DOUBLE TROUBLE. A truly dynamic acting duo, twin brothers Max and Charlie Carver clearly have most fun when on set together. DA MAN finds out more

On Max and Charlie: Outfit by Vivienne Westwood

While Max and Charlie Carver definitely have brotherly love for each other, it would seem that their relationship is more so based upon mutual respect. Best friends as well as identical twins, their chemistry is certainly captivating audiences with acclaimed appearances on hit TV shows such as “Teen Wolf” and “Desperate Housewives” already under their belts. Now appearing in TV show thriller “The Leftovers,” the twins’ on-screen characters bring some light relief to a plot that follows the lives of those living in a small us town following an unexplainable and tragic global event. While appearing as a double act may become less frequent as they each begin to focus on their individual ambitions, the twin brothers are both as excited about the future as each other.

DA MAN: Max, Charlie. You’re part of the new HBO show “The Leftovers.” How has it been going so far?
Charlie Carver: It’s been fantastic but I think what has made it particularly special is that everybody is really committed to telling the story of this town. The show is doing something very different in that it’s asking some tough questions about some difficult subjects. Being a part of it all is a privilege.
Max Carver: I agree. It has felt like a beautiful experiment—the kind you dream of as an actor. The people we’ve been able to work with are the best at what they do. I go to set and just learn as much as I can. It has been a master class and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

DA: Can you briefly explain the premise of the show?
CC: “The Leftovers” takes place three years after the departure, an unexplainable event where two percent of the world’s population instantaneously disappears. The focus centers predominantly on the lives of people left behind, and what’s so brilliant about the concept is that it forces religious and scientific communities to reckon with the possibility of a god that doesn’t behave in ways we’re taught.

On Max: Outfit by Tommy Hilfiger On Charlie: Outfit by Etro

On Charlie: Shirt by Calvin Klein Collection

On Charlie: Outfit by DKNY

DA: How can audiences relate to such an unimaginable event?
MC: While the concept is certainly pretty out there, for me, the show touches on how we process or maybe how incapable we are of processing certain events in our lives, particularly loss. But what’s so beautiful about loss is that there is something to be gained from it, whether it’s a new purpose, a new understanding or a new relationship.

DA: And where do your characters fit into all this darkness?
CC: Our characters, Scott and adam Frost, are definitely a lighter aspect of the show. We are twin brothers, high school students who are seemingly not as tormented by the departure as some of the other characters on the show.
MC: Basically, we smoke a lot of marijuana and like to play table tennis. While charlie and I were ready to jump into the grief and sadness inherent to the show’s premise, when we got on set to shoot the pilot, the direction was always just “have fun!”

On Max: Outfit by DKNY

On Max and Charlie: Suit by Etro, shirt by Vivienne Westwood

DA: If such a terrible event were to happen on earth, would you view it as spiritual occurrence or one that could be explained scientifically?
CC: I have no idea! I think most things can be explained by reason and science, but a radical event like the departure would definitely make me question my beliefs.
MC: Definitely something outside of my understanding … a phenomenon, so I guess I will say spiritual.

DA: The show comes from the makers of “Lost.” Does this mean we should give up looking for answers as to why and how the departure happened?
CC: I don’t know if we’ll ever find out what caused the departure, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some answers. The author of “The Leftovers” and co-director of the show tom Perrota views it as an examination of an event that might inspire new religions to come into existence, so it’s likely we’ll also be looking at how humanity comes up with their own answers.

DA: You’re working with Justin Theroux and Liv Tyler on the show. What have you learned from these experienced actors so far?
CC: Justin and Liv are so authentic to themselves. They are extremely pleasant to be around and are constantly giving us positive, encouraging advice.
MC: I admire them both greatly. Justin just because he is an all-around creative guy; he writes, acts and produces, while he also wears a ton of hats that all look pretty damn good. As for Liv, her enthusiasm and grace are just infectious.

“At this point i think we’re just enjoying watching each other getting into our own personal groove”

On Max and Charlie: Outfit by Ermenegildo Zegna

On Max: Outfit by Vivienne Westwood

DA: You’ve previously played twins in major shows such as “Teen Wolf” and “Desperate Housewives.” How did the experiences differ?
MC: All of these shows offer their own unique challenges that demand you to use a different part of yourself. In terms of shooting, “Teen Wolf” was extremely demanding. We were basically shooting a half of a feature length supernatural action thriller every eight days. That’s an insanely short amount of time, but we somehow managed to pull it off!
CC: “Teen Wolf” was all action, all the time, while I fondly remember “Desperate Housewives” for the laughs and heartfelt moments. We had a lot of fun shooting them, but I definitely don’t miss some of the all-nighters we pulled shooting “Teen Wolf.” [Laughs]

DA: As twins in real life, do you feel you know everything about each other or are you still learning?
CC: At this point I think we’re just enjoying watching each other getting into our own personal groove. I’m definitely excited to see what Max gets up to in his own spare time and, mostly, we’re just good friends.
MC: Yeah, I don’t really try to know everything there is to know about my brother anymore. That being said, I can tell you that while I may not be able to read Charlie’s mind, I can totally call his bluff. Right now, we’re so familiar with each other’s habits and sensibilities that when something is off, we would know right that instant.

DA: Are you looking to pursue roles individually? If so, what can we expect to see you in?
CC: Yeah, definitely. I just shot a movie called “Michael” with James Franco and Zachary Quinto. We were filming in Long Island, and it was a special experience for me getting to know and work with everybody as just Charlie.
MC: Exactly. Working together is a pleasure, but ultimately we have our own interests. For example, I love to write and am always creating something. Recently I worked alongside Britt Robertson in a film called “Ask Me Anything” that comes out pretty soon. I’m excited to see it.

On Charlie and Max: Outfit by Calvin Klein Collection

On Max and Charlie: Outfit by Vivienne Westwood

On Max: Outfit by Dior Homme

DA: What inspired you both to get into acting in the first place?
CC: Acting is jumping in and playing pretend. I think it was just being inspired by stories. I read a lot as a kid and always felt like I was playing out the characters in my head. Acting seemed like the next logical step.
MC: Yeah, as kids, we were always playing around outside on this farm we grew up on. When I did get to watch movies, they helped me relate to myself. I thought, if I can be involved in this, I know I’ll be happy.

DA: Contentious question: Who has more luck with women?
CC: Max.
MC: What? [Laughs]

DA: What do you guys get up to when you’re not working?
MC: I’m always happy working. But otherwise, I love playing soccer and board games. I’m kind of a nerd.
CC: We really need more hobbies. I like to travel, see friends, and explore new corners of the city. I go through bursts of being incredibly excited about books or music, but I would also love to get into sports again. Tennis? Boxing? Who knows.

on Max and charlie: Shirt by Vivienne Westwood

“Best advice? Practice gratitude. There’s a difference between feeling entitled to something and working towards deserving it”

DA: What has been the proudest moment of your careers?
CC: Couldn’t be more proud right now. To have a family that is excited for me and who don’t think I’m a total dick yet is something I’m very proud of.
MC: I can’t really say there has been a proudest moment. Looking back on how far we’ve come, I guess 10-year-old me would think I am pretty badass, so that makes me very proud. But 26-year-old me knows that there is still a lot more to get done.

DA: What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?
CC: Exactly this. I wouldn’t mind trying my hand behind the scenes though writing, directing, cooking up fun ideas with my brother.
MC: Absolutely agree with my brother. That being said, 10 years from now I want to make more time outside of work to help others.

DA: What’s the best and the worst piece of advice you’ve ever received so far?
CC: Best advice? Practice gratitude. There’s a difference between feeling entitled to something and working towards deserving it. Gratitude’s the thing that keeps you in love with the world and makes you want to be a part of all of it rather than apart from it. The worst advice I ever received was to be cool. All I got out of that was a terrible haircut.
MC: Help others. Worst advice? Try multi-tasking.

Photographer: Mitchell Nguyen Mccormack
Stylist: Alexa Rangroummith Green
Grooming: Leah Rial at Exclusive Artists using Kevyn Aucoin and Oribe Haircare

Exclusive Feature: Max And Charlie Carver