Tina TurnbowI reached Patrick Wilson by phone as he was on his way to the set of his CBS series “A Gifted Man,” in which he appears as Dr. Michael Holt. Wilson is on camera a great deal, with a lot of close-ups, and of course the series is filmed in high definition — so he and his makeup artist, Anita Gibson, pay close attention to his skincare regimen (especially since he has to shave daily). I got the whole grooming scoop for you gentlemen. And ladies, I think you’ll find something of interest here, too!
T.T.: How do you like starring in a television series?
P.W.: I’m really enjoying it. The people I’m working with are so great, which makes the whole experience that much better. But it is full on: 14- to 15-hour days. That would be the down side, not having much down time.
T.T.: You’re working almost everyday, and you’re married with two sons — Kalin and Kassian. How do you juggle it all?
P.W.: Primarily because I have such a wonderful support system. Dagmara, my wife, is incredible. And of course we have an excellent babysitter. I’d have to say Starbucks is an important part of the system, too!
T.T.: Any foods you enjoy, in particular?
P.W.: Well, everything in moderation is a good motto. But I do like a good burger. My No. 1 favorite would have to be pizza.
T.T.: You are in amazing shape … really muscular, and your skin is so clear. Do you think working out helps both your body and skin?
P.W.: Absolutely. I am an avid runner, mainly on weekends. I have a treadmill and a pull-up bar in my dressing room. I think drinking a lot of water and sweating it out while running helps get rid of all the toxins. It helps my skin, body and spirit, too.
T.T.: What brand of running shoes do you prefer?
P.W.: Puma all the way.
T.T.: What else do you to keep your skin looking so great?
P.W.: The biggest help is a cream by California Baby. Their calendula cream is my must-have product. It’s made for babies so it’s gentle, soothing and provides just enough moisture. Sometimes I also use Jack Black’s Post Shave Cooling Gel. Malin + Goetz makes a great jojoba facial scrub that I use a few times a week. When I have a chance, I’ll get a facial at Mario Badescu.
T.T.: What razor and shaving cream work best for you?
P.W.: Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razors are the best, no doubt. I think gels are the best for shaving — they really get into the stubble and soften it, leaving no irritation. I like Sharps Kid Glove Shave Gel or LAB Series Maximum Comfort Shave Gel.
T.T.: When do you shave?
P.W.: I try to shave at night so my skin has a chance to settle by the early morning call-time.
T.T.: Where do you get your hair trimmed?
P.W.: My wife and I both like Woodley and Bunny apothecary and salon in Williamsburg. All the stylists are great. It’s a cool spot. They also sell some unique products.
T.T.: Do you have a few favorite designers or wardrobe staples you can tell me about?
P.W.: First and foremost, my brown Australian Blundstone boots. They are my footwear staple for sure. On many jobs, the wardrobe department ends up wanting to use them because they are the best! John Varvatos, of course, makes some great clothes and shoes. I usually get my T-shirts from Scotch & Soda. They have a worn-in, distressed look, like an old T-shirt. I also really like this British designer, Simon Spurr. He makes some good suits and vests — they’re really well done.
T.T.: I had the pleasure of speaking with your wife Dagmara Dominczyk for Face Time. She mentioned both of you would love to do “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” one day. You would fit into the Paul Newman role, and she into Elizabeth Taylor’s perfectly! Would you get back on stage for that?
P.W.: For sure! I am looking forward to getting back on stage soon. It’s such a big part of me and it’s been a while. Musical theater is one of my passions. I spent a good 16 years doing theater in New York. That is part of the reason we chose to live here, instead of Los Angeles, to be closer to the stage. Besides acting, Dagmara has been focusing on her writing over the past few years. We are thrilled because she has just sold her first novel!
T.T.: That’s great! She shared something else with me. There is another kind of musical performance you enjoy — karaoke. Who are your favorites to rock-out to?
P.W.: Yep, it’s true. It all started when I was working in London with Billy Crudup. We were staying at the Covent Garden Hotel, and we would hop over to the Karaoke Box every now and then. I would say my favorites are Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen and Boston.
T.T.: Tell me, do you prefer women who are more natural, and not too made up?
P.W.: Yes, I find a more natural look most attractive. I like it when my wife is in her jeans, with very little makeup. But, I also appreciate the range — the different ways she can look. The moment she walks out all dressed up and … whoa! That’s always good.
Here’s the lowdown on Patrick’s on-set grooming routine from Anita Gibson, the hair and makeup department head for “A Gifted Man”:
T.T.: Can you tell me what you do to prep Patrick’s skin and get him camera ready?
A.G.: Patrick’s skin is great, we really don’t need to do much. It’s a team effort. He does his part taking care of it. I keep an eye on it, and help maintain it. Mostly, I use Mario Badescu products. They are mild and simple, which work well for his complexion. Products that are too rich can cause him to break out. First I mist the Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater. I top that with the Oil Free Moisturizer, which keeps him shine-free. Throughout the day I blot with Boscia Lavender Blotting Linens. I use Aquaphor to give his lips enough moisture without looking shiny.
T.T.: How does he cleanse after a long day of shooting?
A.G.: First he takes a hot, steamy towel to open his pores. Then he uses Mario Badescu’s Enzyme Cleansing Gel, followed again by the facial spray and moisturizer, if he needs it.
T.T.: In the morning, is there a product you like for de-puffing the eye area?
A.G.: He rarely has puffy eyes. I remember only one time, after he had been traveling. But when needed, I swear by the Angels Make Up Collagen Kit — pads you soak with pure collagen.
T.T.: On a daily basis, what is Patrick like to work with?
A.G.: Oh, he’s our leader! He is so professional, positive and helpful. His spirit is always in the right place, and he always takes the high road.