After playing the sexy plumber Mike Delfino in the series Desperate Housewives, James Denton, 61, returns to France to participate in Dancing with the Stars broadcast on TF1 on Friday February 16 at 9:10 p.m. Meeting in Paris.
You have never participated in the American version of Dance with the stars. Why launch yourself in France?
JAMES DENTON: When the French contacted me to participate in DALS, I initially started by refusing. I don’t know how to dance, my level is zero, or even negative. (He bursts out laughing.) I told myself that this show would be a good opportunity to make a fool of myself! And then, I talked to my 18-year-old daughter about it and she said, “But Dad, you have to do it!” I called production back.
A few days before the start, have your fears been dissipated?
Rehearsals begin. I’m going to see how my body finds its marks. You know, like most Americans, I have a problem with Latin dances that require hip flexibility. I prefer a waltz to the cha-cha! And I’m also waiting to see how my brain registers these two and a half minute choreographies. In the American version, the dance tracks are only one minute long. It’s easier for the competitors!
Have you been able to watch the previous seasons?
Since the United States, I have watched quite a few dance numbers on YouTube. I find it much more glamorous than DALS American by the way.
Are you prepared to drop your shirt, like most dancers?
(He bursts out laughing.) You make me realize that this is a point that I have not discussed with production! At my age, who still wants to see me shirtless? I’m not in bad shape, I admit, but… Or, if I’m not eliminated before three or four weeks, maybe I will have built up enough muscle with the training, and then we’ll see. (He smiles.)
The image of the sexy plumber Desperate Housewives Did it weigh on you?
This series changed my life. Before Desperate Housewives, I was subscribed to the roles of villains, whose physique didn’t matter. And then, suddenly, I find myself thrown into this series, playing Teri Hatcher’s lover. I became an actor and a respected man because the writers decided that Teri Hatcher could fall in love with a man like me and I loved it. Thanks to the success of this series, I was able to pay for the studies of my 20-year-old son and my 18-year-old daughter and for that too, I will remain eternally grateful to them.
The series ended ten years ago. How have you oriented your career since?
At the start, I had a big slump. The producers didn’t want a Mike Delfino in their series, I was too identified. I turned to theater, which is my first passion, and I also produced and acted in television films.
Do you stay in touch with Teri Hatcher?
Of course ! We filmed a TV movie together. She is a wonderful woman! She is very jealous of my participation in DALS Besides. She would have loved to come to Paris. (He smiles.)
You have already been to Paris several times…
Yes, twice for shootings for Daniel Hechter, in front of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre pyramid. It was incredible. I was incredibly lucky, but it didn’t improve my French, unfortunately.
Did you come alone this time?
No, my sister is accompanying me for a week. And then, if I’m not eliminated before the American Easter holiday, my family will come too. It gives me even more determination to give my best!