Reeve Carney knew when he accepted the part of Dorian Gray on Showtime's Penny Dreadful that there was going to be nudity.

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Though the musician has had a few acting gigs before, Penny Dreadful marked Carney's television debut in 2014. Since then he's opened up about what it's like filming the show, as well as the challenges he's faced. Above all, Carney has welcomed the opportunity to expand his horizons both personally and professionally.

"One of my favorite costumes on the show, or one of my character's favorites I should say, is various states of undress," noted the actor during an interview with Out on Wednesday.

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Carney admitted that he'd "never done anything like it" before in his career, but completely immersed himself in the character and decided to give it his all.

"That can be terrifying…" he explained, "But the worst thing you can do in that kind of situation is go halfway. I try to go as far as I possibly can."

Carney's willingness to push boundaries should make for an interesting second season, though his biggest challenge might lie after production has wrapped. After all, the actor has publicly admitted on multiple occasions that his mother and grandmother watch the show, which means they'll have to prepare to see a completely different side of him.  

Penny Dreadful will return on Showtime for a second season Sunday, May 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Tags: Penny Dreadful showtime television