Don Gilet on Death in Paradise: ‘Watching Kris do the Poirot speech, I thought… how would I do that?’

As I delve into the captivating journey of Don Gilet, a seasoned actor who has graced our screens for decades, I can’t help but be struck by his resilience and determination. His life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, as he navigated the challenges of the entertainment industry with grace and tenacity.

Pete, it seems like you’re digging into my personal matters,” says Don Gillet, though his tone is cheerful, there’s a hint of finality in his words. The question that seemed to trigger his defenses was just asking who would be cooking the Christmas dinner at the Gilet residence this year.

Luckily, there are other facets of the upcoming vacation that the television veteran finds more enjoyable to discuss with enthusiasm.

At Christmas time, we get our first look at Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson in a special extended episode of Death in Paradise. He’s stepping into Ralf Little’s shoes as the new leading detective on the picturesque Caribbean island of Saint Marie, where murder mysteries seem to appear as regularly as Japanese bullet trains.

He’s very open about the fact that appearing on the show in 2015 alongside Kris Marshall was a significant opportunity for him, and he can’t deny that he sometimes pictured himself as the main character during that time.

Previously, he went by Andre Morgan, a worker for a deceased rum distillery proprietor. In this show, Kris delivers the Poirot speech as Marshall’s DI Humphrey solves the puzzle. You can’t help but ponder, “If I were in his shoes, how would I unravel it all?

“In essence, the sheer volume of information can feel like a memorization exercise. However, as an actor, your goal should be to transcend this and instead embody the character authentically.

Despite Saint Marie’s most complex cases always being resolved, it’s hardly surprising that Gilet is brimming with energy as he tackles his first case. After all, he manages to unravel the mystery of how expat celebrity songwriter Tony Hurst (Steven Hartley), tourist Stuart (Marcus Brigstocke) and unfortunate local Tyrus (Michael Salami) could have all been shot by the same gun at the same time.

However, unlike the actor who breathes life into him, Mervin Wilson isn’t optimistic about his future on the island of Saint Marie. With Christmas looming and his plane ready to whisk him away after a short personal visit, he finds himself torn between returning home and staying to solve a murder. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes a turbulent and eventually emotional journey of self-exploration for Mervin.

It’s captivating to observe how an actor and their character on Death in Paradise adjust to the tropical heat and fast-paced lifestyle of the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, which serves as the series’ filming location, during the “changeover” episodes.

Indeed, your thoughts resonate with me,” I echo, “I refer to this as the blissful warmth of vacation – the liberty to bask in the sun or seek refuge in the shade, the option between sipping a refreshing cocktail or taking a rejuvenating siesta. Yet, for me, it remains an ordinary workday, much like it does for Mervin.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the striking resemblance between Gilet and his on-screen persona. This isn’t just a coincidence; it was actually his audition with the show’s executive producer, Tim Key, that influenced the development of the upcoming series, shaping Gilet’s character in a way that feels incredibly authentic.

Also present at the audition was Don Warrington, aka Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, which, for Gilet, underscored just how special the moment was. “I thought, ‘If Don is taking the time to be in the room and read with me, I don’t want to be looking down at the script all the time. I’ve got to bring my A-game.’”

There’s often the assumption that because of their profession, actors tend to have large egos. However, one might argue that the audition process, with its potential for exposure and rejection, contradicts this notion. Gilet isn’t fully convinced. “Egos do exist,” he explains, “and they can take you a certain distance. Similarly, physical attractiveness can help, but neither have ever propelled me to major roles. That’s why I’ve had to be patient for such a long time to finally land a significant leading role.

Despite his attempts to remain composed, moments like these reveal a simmering frustration in Gilet that a leading role proportional to his expertise has consistently eluded him. One casting choice could catapult you from a celebrated character actor to the star of a ratings phenomenon. However, at 57 years old, with a well-maintained physique, it appears Gilet had grown accustomed to the idea that such an opportunity might never materialize. The fact that he finds himself in this situation now shapes the attitude with which he spent his months on location.

Despite the fact that Guadeloupe’s Basse-Terre Island, with its coconut palms, golden sand beaches, and stunning blue waters, was just a two-minute walk from his apartment, Gilet never ventured into the water. Instead, he chose to focus on studying his script, saying, “I felt like, ‘No, this could be time you immerse yourself in your study material so that you fully understand it.’

Just as if any of his relatives – his father, sister, or adult son through his ex-wife Tracy Whitwell – were anticipating invitations for a sunny get-together, none materialized: “When people visit, some attention must be devoted to their care. This year, I decided I couldn’t do that. All I wanted was to ensure that those who agreed to host him wouldn’t later regret their decision.

Some people have criticized Death in Paradise for continuing the “white savior” pattern, implying that it’s outdated and awkward to have black supporting actors depending on a white male lead to solve crimes. Earlier this year, Tim Key acknowledged that “the world has evolved significantly since the show began, and we will adapt to keep up with the times”.

According to Gilet, there are shallow methods of being characterized and categorized,” he explains. “If the goal was to find an outstanding actor capable of both humor and drama, blending those elements seamlessly, I’d be interested in such a role. The auditions I attend aren’t exclusively for roles designated as ‘black’; they’re simply roles. When I don’t land them, it’s usually because the position wasn’t a good fit for me.

“Remind yourself, ‘This is your responsibility, so take pride in it.’ If your hard work pays off, make sure to savor the success.

By Christmas, Gilet is planning to do that particular thing. Just the thought of driving from London to Walsall, where he was raised, noticeably relaxes him. It turns out that the actor’s teenage years lined up with the breakdancing craze. He shares an interesting tidbit: if you had strolled through Caldmore Green during its recent renovation, you might have stumbled upon young Gilet and his friends – or, as they called themselves, the Rock Sonic Crew – mastering their top rocks, crab freezes, and coffee grinders.

It appears he’s becoming more relaxed, so I might as well ask. Who’s preparing the Christmas dinner this year? “Ah, alright, if you must know, I’ve got the sprouts covered. I follow a Gordon Ramsay recipe with bacon and chestnuts for them. Sprouts are often overlooked, but they deserve special attention. They have their time to shine at Christmas, and you can’t afford to mess it up.

The delivery is deadpan. As for the symbolism, it’s unclear whether it was intended. But either way, he’s got this.

2024-12-10 04:50

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