USA Today has an article/interview with John Hannah and how this terrific actor mastered the role of Batiatus on Spartacus Blood and Sand
John Hannah enjoys killer 'Spartacus' role on Starz - USA Today - 14 April 2010
With average-guy looks, thinning hair and slight build, John Hannah isn't as buff as the muscle-ripped actors that dominate Starz's Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Unassuming stature aside — Hannah jokes about wearing platform sandals for scenes with statuesque castmates — he has been the imposing emotional force on the sexually charged, gore-infused Roman Empire epic, which ends its first season Friday (10 ET/PT).
"It was a little intimidating at first," says Hannah, 47, who stars as Batiatus, the manipulative gladiator-school owner whose thirst for wealth, social standing and political power is tied to the fighting prowess of slave Spartacus (Andy Whitfield).
"All the guys were really fit. I exercise a bit, but I'm not that committed. And being the oldest guy on the set, I questioned where my youth went."
