GALO: During those initial months, and even in the time after, did you find it hard to locate auditions and paying jobs?

DI: In the beginning, it was definitely hard. It started with commercials really, and I worked my way from there.

My commercial agent took me on in the first year. But it took me a year to really land here and figure out the rules and the lay of the land. I mean at first, I was like, “I need a SAG card?” [Laughs] That became a mission itself — how to get that infamous SAG card. But it was baby steps. I would say the auditions started to come in more and more. Definitely lower-budget films and short films that I have loved, which have helped me get my SAG card. It seems to all be coming together now. It’s nice to see all the hard work is paying off.

GALO: You seem to have grown up with a respect and admiration for the film industry. So, what was it like to finally be a part of it? Did you find the business of acting and entertainment to be what you expected?

DI: That’s a good question. I haven’t gotten to know the entire industry yet. I definitely haven’t ventured into the film side of things as much as I want to yet, but I have had glimpses into that industry. As for the television industry, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I have been really lucky and I feel that most people I work with and meet are good people and just trying to do genuinely good work. There are some crazy stories that you hear about the industry but, for the most part, I have had good experiences. I am a firm believer that you create the energy around you.

GALO: Now, you most recently began filming a guest arc on the final season of Showtime’s Dexter. Can you speak a little about whom you play?

DI: I can’t really say much because they asked for a lot of confidentiality; they are very secretive about this new season.

GALO: Instead of more specific details, can you speak about your experiences on the set? Have you enjoyed it? What was it like to come onto the set of such an established show and interact with the seasoned cast?

DI: Oh, it has been an amazing journey. It has been pretty daunting to come on a show that has been going on for eight years, with such talented people involved. But that is partly what makes it a little easier because they are such a tight crew and good cast, and that has made it so much easier to come in and do my thing. They have been very welcoming and it has been a great experience.

GALO: How long have you been shooting it and how long will you be on the show?

DI: We are shooting until the end of July and I have been shooting for a few weeks now. In terms of the length of my time on the show, it will be a few episodes. It is very exciting. And it will be exciting to see how it is all cut together and comes out on TV.

GALO: I noticed that you have a wide variety of skill sets including dance, playing several musical instruments, and speaking several languages. As an actor, do you find it to be essential to have those extracurricular skills in today’s crowded entertainment business?

DI: Yes and no. I didn’t acquire those skills because of acting. I mean, I have musical experience because when I was younger I wanted to be a rock star [laughs]. If you look at all the classic actors, especially from the studio system in Hollywood, you couldn’t call yourself an actor if you didn’t know tap dance and ballroom — you had to have the whole card. And I respect that. I think that it is a performance, and knowing your body and yourself in that way is a very useful tool as an actor. It has come in handy a few times. You know, when a director says, “Hey, can you play the guitar?” I actually did some songs in a short film I was in. But I think it also goes back to having something other than just being an actor. You need to have something else that gives you passion, like I love photography. That is definitely something I have jumped to in-between jobs to give myself fulfillment.

GALO: Are there any particular roles or genres that you would like to take on in the future — ones that you maybe haven’t gotten the chance to experience?

DI: I have been a little bit of a geek for sci-fi movies; I enjoy that genre a lot. I love the film noir genre. I quite like the David Lynch and David Cronenberg kind of films; I guess the darker films. But on the other hand, I remember hearing William Dafoe say how much he loved doing Spiderman, and I can relate to that. I would love to do green screen work. I would be really grateful if my career allows me to visit many different genres and try things out. I would love to try the romantic comedy one day too. I wouldn’t shy away from that. I think variety is key here, and hopefully, I will be lucky enough to taste that variety.

To catch up on past episodes of season eight of Showtime’s Dexter, visit http://www.sho.com/sho/dexter/home. Episode six airs this Sunday, August 4 at 9 p.m. on Showtime. Check your local listings for further information.

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Featured image: Pictured: Actor Darri Ingolfsson will be starring in the final season of “Dexter” on Showtime. Photo Courtesy of: Sarah Yorke.