During his nine seasons playing hotshot lawyer Harvey Specter on the USA Network series Suits, actor Gabriel Macht got to know his costar Meghan Markle, who left the show in 2017 after getting engaged to her husband, Prince Harry. Despite some public scorn aimed at her over the years, Gabriel says that the Duchess of Sussex “was totally professional,” adding, “we had some good laughs.” Here, the 52-year-old dad (he and his wife of 19 years, actress Jacinda Barrett, welcomed daughter Satine in 2007 and son Luca in 2014) tells In Touch’s Lindsay Hoffman the truth about Meghan, his new partnership with Bear Fight Whiskey and whether there’s any chance for a Suits reboot.

What don’t people know about Meghan?

GM: Look, I didn’t have much to do with her on the show. I wish I had. She’s got a great laugh. And she’s got a lot of compassion. And you know she’s doing a lot of charitable work that is making a dent.

You recently revealed you’ll be guest-starring on the Suits spinoff, Suits: L.A., so Harvey can help “an old friend in need.”

Will your former costars be making appearances, too?

GM: I’ve heard some of the cast say, “Hey, I hope I’m asked” or “I’d love to be a part of it.” It all comes down to the writing and how we could support the characters and the new ensemble. The focus is to get that up and running and see where that adventure goes.

A lot of fans have been clamoring for a Suits reboot as well.

GM: I don’t think that’s in the cards right now. Never say never, but right now that’s not my focus. My focus is on Bear Fight Whiskey and my kids.

Tell us how Bear Fight Whiskey came about.

GM: I wanted to do something creative in the world of entrepreneurship. This is basically a startup. It’s been great; I’ve been at the ground level creatively.

How do you like your whiskey? 

GM: Straight up. I made one for a friend of mine the other day with elderflower, soda water and the American single malt, and it was really tasty. There are so many different cocktails that work with it, but I like it straight up.

You took a break when Suits ended in 2019. What did you do? 

GM: The plan was to go on a trip around the world for a year. We started in Scotland. We’ve been traveling to Australia, Amsterdam, Paris and Bali.

Your 20th wedding anniversary is on December 29. What’s your secret to a happy marriage?

GM: It takes a lot of work. In order to make a relationship stand the test of time, my wise self would say, “Really, really, really, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Engage in empathy and deep listening.”

Do you think your kids will follow in your footsteps?

GM: Both of them are very creative but no, they don’t have that interest. I believe we are raising really good citizens, really honest, grounded, loving humans. So, nothing makes me prouder.

What’s your biggest life lesson? 

GM: Most of the time, we learn through taking risks and failure. Sometimes you have to lean in and just go for it.