LaPaglia brings depth to iconic role in Death of a Salesman

Adelaide-born actor Anthony LaPaglia is set to take on one of the most iconic roles in American theatre, playing Willy Loman in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Death of a Salesman at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide.

LaPaglia, who has had a successful acting career in the United States and Australia, spoke about his experience working with the play's author, Arthur Miller. LaPaglia first met Miller while performing A View From The Bridge on Broadway in 1997.

“He was a very big, tall, very nice guy. Gruff, but only spoke when he had to,” LaPaglia said.

“Basically, he just laid it out one day.”

Miller told LaPaglia: “Listen, I write my stuff very lean. There's no fat on it. The faster you get through it, and don't think about what you're saying, the more it will come to life.”

LaPaglia had initially been considered too young for the role of Eddie Carbone in A View From The Bridge, but Miller was convinced after a reading. LaPaglia said: “After the reading, he [Miller] was like, 'Absolutely, go do it', and he came to many rehearsals.”

LaPaglia found the experience of working with Miller to be “really amazing”, allowing him to ask questions about the play and learn from the author directly.

LaPaglia is now playing the lead role of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, a production that has been revived twice since it premiered in 2023. He said his understanding of the character has deepened with each season.

“Every time we come back, there's another layer to it that I hadn't seen before,” LaPaglia said. “It does get a tad more clear.”

LaPaglia's co-star, Alison Whyte, who plays Linda Loman, also spoke about the play and her experience playing the role. “It's such a joy to play … I just love the relationship between Willy and Linda,” she said.

“It's beautiful, very caring,” Whyte added.

The production of Death of a Salesman opens on Saturday at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide and runs until October 4.