Landing the role as Jeffery Harrington on OWN’s The Haves and the Have Nots is everything Gavin Houston could have hoped for and more. He gets to work alongside two of his idols, Oprah and Tyler Perry, and is representing a character whose story has touched the lives of many. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with this scene-stealer about the series, the impact his character’s story has had on the LGBTQ+ community, and what’s ahead.
PC: Tell us about The Haves and the Have Nots, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Gavin: I play Jeffery Harrington on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots. Jeffery is a complex character who continues to battle his mother’s disapproval with his recent admittance of homosexuality. She tries to blackmail and punish him repeatedly with physical, mental, and emotional abuse, but Jeffery continues to find a way to survive. It’s a constant clash of predator and prey between them which has put him in life or death situations.
What drew me to this project was the opportunity to work with Tyler and Oprah whom I have always admired and respected.
PC: How did you prepare to play a character whose personality is very different from your own?
Gavin: In preparing the role of Jeffery, I had to understand his wants and needs. I really enjoyed embracing the challenge of tapping into the pain he constantly has to endure from not being loved by his mother.
PC: What can you tease about that dynamic moving forward?
Gavin: Fans will definitely see a power shift, as well as, a stronger bond formed with a close ally in helping him deal with his mom.
PC: Your character and his journey have meant a lot to the LGBTQ+ community. Does that add extra pressure for you as an actor and do you have a favorite fan interaction?
Gavin: I have nothing but gratitude for the way the LGBTQ+ community has embraced this character. And for that, I don’t feel any extra pressure. I feel more of a responsibility. I have so many favorite fan interactions that it’d be impossible to pick just one. This character has meant so much to so many on a personal level that the love I get for playing this character has been amazing. For me, that feedback and the connection the fans feel towards this character is my paycheck.
PC: If you could write a storyline for your character, what would it be and why?
Gavin: If I could write a storyline for Jeffery, it would probably be something similar to Ebenezer Scrooge. [laughs] I’d love for some ghosts to visit his mom at night and show her the errors of her way and what she’ll sacrifices if she continues on this path. Then she wakes up with a completely different outlook.
PC: When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
Gavin: My parents took me to a lot of plays when I was young. I saw Shakespeare in Central Park, The King and I on Broadway, etc. When I saw the reaction that the storytelling had on the audience and the joy it brought, I knew then that this was what I wanted to do.
PC: What is your dream role?
Gavin: My dream role is to play a superhero in an action film or TV series.
PC: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Gavin: The best career advice I’ve ever received was being told to slow down, learn my craft, and enjoy each moment along the way. This career is a marathon and not a sprint.
PC: Is there someone you’d love to work with in the future?
Gavin: I would love to work with Denzel Washington. I have such a respect for his work, his approach, and everything he’s been able to accomplish. I’ve always admired how he has managed his career, his life, and family.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Gavin: The First 48
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Gavin: Glory
PC: Favorite book?
Gavin: The Bible
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Gavin: The Wizard of Oz
PC: Favorite social media platform?
Gavin: Facebook
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Gavin: Pearl Jam
PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Gavin: American Horror Story
PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Gavin: Usher’s “Caught Up”
PC: Hidden talent?
Gavin: Handstands!
Make sure to follow Gavin on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and catch The Haves and the Have Nots every Tuesday at 9/8c on OWN!
Photo Credit: Ted Sun // Retoucher: Mads Bjerre Henriksen // Stylist: Phillip Bloch // Grooming: Michelle Harvey
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