Gabriel Macht, best known for playing the sharp and charismatic Harvey Specter on the hit legal drama Suits, recently opened up about what made the role click for him—and how his approach evolved over the years. In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor reflected on his journey with the character and what helped him bring Harvey to life so effortlessly for nearly a decade.
When asked what new layers he discovered while revisiting Harvey Specter years later, Macht admitted it was a tough question to answer quickly. He explained that his main focus was always to stay true to his job as an actor—following the vision of the show’s creators while also collaborating closely with directors and fellow cast members. “I just tried to make spontaneous choices and create moments of magic along the way,” he said.
Interestingly, Macht shared that at the beginning of Suits, he didn’t feel anything like Harvey Specter in real life. But as the series progressed, he started to notice some of Harvey’s traits rubbing off on him. “By the end, I was too much like him in terms of behavior,” Macht revealed with a laugh, pointing to the influence the role had on his own personality.
Still, he acknowledged that not every aspect of Harvey fit him perfectly. He made a conscious effort to respect the complexity of the character, including Harvey’s insecurities and emotional walls. “I wanted to honor who he is and how he handles things,” Macht said.
Fans recently got a nostalgic thrill when Macht made a surprise appearance in the spin-off series Suits L.A., reuniting with longtime co-star Rick Hoffman. In fact, Macht joked that he struggled to keep a straight face while filming certain scenes with Hoffman, proving their off-screen chemistry hasn’t faded.
Looking back, Macht reflected that Harvey—while once driven by ego and the need to prove himself—would likely be in a wiser, more grounded place today. “He’s less of that young, reactive guy now,” Macht shared. “He’s stepped into a more evolved version of himself.”
