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The star changes sides in the political arena - but only for a new TV series
If ever a TV role was custom-made for an actor then Philip Quast gets the vote as a politician in the new series on the ABC called Corridors of Power.
Not that he is interested in swapping jobs, but he admits to having an avid interest in politics and regularly fires off e-mails and letters to leaders all over the world.
"I'm still waiting ot hear back from Prime Minister John Howard. I sent an e-mail to him voicing my disapproval over his decision to support the US wirhdrawal from the Kyoto global warming reduction process. That was four months ago - and I'm still waiting on a reply!" says Philip, who also sent a similar protest letter to President George Bush.
"At least, I received a reply, even though it means my name has been added to the CIA list. I feel, as a citizen and father of three, I have the right to speak out on issues that concern me."
So, when Philip, who won a Critics' Award for his role in Les Misérables, was offered the role of Liberal backbencher Michael Fielding, he didn't hesitate to sign up.
"My character is in danger of losing his seat because he won it at a by-election after his father died. Throw into the mix a One Nation candidate and things certainly hot up"
he says from the set of the show that also stars Jeremy Sims.
The six-part series is expected to coincide with a Federal general election later this year.
In the series, shady dealings and scandals are at the centre of one man's bid to regain his seat of power.
"It proved to be quite and education. I had to learn about the conservative movement and that proved somewhat interesting".
But Philip remains a proud Labor supporter:
"I was filming in Ireland when Paul Keating lost the election. I sent off a letter of condolence and, not surprisingly, I got an immediate reply!"
