20 years ago, Quebec discovered Martin Rouette during the first version of Star Academy. Since that day, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge as, through a strange twist of fate, the singer took a different path and became an actor…
• Also read: The Star Académie 2003 gang arrives at the Bell Center to offer a new show
Martin, can you tell me how your work as an actor replaced that of a singer?
It happened strangely and it’s quite a deal. I discovered that I had a chronic sinus problem. I think I always suffered from it and without really knowing it, I think it really bothered me vocally. I sometimes feel like I couldn’t do what I wanted and that frustrated me. Life caused me to step away from music a bit. I’m working hard to solve my problem, but it has made me turn to the game that I care deeply about.
Do you miss music?
Yes, I miss it. Every time I see a show, when I visit friends, or when I have the opportunity to sing, when I have a wish, I get excited.
You took part Star Academy in 2003. How did things go for you after that?
After Star Ac, there were several participants who continued singing, making albums and so on… For me there were a few things: I did the show Special Requests, Reviews and Musicals… When I have the opportunity to sing , it connects immediately, something happens.
Photo: Bruno Petrozza
And your sinus problem made you want to become an actor as we saw you in, among others Virginia, District 31 And hotel…
Yes, I had a small role in District 31 two years ago. In Hôtel I played the role of a singer who believes he is someone else. I’ve also played roles as bad guys; I didn’t think I had this casting!
It’s good because bad Boysis in almost every series!
Yes, there are many. In Alerts it’s a bit like that. I play a biker, a member of the Night Demons who has escaped prison. To summarize the story: Let’s remember that in 1999 there was a major police raid. The character of Cindy Castonguay (played by Eveline Gélinas) is my character’s ex. She infiltrated the biker gang and her feelings kept her from going to prison. The plot of this new season revolves around the question of whether my character has information that could help solve a crime.
There is a child who is killed. Is your character, Spider Chagnon, involved in this story?
Yes. I could help Cindy, but she’s wondering whether she can trust me or not. Am I trying to seduce her? The bonds that united us are still quite strong. This relationship of trust between her and me is fragile and the viewer will wonder where it will all lead.
Were you able to ride a motorcycle in the series?
Yes. I was asked if I had a motorcycle license and obviously I do. The producer told me, “We’re going to try to get Harleys, and if we do that, it’s going to be sick!” That’s what happened: they managed to get some. Ultimately, this shoot was a little man’s dream to bring all of these elements together. Playing a biker, which means less compromise than being a biker, playing a gun and riding a Harley. It’s been a great journey and it’s exciting!
Have you ever had a motorcycle?
Yes, I used to have a Harley, but it was stolen. I have a motorcycle now, but it’s not a Harley.
We see each other often Warnings?
Not bad. It’s actually a nice plot. There are three intertwined stories: the disappearance of a farm owner, our biker thing with the anti-gang squad, and a story about a rich businessman.
Photo: Bruno Petrozza
We can also welcome you here 5th place?
Yes, I play a guy who gets out of prison. (laughs) We talked about bad boys; that’s it again! There is an intrigue with Sophie (played by Julie du Page). My character had a relationship with his sister a few years ago. There was an argument between us, then I did the irreparable. I spent 20 years in prison and am now released. All I know is prison and trying to rebuild my life. I’ve repented, I’ve done a lot of therapy, but Sophie is breathing down my neck because she obviously hasn’t gotten over her sister’s murder. She’s chasing me, she’s looking for me. I shot for three days in the spring and also this summer, and we just started filming a new block.
Have these two roles allowed you to have more confidence after more difficult years?
Yes. There was a technical low point in the game. There was a moment in my life when things were more difficult. But I always wanted, I was persistent and I pushed for something to happen. I didn’t go to acting school, but I have taken several workshops over the last 20 years. It seems like I have to experience things to make it all fit together. Actually, it wasn’t that long ago. Maybe I changed my attitude towards many things, which brought everything into harmony.
When you talk about difficult times…
I remember the moment Denise Filiatrault gave me a role in the 2004 film about the life of Alys Robi. It was my first time arriving on a film set and it was quite intimidating for me. I was prepared, I took things seriously, but in that moment I got stuck. I had a hard time stringing scenes together, and with Denise we didn’t have time to fool around. I feel like it was too fast. Michel Barrette played the lead role in the film. I remember him taking me aside and talking to me. He had been super stylish. It looks like I was a little taken aback and it scared me a little. Then came Virginie. After that I did my classes but after that it came to a standstill. I still had plenty to eat, and when the dust settled I was invited to audition, but I didn’t do any better than I needed to.
What turned the tide?
I had the opportunity to do dubbing and dubbing for series. I found a good school that had good teaching. Dubbing is gaming, no matter what anyone says about it. It is an acting profession in itself. In the last few years things have come back and I’m more sensitive to certain things. I also became a father and when you have a child it changes the way you play. I was getting old. I still have imposter syndrome in life, I always feel like I’m being judged, but when I have a role, let’s go, I do my best. Recently I found a good coach who helps me with both the audition and the scenes I have to act. This also allows me to validate my thoughts when I’m working on a character and wondering if I’m going in the right direction. The trainer’s experience allows me to adapt and arrive on set well prepared. I work hard, put in a lot of effort and so far people tell me they are very happy with my work.
Tell me about your son!
He is 20 months old. We are spoiled because he is a really good baby.
You are 46 years old. Do you think it happened late in your life?
Yes, but it had to happen. I’ve always wanted to have children. It just had to happen at the right time in my life. My son’s name is Miro and my girlfriend is Kathline Gréco, an artist who, in addition to taking part in musicals, also acts, sings and dances. She has done many things, both at galas and on television. We’ve been together for six years. We met while working on the musical Footloose.
WarningsMonday 9 p.m., on TVA.
5th placeMonday at 8 p.m., on Radio-Canada.