When Shortland Street stars Theo Dāvid and Mo Nasir get together to hang out, they love to go for a run, then bond over baked goods. Regularly meeting at their favourite café at the base of Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, the friends of almost a decade run 5km to the Viaduct and back – but often their meet-up is as much about their mental health as the physical.
“I don’t know if it’s because I’m a dude, but I’m not one to talk about my feelings,” says Theo, who plays ambulance officer Viliami To’a.
“However, when a mate buys me a coffee and a cinnamon brioche, they twist my arm. There was one time we met up for a run but just went straight to the café for a chat.”
That day, the actors – who are both 29 and first-generation Kiwis – were both feeling overwhelmed with the things happening in their lives. Mo, who plays Dr Nazar “Naz” Arshad on Shorty, recalls, “We just took turns talking and finding moments to go, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m experiencing that as well.’”
Shared backgrounds
Though Theo’s parents are from Samoa and Mo’s are from Pakistan, they had similar upbringings, which bonded them when they started sharing a dressing room on the long-running TVNZ 2 soap in 2024.
Mo confesses, “I didn’t think our relationship would become this honest. I always feel like I have to be quite positive. Around the set, when people ask how I am, I’ll say, ‘I’m great,’ but when I’m in the dressing room with Theo, I can say, ‘I feel shit today.’ It’s so good to not feel judged for it and not expect anything from Theo other than him saying, ‘Oh, man, that sucks,’ or, ‘Yeah, I hear you.’”
This vulnerability and trust has put Theo at ease too.
Theo explains, “It’s real disarming. I don’t like to sit down usually, but I’m happy to sit around with Mo. Sometimes we talk, but there are times where we don’t. There’s no expectation to be a certain way.”
Navigating parenthood
Mo has met Theo’s partner Amanda White and both their sons – Jude, who’s almost three, and Rome, 15 months. While Mo doesn’t have children, he’s uncle to a six-year-old and a three-year-old. He sees how demanding parenting is, and empathises with Theo when he feels the juggle of being a partner, a dad and a core Shorty cast member leaves little time for himself.
Theo shares, “My partner and I have always put our kids before our own relationship. The big thing I’ve talked to her and my close mates about is how to make it not feel like we’re just co-parenting our
way through these early years. How do I pour into my partner’s cup as well?”
With Shorty reduced from five to three nights per week amid rumours of it being axed altogether in 2024 and 2025, Theo and Mo spent a long time stressing over the risk they might lose their sources of income.
Running off stress together
“That was a tough time, so it was good to catch up with Theo and get a run in,” admits Mo, who took up going running to get fit during COVID lockdowns.
“It’s good for the body and for your mental health. I really look forward to our catch-ups.”
Together, the buddies completed the Round the Bays fun run last year and they’re teaming up again, with Theo set to push his youngest son Rome in his new Edwards & Co pram along the 8.4km course in Auckland next month. Joined by half a dozen of their Shorty castmates, they hope to beat last year’s finish time of 51 minutes and 48 seconds.
Supporting each other
“This is about challenging ourselves, pushing each other and just being there for each other,” reflects Mo.
“We can support each other through it.”
Saying it’s a chance to create a new family tradition, Theo adds, “Jude’s so attached to his mum right now, so Round the Bays will be something he can do with the guys. I hope my boys will grow up knowing how important your mates are in life.”
To join Round the Bays, go to roundthebays.co.nz. Shortland Street screens 7pm Monday to Wednesday on TVNZ 2 and streams on TVNZ+. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please call or text 1737.
