David: When I first moved to L.A., I had some friends and family out here. The first place I lived, ironically, was downtown. I lived in the artists' district downtown, I slept on a green couch, people were coming in and out of the room everyday and it was almost like, there I was, trying to find my way, confused, mixed up, trying to find any kind of help. And I was thrown into this big city.
TheWB.com: Was it difficult?
David: There were some trying times and it was difficult. It is a lot of hard work, still is a lot of hard work. I'd have to say, I can share Cordelia's pain.
TheWB.com: Tell us about how your first audition for Angel and your expectations.
David: When I first read the breakdown, it was an appealing character. To me, I didn't really think much of it at the time. I was just happy to be working. [laughs] I mean, it was something that came at a time in my life where things were just starting to move for me, personally and professionally.
TheWB.com: After three seasons on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was there pressure now that the character has become its own series?
David: I think that pressure is something that you bring upon yourself and I was fortunate enough to have two great parents who instilled a lot of confidence in myself and also a lot of humility. I learned just to take things for what they are, work hard, and be loose with it. And with those ingredients, along with great cast members and a great support team and being part of the whole, rather than being part of the given - I think it works out. Everytime I did an episode, there was something new to Angel. The character grew on me and it's been a great experience so far.
TheWB.com: Who inspired you to become an actor?
David: When I was seven or eight my parents used to take me to New York to see Broadway shows. When I saw The King and I, I was blown away by Yul Brynner - not only by his performance but the way he handled himself when he came out afterwards to greet the crowd. His intensity and his passion was so vibrant and energetic that it kind of transcended - I connected with it.
TheWB.com: And there's also The Magnificent Seven where Brynner played, of all things, a cowboy.
David: Yes, great film. I think Yul was a gambler - and I think Angel's character has a bit of that in him, and, you know, I tap into that.
TheWB.com: What's something that people might not know about you?
David: I have a fear of heights.
TheWB.com: How does that work when Angel is flying off buildings in the streets of L.A.?
David: [Laughs]...Well, we're very safe on the show. We have great stunt coordinators and everbody who works on the show is very particular. When we did stunts on Buffy and even on Angel, when we're high up, we are very safe and thorough. When you're involved with a group of people like that , then it makes things easier.
TheWB.com: What's in store for Angel? Will he always have a tortured soul?
David: I take the character for what he is and I think every day there's something new and exciting about him that I learn with every script. Within each episode, I learn something different about the character. Yes, he has a tortured soul and he has a guilty conscience. But at the same time, he's trying to rebuild that and make amends, for his own true sanity, to make himself become a better person. And I think we'll see that happen slowly but surely. In the beginning, he sure is going to feel a lot pain, and he'll be suffering. But it will be humorous pain.