Suits Fan Never Knew the Secret Weapon Gabriel Macht Used Before Every Episode to Become Harvey Specter

SUMMARY

• Gabriel Macht drew inspiration for Harvey Specter from his real-life family connections to the legal field.
• His routine before each episode helped him fully embody Harvey's confident persona.
• Macht’s background in law influenced Harvey’s mentorship of Mike Ross, adding depth to their relationship.

Suits fans have always admired Harvey Specter, the brilliant, suave, and quick-witted attorney who dominates the courtroom with his charismatic presence. However, what many don’t know is that Gabriel Macht, the actor who portrayed Harvey, had a secret weapon that helped him channel this iconic character before every episode.

Gabriel Macht in Suits | USA Network

This small but significant thing allowed him to bring a layer of authenticity and depth to Harvey Specter, turning him into one of television’s most beloved legal characters. But Gabriel’s method wasn’t just about acting, it had roots in his real-life connections with the legal world.

Gabriel Macht Talks About His Secret Weapon 

Gabriel Macht in Suits | USA Network

When preparing to step into Harvey Specter’s shoes, Gabriel Macht employed a practice that helped him fully embody the confident and assertive lawyer we see on screen. Before each episode, Macht would find his zone through a routine that mentally placed him in Harvey’s world. 

But beyond any specific method, Macht’s real strength was his genuine understanding of the legal profession, thanks to his close ties to lawyers in his family. “I’ve just been around it my whole life,” Macht explained in an interview with The TV Addict. His sister is a former Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx, his aunt and cousin worked in family law, and one of his closest friends was a top corporate attorney in Los Angeles. 

With a foundation rooted in real-life experiences, Macht could “fake it pretty well,” as he humorously put it. He didn’t need to spend days visiting law firms or deep-diving into legal textbooks. Instead, he drew on the conversations he’d had with his family members, naturally absorbing their knowledge and applying it to his portrayal of Harvey

How Gabriel Macht’s Lawyer Family Helped Shape Harvey Specter

Patrick J Adams and Gabriel Macht in Suits | USA Network

Gabriel Macht’s connection to the legal field didn’t just help him with technical terms, it also helped him shape Harvey Specter’s personality. Growing up in a family of legal professionals, Macht was no stranger to the courtroom stories and legal intricacies that formed the backdrop of his family’s lives. 

In his own words, Macht explained that “observing bits and pieces along the way” helped him embody the confident, commanding presence that defined Harvey Specter. This familiarity with the legal world allowed him to lean into the character without overthinking the technicalities. 

Macht’s background in law also influenced the show’s dynamic between Harvey and other characters, especially Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams.

Harvey’s mentoring of Mike echoed the relationships Macht had observed within his family, where seasoned professionals guided the next generation of lawyers. This connection made Harvey’s mentorship of Mike feel authentic, enhancing the bond between the characters and, ultimately, the appeal of the show. 

You can watch Suits on Netflix.

Written by Sonika Kamble

Articles Published: 182

Sonika thrives on her passion for cinema, artistic expression, and philosophical exploration. Every medium of storytelling intrigues her, and she can’t help but dissect the layers to unravel the deeper meaning behind an arc or a scene. She finds contentment in playing chess, vibing to background scores, and penning the next chapter of her book. Sonika is driven by the idea of being a dutiful and responsible human who dedicates herself to a task, regardless of the outcome—a principle she’s committed to upholding at FandomWire.