The North Dakota mative owes his unpretentiousness to his dad. "He always emphasized how important it was to just be yourself," the actor remembers. "I know it sounds corny, but it's been proven true."
Perhaps his father's words helped Duhamel prepare for what he calls "the most difficult, exciting, and gratifying time of my life." Of course, he is referring to his two and a half years on AMC. "I learned the kind of work it takes to be a respected actor," he says. "You have to be responsible and prepared, and you have to really care. Really care. Once you start laughing, it shows, even if you don't think it does."
Aside from getting a crash course in what it takes to become a master thespian, Duhamel has come to appreciate each and each one of his AMC peers. "There's not one person that I don't like, from the crew to the producers to the actors," he insists. And the writers? Fuhgeddaboudit. "They've just been unbelievable. They've given me so much-- it almost amazes me. I'll look at the schedule and be working (everyday) for weeks. It couldn't have worked out better."
On the downside, being in the spotlight means that Duhamel must be prudent about what he makes known to the pubic. This, unfortunately, is something he recently realized the hard way, after one of his comments was misconstrued by another publication.
"When dealing with the press, you really have to say what you mean and not think anything is off the record, because it's not," he observes. "I've learned to just give as little away as possible."
While he admits that being on AMC has been "the biggest growing period on my life," Duhamel also says that his personal world is basically the same as it was before he became known as Leo's alter ego. "I still have the same girlfriend," he proudly states, smiling at the thought of Kristy Pierce, the model who's been his other half for the past three-plus years.
When all is said and done, Duhamel is one happy camper. "I just really fortunate that i have the people around me that I do," he says. "Personally, I have my family and my girlfriend. Professionally, I have good people that represent me. I never feel alone or on my own anymore, It's the best."
Josh Duhamel and his leading lady team up to nail down their scenes
When two people work together every day, it's only natural for a bond to develop, and that's exactly what happend with AMC's Josh Duhamel and Rebecca Budig (Greenlee). "We've become friends. We have a really good relationship. I can mess with her like I can mess with any of my friends," he says with a chuckle. "She's a cool chick." But when talk changes from the laughs they have off-screen to the great chemistry they share on-screen, Duhamel can't say enough about his leading lady's talent. I have so much respect for her as an actress, because i think she's so good. She's a huge reason why my character has done well. I can always trust that she's going to be there (emotionally) in the scene. If i yell at her, she's going to yell and give it back, and I think she feels the same. It's easy to get lost in a scene (with her) and not even realize what you're doing. We just really trust each other out there."
