Actor Christopher Gorham

Actor Christopher Gorham (Frank Ochenfels/USA Network)

Christopher Gorham has a good theory about stardom: "When people ask me, 'Are you famous?' I'm like, 'Well, I guess, no." The 36-year-old California-based actor is shooting the second season of the spy series "Covert Affairs," which airs on the USA Network. He portrays a former CIA operative named Auggie, who was blinded during a mission. To many viewers, he'll be recognizable as America Ferrera's accountant boyfriend, Henry, on "Ugly Betty." Gorham and his wife, actress Anel Lopez Gorham, have three children.

Q: Which film locations stand out in your mind?

A: I shot "The Other Side of Heaven" in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. It was a Disney film with Anne Hathaway, and the location was just gorgeous. Rarotonga is overlooked, but it's incredible to visit, not overrun with tourists — like I imagine Hawaii used to be.

I filmed my upcoming movie "The Ledge" in Baton Rouge. That was my first time to Louisiana, and I loved it. I was able to get into New Orleans for a day and eat some delicious turtle soup. I also shot a film called "Answer This!" in Ann Arbor and am completely in love with Michigan.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I love New Zealand. I was only on the North Island, but there's so much to see in Auckland. I shot "The Other Side of Heaven" shortly after getting married, so my wife and I didn't really get a honeymoon. So in a way, that trip (to New Zealand and the Cook Islands) was our honeymoon. It was really neat. We ended up frequenting this little place called The Cafe ( on Rarotonga. This couple — Neil Dearlove and his wife, Janet — had moved from New Zealand and built it there. They couldn't have been any nicer, and we still stay in touch with them and their daughter.

Q: When was your first big trip?

A: In the fifth grade. My grandparents took me to San Antonio. It was my first ride in a limo, which was pretty impressive to me back then. In school, we did these trips to Washington, D.C., and New York. I've always really liked traveling. After college, my brother and I took one of those bus trips around Europe where you only get to see each site for 30 seconds.

Q: What U.S. city do you recommend?

A: People should visit Ann Arbor. It's really a great city. There's this amazing coffeehouse there called Comet Coffee. There's a place called Zingerman's Deli ( that has the most incredible Reuben sandwich and my favorite chocolate cake in the world. It's actually the best chocolate cake I ever ate. There's a tiny place there called the Jefferson Market and Cakery ( They do really yummy small-scale cafe food, but they also have these bonbons that are maybe the most perfect dessert.

Q: Does traveling for work get old?

A: My jobs often end up being our family vacations, and so far it has been great. One of the nice things is that "Covert Affairs" shoots in Toronto during the summer, so the kids are out of school and my wife and kids can join me.


A: I was in Paris briefly on that bus tour I was telling you about, but I need to take Anel to Paris. That's something that we need to do when our youngest gets a little older. I'd also love to go to Greece. I think the kids would really enjoy a trip like that. South Africa is on my list of places to see.

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