Michael Smiley, centre, in RTÉ period crime drama series Dead Still. Picture by Bernard Walsh
Up and at it – what is your new morning routine? How has it changed?
It hasn't! I wake up, thank God – at my age, that's becoming the main miracle in my life. I have a routine upon awakening which involves prayers and meditation, getting myself ready for the day ahead, rather than just rushing blindly into it, like I used to. I'm down the stairs for about 8.15 am and have breakfast and a bit of craic with the family.
What might you eat in a typical working day for...Breakfast?
Steel cut oats, soaked overnight in the fridge – three minutes in the microwave – then chopped-up banana, kiwi, blueberries and honey... Beautiful. I'll also have a big mug of coffee – black, with honey. I never used to bother with breakfast; instead, I just fired about five mugs of strong coffee into me, then I would wonder why I was so stressed out and intolerant by 11am.
Lunch?
I may make a hot chicken salad with spicy mayonnaise in a toasted wrap. If I was in Soho, I'd drop into Maison Bertaux in Greek Street, a fantastic old French patisserie that makes the most delicious ham and cheese croissants, with a proper strong pot of tea, made with loose leaves like my granny used to make. The patisserie has been there since 1871 and is currently owned by the most glamorous sisters, Michelle and Tania.
Evening meal?
I may cook a chicken curry with coriander – my speciality and the family fave. I like to cook; my wife hates it, although she does do a fantastic roast chicken on a Sunday.
Have you been able to work from home – if so, how have you found it?
I'm an actor, so I'm used to long periods of time out of work. I'm writing a play and a screenplay at the moment, so my day is mostly spent trying to avoid doing that...
I Zoom quite a bit. It took me a while to settle into that world; it's like s**t Celebrity Squares. I also tried to turn a cupboard into a sound booth for voice-over work, but it drove me mad. I don't want to sit in an airless cupboard with a duvet over my head; It's like sensory deprivation. Two more days of that and I would have told you anything.
Best/easiest lockdown meal?
My curry (see above) or I do a great spicy sausage pasta with fennel, chilli and lemon. I'm trying to expand my repertoire – I've about five go-to recipes, mainly one-pot stuff. I find them the easiest as it's mainly prep, then stick it in the pot, stir and wait.
Weekend treat?
A cycle around the back streets of London on my bike with the missus, stopping for coffee or lunch. I used to be a bike messenger, so I know all the wee back routes and secret places in central London. I still get a buzz from mooching about on the bike. I love the stealth of the bicycle, silently slipping about, seeing the sites
How have you kept physically and mentally fit during lockdown?
Cycling, it's the original depression buster. That beautiful surge of serotonin and endorphins – can't beat it. I'm finding it really heartening to see a rise in cycling, young, old, first-timers... The more we invest in separate bike lanes, the safer and more attractive it will become for everyone. What a perfect way to travel – you get fit, your mood is lifted and it's social. You're not stuck in traffic in a hermetically sealed stress machine.
What has been your daily outdoor exercise?
Cycling or walks with my wee dog.
How do you relax?
With my feet up and my eyes closed.
Teetotal or tipple?
Teetotal.
What book are you currently reading?
The Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne.
Best Netflix?
McCullin – a doc about Don McCullin, a renowned photojournalist whose works spans three decades and covered global wars and various humanitarian disasters.
Most surprising thing you've learned about yourself?
I'm getting kinder.
On a scale of one to 10, where have you been in relation to cabin fever and where are you now?
I was pretty crunchy about two months into lockdown (Seven). Now, I'm just doing my bird like Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption (Three).
What are the three things you missed most during the beginning of lockdown?
Travel was a big one. Early in lockdown I had a real urge to go back home to Ireland, just pack the family and dog into our wee camper van, hit the west coast and really show off that part our wee island to my wife and kids. When I realised I couldn't do it, the feeling of not having that ability to be spontaneous broke me a bit. But hey, it'll come back; staying safe is the priority today. I also miss impromptu meetings – bumping into people, having a laugh and a hug. And watching people's mouths move when they talk.
Where will you go and what will you do when restrictions are fully lifted?
France and dance. Plus, I'm determined to get to the west coast in my wee camper.
Biggest gripe?
Can't be bothered with gripes; they get you nowhere and once you get the taste, you might not know when to stop.
Have your priorities in life or perspectives changed?
No, just heightened.
Any new skills or hobbies?
Being able to ride track rollers on my racer – scary, then fantastic.
What would you like to see change for good when this is all over?
More permanent, segregated bike lanes, so anyone, regardless of age or ability, can ride their bike without fear of getting killed.
Has coronavirus changed your attitude towards your own mortality?
Nah, it's the journey, not the destination. A wise old cycling owl, the recently deceased and much-loved Willie John McLaughlin, said when I asked him for any tips on how to climb the incredibly steep Mamore Gap in Inishowen: “The trick is to breathe all the way in and then breathe all the way out, and you'll be all the better for it.” He was the Dalai Lama of Donegal.
Michael Smiley, recently seen in RTÉ's Dead Still, stars in Prano Bailey-Bond's debut feature Censor, a British horror film which premieres later this year. He is also starring in 2021 American action thriller Gunpowder Milkshake alongside Game Of Thrones star Lena Headey and Scottish actress Karen Gillan.
