Ioan Gruffudd tackles nervousness and a new role in ‘Forever'

Many British actors come to America to hit the big time. They star in long-running TV series or wage battles in action-gripped movies. But it’s been more than that for Ioan Gruffudd.

The Welsh actor has starred as the brave naval officer in the “Hornblower” series, Mr. Fantastic in “The Fantastic Four,” and Lancelot in “King Arthur,” but it was moving to America that changed him.

“I’m terrible with conflict,” he says. “That’s why living in America is quite healthy because we’re taught on a daily basis to (express ourselves). I see my daughter having discussions, and everything is out in the open and discussed. ‘Why are you upset?’ ‘Well, because of this.’ And discourse and argument is part of one’s upbringing here,” he says, relaxing in a coffee bar.

“And you don’t take it personally. Growing up in the U.K., you take it VERY personally. It’s very refreshing to be in a culture where conflict isn’t necessarily going to end in never talking with each other again.”

Though he sports an impressive acting resume, Gruffudd (pronounced Griffith) says he always doubts his abilities when faced with a new project. The latest is his role as the New York City medical examiner who is blessed (or cursed) with immortality in ABC’s series “Forever.” Gruffudd finds his character solving crimes with the keen eye of a man who has lived far beyond his time.

The show, which features a sneak preview Monday, settles into its regular 10 p.m. time on Sept. 23.

Gruffudd feels that trepidation is an integral part of performing. “If you don’t have that, I’d be more scared NOT having that fear. The day that I become complacent about a job or a part or a character is the day I should give up acting. I hope that I have that energy, that passion that desire, that nervousness, that terror – because that’s what spurs you forward, I think.”

There is one disadvantage to starring in “Forever,” Gruffudd admits. He hates to get up in the morning. “I am hopeless without my sleep. I’m like one of those teenagers you can’t get out of bed. I’m 40, and I’ve got two kids and responsibilities, and I have to get up. But I’m hopeless, I’m absolutely hopeless. I become Jekyll and Hyde. So my wife and daughter call me Grumpy McGrumpster.”