Fallout’s Davey Actor Leer Leary: Goes Behind the Scenes of Prime’s Hit Series [Interview]

Leer Leary Interview

1. Can you describe the process of how you were cast in the show “Fallout,” and what factors you think contributed to you landing the role?

Ever since COVID, the preliminary audition process has changed from the ‘hop on the subway, head to the casting facility, sit on the bench, wait to be called into ‘the room,’ give it your best shot and hope.’ Nowadays you get your scene via email, then self-tape one take and submit. ¹ The beauty of the in-person audition was that occasionally you were allowed to give a few different interpretations—often with suggestions/direction from the room. In this new process, you have one throw of the dice. The one I submitted had a small adlib at the end, and it has been hinted that that ‘aside’ was what got my mustache in the door.

2. What was the most challenging aspect of preparing for your role in “Fallout,” and how did you overcome it?

Quite frankly, it was just the nerves of being thrown on day one into a scene with such a legendary Director. I came around the corner on to the set, saw Norm (Moises) over by the Nuka Cola machine and BOOM there was Jonathan Nolan: he put his hand on my shoulder, smiled and said—“Hi Davey!” and I was put immediately at ease. ²

3. Could you walk us through a typical day on set for “Fallout”? What was the daily routine like?

Steiner Studios in New York is a stunning facility. ³ It reminds me of the Warner Brothers gate you see in old flicks…you pull up, check in and park. At the time we had to have a COVID test on the sidewalk outside of the set…once cleared you went to your dressing room and suited up. By the way—The jumpsuits are very comfortable. When they were close to filming the scene, we’d be called down to set…sit in our fancy chairs (first time for me to have my character’s name on the classic director’s backstage chair) in our COVID masks…off they’d come and boom we’re on! (The mask business must have been a nightmare for make-up and hair).

4. How did you approach developing your character for the show, and what specific techniques or methods did you find most effective?

The only real character description I got was “Vault Scholar”—so that was a real acting challenge: I had to be ‘smart’ (joke)—it also hinted that I was one of the Elders in the vault, so I had to do what folks have been saying to me for decades—“Act your age!” I studied with Jeffrey Zeiner and he always emphasized character and time—so that whatever ‘page’ you were filming that day, you would know what to do and how to react. Once I got DAVEY in my head, it was rather easy.

5. Can you share any memorable or surprising moments that happened during the filming of “Fallout”?

I was in Holding when “Mr. Handy” was delivered to the set…Jonah, Graham and the propmeister Steve came back and circled around the robot like kids on Christmas morning ‘Oooohing & Ahhhing’ ⁴

6. What was it like working with the cast and crew of “Fallout”? Are there any particular individuals who left a significant impact on you?

I adore Leslie Uggams…actually sang “Be kind to your web-footed friends” to her in its entirety. Rod Luzzi (Reg) and I became pretty close…many of our scenes were shot on the same day and we are both avid Hockey fans. Most of us ‘Vaulties’ did not have interaction with other SurfaceFolk such as Walton (which is a shame) but all of us below got along famously. Beautiful and talented creatures all.

7. The set pieces were incredible, did any spare caps or props make their way home with you? If not, were there any that you wished you could take home?

Everywhere I looked! Certainly the PipBoy…but as we left the set, we had to “de-prop,” plus the fact that the Vault suits had no pockets. 😃 Seriously, the reason why there were no shenanigans was because we all had so much respect for Jonah, the crew, and the overall production.

8. Were there any scenes or episodes in “Fallout” that were particularly difficult to film? If so, what made them challenging?

Nope…I was in the wedding reception scene but only up to the dancing…then the amazing Stunt crew took over. Those actors are remarkable athletes—profound respect for them.

9. How did the production team handle the visual and special effects for “Fallout,” and what was your experience working with these elements?

Jonah & production are rare birds these days—it has been said that he would only resort to CG or green-screen if the shot could not be done ‘live’—very little of the show is artificially enhanced. ⁵

10. Can you give us an insider’s perspective on any behind-the-scenes dynamics or relationships that shaped the atmosphere on set?

You often hear about the ‘team mentality’ or ‘family feel’ of a production. This cast and crew was no exception. I knew some of the A-listers and a couple of real stars I was not familiar with, but we were all on the same page. Pure professionals at every level. No moods, fusses or defugalty—however tons of laughs. The joy would start in the make-up trailer and end with a smile from the front gate guard at the end of the day.

11. What aspects of the post-apocalyptic world in “Fallout” did you find most intriguing or compelling, and how did they influence your performance?

Nothing really. When I was a kid I always wanted to live in a submarine or space capsule…so I was right at home in the Vault hallways.

SIDE NOTE – unrelated to your question:
My sons were big Fallout (video games) fans and I would hear the music coming from their rooms…I would pop in and be amazed that a ‘hip’ late 20th/early 21st century game would have these Old Fogey tunes! It was a risk for Bethesda production, but young people appreciate anything inherently ‘cool’ and the Ink Spots and Nat King Cole and others are just downright smooth. The intertwining of songs with on-screen scenes was perfect. I would also hear the lush orchestrations woven into the games (best exemplified in our Fallout by the scene where Lucy unveils the NCR flag)—the strings and melodies were gorgeous.

12. Regarding your children, what was their reaction to you getting the part, and at the time, were you aware that you were auditioning for a role based on the games that you had seen your kids play?

My sons are certainly the Target Market (29 and 21 years old)…they and their friends were over the moon. No, I did not know it was an audition for such a monster project. They were very secretive…all communication…even daily call sheets, once we started filming, were under a “Working Title.” Being a good Scout, when the sides for the audition came through, I researched the ‘title’ and it came up as an old Western from the early 1950s, so I thought I was perfect with my hair and mustache—hot dang, I was going to be a gunfighter. When I read the scene for the audition, it was the “I can teach the raiders Shakespeare” line, and I thought, “What kind of Cowboy flick is this?” 🤔

13. Were there any unexpected challenges or setbacks during the production of “Fallout” that the team had to navigate, and how were they resolved?

During filming it was the plague: COVID. After we wrapped, the premier was delayed because of the SAG-AFTRA strike. ⁶ Blessedly, we made it through both.

14. How was it working with Lucy actor Ella Purnell? Was she as light-hearted as she appears on screen?

Oh my goodness…my first day on set, I was escorted to holding where Ella was sitting…I did not know who she was. She welcomed me and made me feel right at home immediately. Ella is the real deal: she is just what you see (only with a British Accent)—feisty, gorgeous, athletic, and the possessor of a contagious laugh. Hope to see her in Season 2. 🤞

15. Looking back on your time with “Fallout,” what lessons or insights did you gain from the experience that you carry with you in your career today?

Work hard…be kind…and amazing things will happen.

16. What are you working on now, and where can people find you?

Just filmed an episode of “Poker Face” (Peacock 2025) with Natasha Lyonne…just doing what a working actor does: audition four/five times a week, comb the ‘calls’ in the trades, send out propaganda to casting people…it’s been my life since 1984! Folks can look me up on IMDb (get my star meter # up) or www.leerleary.com.