The White Lotus star Steve Zahn recalls Aussie outback adventure

Steve Zahn has revealed how his time in the Australian outback back in the '90s may have unexpectedly prepared him for his latest role in Apple TV+'s drama Silo.

The 57-year-old actor, known for his roles in War for the Planet of the Apes and White Lotus, joins the hit series for its second season, stepping into the shoes of Solo, a resourceful loner navigating life in a sprawling underground city.

Reflecting on his character's survivalist tendencies, Steve reminisced about his solitary escapades in the Australian outback nearly three decades ago.

Speaking to 9Honey Celebrity, Zahn shared fond memories of filming Race the Sun in 1995, a drama centred on solar car racing, co-starring Halle Berry and Jim Belushi.

Much of the shoot took place around Broken Hill, NSW, where the actor found himself embracing the solitude and simplicity of the Aussie outback.

'Oh, I loved working in Australia,' he gushed. 'It was such a great time—I had an absolute ball there.'

The frontier mining town, which has also served as the backdrop for Mad Max: Furiosa starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth and Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, holds a special place in the White Lotus star's heart. 

Zahn's recollections included everything from celebrating Anzac Day at sunrise, to embracing the uniquely Australian game of Two Up. But it was his off-duty adventures that truly left an impression.

'I'd rented this pickup truck that ran on propane,' he said, chuckling.

'With my per diem, I'd buy firewood and a swag. I only worked a couple of days a week, so I'd just drive out into the Mundi Mundi Plains, start a fire, and camp under the stars. It was amazing—I felt so free.'

These moments of solitude and self-reliance, Zahn mused, mirrored aspects of his Silo character. Solo's resilience and resourcefulness in the show echo Zahn's own connection to the vast Australian wilderness.

The actor also praised his co-star Rebecca Ferguson, who not only plays the lead, Juliette Nichols, but also serves as an executive producer on the series.

Despite Ferguson's high profile, Zahn said working with her felt natural and unpressured.

'She's incredible—just a delight and such a fantastic actor,' he said. '

We have similar approaches to work. Between takes, it's all laughs, but once the cameras roll, we're totally locked in.'

Interestingly, Zahn credits a mutual connection with Ferguson for landing the role. While he didn't elaborate on the details, the collaboration has clearly sparked a strong professional chemistry between the two.