can still get the ladies if I turn on the charm.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
I would like to bring my brother back to life, because he was taken too early in an accident.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I am not a big fan of young actors working today, so I would rather they didn’t make that movie about me.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Smoking is my most non-politically correct habit. People say, “You smoke cigarettes?” Yeah, I do, shut up.
What is your favourite smell?
My friend owns the Hôtel Costes in Paris and they make a candle that I spend a lot of money on. It’s a very manly smell.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I used to let reviews bother me, but the truth is, most critics are failed actors or failed film-makers. If I get a good review from Jack Nicholson, that’s all I need.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My personal life is a bit of a train wreck. Maybe my first girlfriend when I was 17, Courtney Wagner – the daughter of Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner. Maybe I am like George Clooney, and I’ll have babies in my 50s.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My body of work and maybe the fact that I got famous young and I am still here and never ended up in a jail cell.
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