My most memorable experience working on television was: playing a Mexican bandit in a McDonald's "El Maco" commercial. Great dress-up and, being the fat man, I got the mule. It started jumping around like a rodeo bronc, with me trying to stay upright on a poorly secured saddle. When the mule settled down, the wrangler advised me it had only ever been in harness and this ad paid so well,why mention it?

The secret to being married for 37 years is: simple really – you just get up each day and try to be the best you can. Some days you win, but whatever happens, there's always a fresh start tomorrow. Being patient, humble, forgiving and honest, and having a good sense of humour definitely helps.

I love The Phantom because: he's a comic-book hero with no super powers. He's incredibly fit with a profound personal integrity and a commitment to pursue justice, against pirates and criminals, yet always within the law, not as a vigilante. I don't really collect the comics. I just find it difficult to get rid of them.

My most embarrassing experience performing was: the number of retakes I created in my first TV drama, G.P. Michael Craig drove into my service station for fuel. First, I held the hose in the off-camera hand, so it looked like I was peeing on the driveway, I delivered dialogue standing behind the car's antenna, I closed the boot over Michael Craig's dialogue and, being my first acting to camera experience, I gave a larger-than-life stage performance.

Playing the King in Cinderella is: a lovely character role that provides some backstory to the Prince. Being involved in a show with so many talented, enthusiastic and energetic young people is uplifting and exhilarating. Starting out at 12 myself, I hope I can provide inspiration and encouragement, as others did for me.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella is on at Belconnen Theatre until January 24. Bookings canberraticketing.com.au.