In a conversation with DAMAN, Australian actor Conor Merrigan Turner talks about his acting pursuit and projects, including in the 2024 mystery series “Apples Never Fall”
Conor Merrigan Turner always knew which path he would tread: he wanted to be an actor. From a young age, he was intrigued by movies and theater. Enchanted by this ever-changing world, young Conor aspired to be part of the entertainment biz—in any capacity. Starting out as an extra throughout high school, Conor seized any acting opportunity that came his way. Fast forward to today, and the Australian actor has seen himself rising to stardom with a growing portfolio. Conor’s latest project is the 2024 Peacock mystery drama series “Apples Never Fall,” based on Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same title. Additionally, Conor also plays Lieutenant Luke Cole in “Thai Cave Rescue,” a mini-series based on the events at Tham Luang Nang Non Cave.
DAMAN recently had the chance to talk with the Australian actor about his acting journey and how he stays inspired.
DAMAN: Have there been any surprising moments in your career that influenced your path as an actor?
Conor Merrigan Turner: Being surrounded by some of the most driven and talented cast members allowed for some memorable experiences. But what I walked away with from that experience is knowing there is real joy to have while at work, even through the dark moments. There’s always room for a good time to balance out the seriousness of the collective objective. At the end of the day, this is a workplace and the crew work incredibly long hours; if there is constant doom and gloom, that doesn’t create an enjoyable atmosphere to be a part of. Witnessing the leadership from Annette Bening, Jake Lacy, Alison Brie and Sam Neill certainly influenced my perception of creating a harmonious environment for everyone.
DA: Let’s talk about your latest project, the mystery series “Apples Never Fall.” How did your involvement in this title come about?
CMT: Still being in the early stages of a hopefully long career, it came as projects do at this stage and that is in the way of an audition brief that led to a self-tape, to a call back, to a life-changing phone call. When seeing the audition brief for the first time, I was familiar with Liane’s work and some of the prior adaptations. So, this was an opportunity I didn’t take lightly. Prior to my self-tape I thought it best to read the book as quickly as possible to slip right into the world. Having such a rich text to bounce off of gave ample information for me to integrate into the audition and I’d like to think that may be partially responsible for the level of confidence I felt during my audition.
DA: What’s the premise of “Apples Never Fall”?
CMT: “Apples Never Fall” is a family drama centered on the Delaneys who, from the outside, are the picture-perfect family. Each character undergoes a personal journey and reckoning, and Joy’s disappearance sets off a series of events that expose family secrets that the Delaneys had been keeping up a façade.
DA: In the series, you play as Logan Delaney, son of Joy Delaney who is played by Annette Carol Bening. Tell us a bit about Logan…
CMT: Logan is the third child in the family who had aspirations of pursuing a professional tennis career, but in that process learned that stepping away from a sporting life and centralizing himself in a far more grounded tranquil lifestyle was more his style. Often perceived as the “passive inactive” sibling, I tend to believe he just waits for the right time and chooses his moments to express himself.
DA: How did you prepare to take on this role?
CMT: It was really a process of unpacking and unraveling the source material, then cross matching and shifting my understanding of Logan in the direction of the adapted screenplay. For this role, I found a lot of insight packaged in some of Logan’s hobbies. Spending time around the marina back home and linking into the scuba diving scene was a real tell of his disposition. There’s something to say about finding bliss in the silence of the underwater abyss.
We were also fortunate to allocate a lot of time to developing our tennis skills. I began at 1/10 and think I eventually increased in time. I won’t say what I rate myself now, but I can hit a decent forehand … and if lucky, a strong-ish serve. This was incredibly helpful. There is a mental fortitude that comes with tennis and allowing myself to be in attendance to the disappointments of on court inabilities. These gave insight to how at trial Logan must have felt being coached by his father and how the learned method of dealing with pressure may influence his decisions off the court through other forms of trials and tribulations.
DA: Another interesting title in your filmography is Netflix’s “Thai Cave Rescue,” which is based on a real-life event. What was it like working on that one?
CMT: Working within the industry in Thailand was a privilege. I have extremely fond memories of my time in Thailand. The crew were exceptional, the community was immensely welcoming. Being able to work on a project that was so close to the hearts of the Thai people was a loaded experience. I certainly felt a responsibility to do justice to their story, I really feel as though we achieved that.
DA: Was it a challenging experience?
CMT: Due to the timing, we were right in the midst of the pandemic. So, the process was partially slowed down due to health and safety protocols. Our initial couple of months were spent predominantly locked down. Fortunately, it slowly began to open back up and we were able to witness Thai hospitality in all its glory.
DA: Can you share some of the most memorable moments from filming “Thai Cave Rescue”?
CMT: Because we were shooting in Thailand, a lot of the locations were where the events took place. I recall my first day on set was in Chamber 1, the beginning of the cave. There was something so powerful and omnipotent about this large natural structure. This feeling running in tandem with finally being onset for this first time was overpowering. I’m always moved by natural wonders, and for it to be paired with the fulfillment of a childhood dream. I had to tuck away the happy tears a couple times.
DA: Back to acting in general, what is your dream role?
CMT: If they are ever thinking about shooting a movie in space, I’ll be first to put my hand up. I’m a sucker for sci-fi.
DA: How do you keep yourself inspired in this ever-changing industry?
CMT: The ever-changing aspect is the most exciting part. I was drawn to this career for its ability to shapeshift from project to project. My lust for that continues with the changing landscape.
DA: Have you had any mentors or collaborators who’ve had a big impact in your work?
CMT: I certainly can’t go past some of my co-stars in “Apples Never Fall.” As I mentioned before, being able to work with such strong role models who represented a graciousness and veracity in professionalism left a clear path forward.
DA: Besides acting, what are you passionate about?
CMT: My heart and soul are bound to the Collingwood Football Club.
DA: Any future projects you can share with us?
CMT: Not at this point. I was fortunate to work on “Desert King,” an Australian Netflix production coming soon. This is about as much as I think I can say.
DA: Last but not least, what is your greatest hope for yourself as an actor?
CMT: To hold onto my sense of wonderment and curiosity that drew me to do this in the first place. If I can continue to evolve alongside the new worlds on each production, I’ll be more than fulfilled.
Photography @lensbymi_
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Talent Conor Merrigan Turner
Grooming Sonia Lee For Exclusive Artists Using Lab Series For Men
Production Ian Phillips For Media Playground Pr
Casting Pure Consulting