Sam nearly chucked it all in to become a farmer. Now fans are screaming for his shows

Sam Reid, best known for his portrayal of Dale Jennings in the critically acclaimed ABC drama The Newsreader, recently found himself in a rather unexpected situation—being compared to a vampire. During a recent lunch at Palazzo Salato, a stylish Italian restaurant in Sydney's CBD, Reid was interviewed by Louise Rugendyke, highlighting both his current projects and past roles. The conversation began with a humorous nod to his most iconic role as Lestat de Lioncourt in The Vampire Lestat, a stage production based on Anne Rice's novel.

Reid, now 39, has had a whirlwind of activity in the last few weeks. He was in New York launching the third season of Interview with a Vampire, which was rebranded as The Vampire Lestat. His performance as Lestat, characterized by his striking appearance—hair, teeth, abs, and scars—was met with enthusiastic responses from audiences, many of whom had waited in line for hours to attend the show. Despite the fanfare surrounding his vampire persona, Reid emphasized that it's simply his job, and he finds joy in being able to perform it.

However, the contrast between his on-stage presence and his off-stage demeanor was notable. At the restaurant, Reid appeared more subdued, with a quiet and serious demeanor. He described himself as somewhat shy, with a deep voice well-suited for dramatic performances. The interview took place at a large round table in the front corner of the restaurant, a setting that could easily be imagined as one where a flamboyant vampire might gather followers. Yet, Reid was far removed from that image, opting instead for a more grounded approach during the conversation.

During their meal, Reid ordered hand-rolled pasta, specifically scarpinocc—a traditional Lombard dish shaped like a shoe. After some discussion about the local cuisine, they opted for a combination of dishes including pumpkin, hazelnuts, Pecorino, crispy sage, spanner crab, and chili. The meal was accompanied by an iced long black coffee for Reid, reflecting his preference for simpler pleasures. Interestingly, Reid admitted he wasn't familiar with the finer points of Sydney dining, noting that he doesn't frequent the city often and usually spends his time at home.

Reid's upcoming projects include starring in the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Doubt: A Parable, where he will portray a Catholic priest accused of inappropriate conduct with a student. This role marks a significant shift from his previous vampiric persona, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Additionally, he revealed that he had recently undergone nail treatments, a detail that amused him given the contrasting requirements of his two roles. While his vampire character featured long, claw-like nails, his current role as a priest necessitated a more subtle appearance, with only slightly noticeable fake nails.

As he prepares for these new challenges, Reid remains focused on his craft, embracing the diverse range of characters he has portrayed throughout his career. His journey from a vampire on stage to a priest on stage reflects not only his professional growth but also his commitment to exploring different facets of human experience through his art.