Killarney was home to Pretty Little Liars star Ian Harding this week as he taught several classes at West End House School of Arts. The Killarney Advertiser caught up with the American actor while he was in town.

By Clodagh Nagle

There was a touch of TV magic in Killarney this week as American actor Ian Harding paid a visit to the town. It was his first trip in Ireland, and there’s no fitting introduction to the Emerald Isle than Killarney. Ian soaked up the sights and views as he explored our wonderful town, so much so he said he’d consider moving here. 

Ian likened being in Killarney to being in a Disney movie. He shared a story of running in the National Park when he came across some deer along the way. He paused and waited for them to move, however when they refused, he kept on running. He described the access to nature in Killarney as “amazing”.

Life in Killarney

What brought Ian to Killarney? Sheer curiosity, he said. Having worked in film and television for a long time, he felt a growing desire teach, something he hadn’t normally done before. He explained: “I never really had the chance to teach. I’ve helped people with self-tapes and classes, but I’ve never taught an acting class.”

Describing his experience at the West End School of Arts, he said it’s a very welcoming place. He said the level of interest in acting was immediately apparent. He noted the students displayed genuine curiosity by asking thoughtful and insightful questions. “If you’re here, it’s a conscious decision. I would expect a place like this in New York or LA but having it in Killarney is incredible.”

Ian expressed surprise that there’s not more filming in Killarney as it provides a wonderful backdrop. “Ireland is right for filming. You have cities, small villages, and places that look untouched by time.”

Would he move to Killarney? “I seriously thought about it. It’s great to have friends here. It’s so close to everywhere else, I have friends in Scotland, England and Germany. I think my wife would move here too.”

Although it feels like the rain in Ireland is never-ending lately, the Pretty Little Liars star said he loves the weather here. Based in Washington D.C, he left behind at least six inches of snow. He joked: “It’s balmy here, I don’t know if anyone has called Ireland balmy. When you live in California long enough, rain is great. I could walk outside and lay on the grass.”

Life and Career

Ian was born in Germany; he spent the first three years of his life there before moving to America. He was born into a military family. He attended college at Carneige Mellon University where he studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Ian shot to fame after his role as Ezra Fitz in Pretty Little Liars. The popular television series ran for seven seasons. Ian revealed that it was the first pilot he shot for after leaving college. He didn’t think his character would last too long on the show. He was 23 years old and it was the first major project he starred on. He said he is still in contact with all of the cast members, all remaining friends to this day. He confirmed that they are all open to doing a movie of some sorts if that opportunity ever arose. He said: “I’d do it if everyone was on board, if we liked the script and if it made sense. It’s been talked about since it ended but everyone is busy. I don’t know if and when it might ever happen, but I do know having spoken with most of the cast within the past year, if it was on the table, I think everybody is open to doing it.”

Classes

As he is mainly here to teach, he spoke about the importance of continuing to take acting classes, regardless of an actor’s level of experience, and how beneficial they can be for long-term career development. He explained: “As an actor, you want to try new things and stretch yourself. I took classes on the side. I was able to leave the show and do pilots that were different. I didn’t have an ego with the mindset of ‘I was on a hit show’. That didn’t matter. In fact, because we were on a hit show means you should probably take a class to break bad habits. A good acting teacher will gently let you know that you have bad habits, and you should break that.”

Favourite spots in town

What’s been his favourite thing about Killarney? The town itself. He said: “Killarney manages to maintain its Irishness without making a caricature of itself.” He described how he has gone exploring every morning and expressed disappointment that he won’t get to see all of it. He gave a specific mention to Luna Coffee Shop where he visited every day for their sandwiches, and he gave a trip to Courtney’s Bar which he enjoyed as all of the local folk were there.