Nice to Meet You: Duane McLaughlin
Weekly recently got a chance to chat with Oakdale newcomer Duane McLaughlin, who debuts this week as Dallas Griffin. Though McLaughlin kept mum on the exact details of Dallas’ dealings, we did pin him down for a few quick questions.
Soap Opera Weekly: Give me the 411 on Dallas. What’s his deal?
Duane McLaughlin: He’s the newest member of the Oakdale Police Department, a junior detective who is looking at Maddie because she had a case in Chicago that he was following up on. She ran away, so…he’s confronting her and bringing back old memories that she might not necessarily want brought back.
Weekly: So she’s the reason that he’s in town?
McLaughlin: He wasn’t coming to Oakdale for Maddie initially. He wanted to get away from Chicago. His aunt Jessica (Tamara Tunie) suggested Oakdale, and he and Maddie just happened to meet up. It’s interesting to see where it’s going to go.
Weekly: Maybe to a romantic place?
McLaughlin: No, no. There’s very serious issues involved. It’s pretty deep.
Weekly: Is this your first big role?
McLaughlin: Definitely. It’s the first thing I’ve done that is consistent. I’ve done films in the past. I actually had an under-five on ATWT about four years back, so it’s funny coming back and being a main character.
Weekly: Where are you from?
McLaughlin: I’m from New York. I went to The Professional Children’s School in Manhattan. I’ve been acting since I was about 7, but this is the first big thing I’ve done.
Weekly: Who have you learned the most from on set?
McLaughlin: I’ve learned a lot from Alexandra (Chando, Maddie). Alex being around my age and having done this for a year so far, she’s really explained the whole process. She’s prepared me for what’s in store.
Weekly: Oakdale has had problems with dirty cops like Nick lately. Are you hoping Dallas is going to raise the bar back up?
McLaughlin: Dallas is definitely going to restore what’s been broken in the Oakdale PD and bring some law and order to Oakdale!
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