Luke Macfarlane has built a versatile career that balances humor, heart and drama. From making us laugh with his charm in Platonic to the heartwarming Hallmark romances he brings to our screens, the Juilliard-trained performer even incorporates some personal passions like woodworking into his roles. Macfarlane continues to redefine what it means to find the “perfect fit” on and off screen, taking us along his journey—which is anything but monotonous.

Double breasted suit with pleated wrap skirt in tropical navy wool in midnight blue by Jack Sivan, Sivan
Shirt by Brooks Brothers

Platonic explores the dynamics between marriage and friendship, including the issues that it can cause. Did you draw on any real-life observations or inspirations to shape Charlie’s reactions?
A lot of Charlie comes from watching how my friends politely disagree with their partners. It’s fascinating to me how patient we have to be with the people we love the most.

How do you think platonic relationships differ in different stages of life? Is it possible to maintain friendships with the same speed or do they have an expiration date?
I deeply believe friends who we stay close to can help in many ways to ground us. Being reminders of who we were at different times in our lives is very important.

How do you think you would react if you ever found yourself in a “platonic triangle”?
I know I would be cool; I’m not a particularly territorial person.

Donegal tweed double breasted suit in grey melange by Jack Sivan, Sivan
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Hat by Stylist Own

Are there any ways in which you relate to Charlie?
We both have a love of television's Jeopardy! and we both want to be the family provider.

If you had to sum up season two of Platonic in three words, what would they be?
Laugh out loud.

From the lighthearted tone of Platonic, to upcoming thriller This is Not a Test, what inspired you to explore such a dramatic shift in tone? What are the biggest differences you felt when trying to get into character?
I believe I have to keep exploring, but it's not actually all that different. At the core it's about being with the people you're working with and trying to get on the same page. I don't know if many people say this, but a change of genre is often less difficult to adapt to than a change in budget.

You have become a familiar face in the Hallmark world. How do you keep each love story feeling fresh and different?
I suppose I just keep finding lovely co-stars to fall for.

In Home is Where the Heart is, you show off your impressive woodworking skills. How did you first get into this hobby and how did it feel to take it to the screen?
I first started building at a young age with my father. Then there were points in my life where I was a woodworker to pay the bills. It’s been a joy to share my passion for building and woodworking in a public way. What was difficult with our show was not having my own personal woodshop on-site. The challenge there was finding out how to build with a simple backyard setup.

Donegal tweed double breasted suit in grey melange by Jack Sivan, Sivan
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Shoes by MAGNANNI

Are there any other personal skills you would like to use in future roles?
I love music and play the cello so maybe they will call on me to do the Mstislav Rostropóvich biopic.

You have been very open about your journey and experience as a queer actor. At the beginning of your career did you ever put pressure on yourself trying to limit what roles you thought would be a “good fit?”How has that changed?
"Good fit” is an interesting turn of phrase. It makes me think about how often in photoshoots we have to use pins, clamps and tape to make the clothes look perfect—even when they don't fit my body. But I don't think I ever decided not to try on an outfit even when it was not a perfect fit off the rack. It's fun trying on the clothes and seeing if I can make it work and seeing how it makes me feel.

Suit by Le Catou
Coat by Ethan Lewy
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Shoes by MAGNANNI

You are a Juilliard graduate and have many theatre performances under your belt! How has this experience influenced the way you approach on screen acting?
Juilliard was a very happy place for me. Perhaps one of the most valuable tools I still use in all my screen work is a list of questions that I ask myself on the role I'm playing...the “who am I?” questions. I always try to be able to answer all the questions on this list for every role I take on.

Looking forward, what kind of projects are you leaning more towards?
I am excited to go back and do some theatre work. It's been a while now and I need to be scared shitless again on a Broadway stage before the curtain goes up.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Luke Macfarlane
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Evy Drew for Exclusive Artists using Tom Ford Beauty
Tailor: Cole Sudduth
Photography Assistants: River Chad, Dani Sax
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Sabine Obermoller, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: Love Studios

Luke Macfarlane Manages the Perfect Fit