MANILA, Philippines – A native of Australia like Heath Ledger who co-starred with Christian Bale in The Dark Knight, Sam Worthington graduated from Sydney’s prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 1998. Upon graduation, he continued to act in theater and had his film debut in the Australian film Bootmen which won for him an Australian Film Institute (AFI) award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. More films followed, and TV roles as well, until Worthington starred in the 2004 film Somersault that earned him international attention.
It was James Cameron, director of the first two Terminator movies, who handpicked Worthington for Terminator Salvation in which he plays the anti-hero Marcus Wright, a human-machine hybrid who joins forces with John Connor, played by Bale, in saving what’s left of the world after its nuclear annihilation. Worthington will be seen next in Avatar, a 3D science-fiction action-adventure directed by Cameron.
How was it working with Christian Bale?
“He’s a very down-to-earth man, an extremely disciplined man and an extremely professional actor. It’s a privilege to work with him.”
How old were you when you saw your first Terminator movie?
“I was very young. I remember the second one more. I just loved the special effects!”
Did you ever think that you would be in a Terminator movie?
“No, not at all.”
What was your reaction when Cameron suggested that you play Marcus Wright?
“I thought he was joking.” (Laughs)
Are you, as they say, a ladies’ man?
“I’m blushing! It would be presumptuous of me to say yes.” (Laughs some more) “I like ladies and if that makes me a ladies’ man...” (Shrugs)
What kind of a woman do you find attractive?
“One that makes me laugh. Or a woman who can kick me in the loin. I would find her attractive. Somebody who can tell me, ‘Shut up!’ That makes me happy. I like that.”
Do you hook up with other Australians in Hollywood, like Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman and Eric Bana?
“I’m not really friends-friends with them. But I’ve met them. I welcome any opportunity to work with any of them, why not?”
Because you are now starring in a movie with Christian Bale (as Ledger did with Bale in The Dark Knight), some people say that you are the new Heath Ledger. How do you feel about it?
“That’s a ridiculous comparison. Heath was one of the premier actors in my generation. It would have been a great pleasure if I did a movie with him. He was a mighty talent.”