As Toby Moraitis, the love-scorned central character on here! TV’s “Dante’s Cove,” Charlie David fights the magical manifestations of Tresum, an ancient religion practiced by witches and warlocks.

But in real life, the multitalented entertainer faces even darker forces – trying to make it as an out actor in a peculiar place called Hollywood.

In a recent interview, David discusses this dubious distinction – from his beginnings in a Canadian boy band, to making the decision to publicly declare his sexuality, to landing the starring role on his popular – if not über-campy – supernatural show, season three of which is available June 3 on DVD.

And, no, homo–sex spells are not included.

Gay & Lesbian Times: You were once a member of a Canadian boy band called 4Now, which opened for Destiny’s Child, Black Eyed Peas and P!nk. Obviously the band was somewhat successful to land those gigs. Given that success, was there pressure from people behind-the-scenes to stay in the closet to maintain a certain image for your fan base?

Charlie David: I always feel like the experience of being in the band happened in a different life. It seems so remote and foreign to me now. We did have a great time and it allowed me to stretch myself creatively in different ways, but music for me is an enjoyable pastime, not my passion. Our sexuality was never discussed with our team, but there were definitely strong hints that we should appear single and available – which really translated to no relationships or dating of any kind – whether boys or girls. The straight guys in the band suffered just as much as me. I mean, come on, we were 19 years old, living in Las Vegas with a lot of testosterone pumping through us. Boys have to be boys, and when you deny them that, the obvious end is implosion.

GLT: What prompted your decision to publicly come out in 2005?

CD: I had just been offered “Dante’s Cove,” and [I] knew that by doing a new gay series on a new gay network I was going to get the questions from the media. At that point I was just really ready to embrace my true identity, both privately and publicly. It seemed like the right time and opportunity to do it.

GLT: How did your Catholic upbringing factor into that decision. And how did your family receive the news?

CD: I came out to my family when I was 16, so any residual Catholic guilt or indecision was long up the river by that point. I have an incredibly supportive and loving family, and although it took a lot of conversation and mutual growth, they are my biggest supporters. The really are the foundation I’ve built up from.

GLT: Now that you’re out, how has Hollywood treated you? Do you think there’s still an element of homophobia within the industry that prevents you from getting certain roles?

CD: Of course I’m sure I’ve gained roles and lost roles due to my open sexuality. I don’t dwell on it as I feel that creates a negative space. The most proactive way I can contribute is by being open and honest and to help tell and create stories that are important to me.

GLT: Your here! TV series, “Dante’s Cove,” has finished up three seasons, the latest of which is now available on DVD. How has your character, Toby, changed over the past three seasons?

CD: Toby’s true love has always been Kevin, played by Gregory Michael. Over the course of the three seasons their relationship has been tested in every conceivable way, from cheating to love potions to being kidnapped by a warlock. I feel that my arc in season three is the biggest change, in that Toby has finally decided to move on with his life and pursue it aggressively – even if his heart is still torn in two. There’s an interesting love triangle now between Toby, Adam (Jon Fleming) and Kevin. There are really loyal fans of both relationships, which will be interesting to watch in season four.

GLT: Why do you think “Dante’s Cove” – and your character, in particular – resonates well with the gay community?

CD: I think there are a lot of guys who respect Toby’s pursuit of true love and monogamy. In terms of the show itself, it delivers a healthy dose of camp, sorcery and shirtless boys – so most gays don’t have complaints.

GLT: Are there any plans for your character to crossover to “Dante’s Cove”-connected “The Lair?”

CD: “Dante’s Cove” is a union show and “The Lair” is not. For that reason I’m unable to work on “The Lair” unless they went union with it.

GLT: What can fans expect in season four? Any new characters or relationships to report?

CD: I don’t have specific script info on season four, and due to an impending SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) strike, when we go to production is still up in the air.

GLT: While we’re on the topic of relationships, I’ve never heard you mention anything about your personal life. So I have to ask – are you committed, dating?

CD: I think there’s enough drama that happens in the TV shows and films I do without putting my personal life into the mix as well.

GLT: In addition to singing and acting, you’re also a writer. Mulligans, a movie that you wrote and in which you star, finished up filming last year. In anticipation of its impending release, what can you tell your fans about this movie? I hear your character causes quite a bit of drama.

CD: We had our world premiere in Toronto for Mulligans recently, and I’m actually [doing this interview] from my lanai in Honolulu where we’re screening today. I describe the film as The Graduate for a new generation. An affair between a father and his son’s best friend threatens to tear a family apart. We are doing the film festival circuit this spring and summer and are planning on a late fall release.

GLT: Another hat you wear is business owner – specifically Border2Border Entertainment – which you co-own with producer Linda Carter. How is that venture progressing, and what projects are on its slate?

CD: I absolutely love the business side of show business, and after producing my first feature, Mulligans, I can’t wait to do it again. We have several TV series and films in development and are currently putting together our next film to shoot in spring 2009.

GLT: At 27 years old, you’ve accomplished a lot. But, considering that you don’t plan on retiring and becoming a recluse anytime soon, what else do you have up your sleeve?

CD: Don’t call me J-Lo, but I have a clothing line called Kreator in the final stages of development. I’m very excited to be working with a strong brand in the United States to market it this coming year. Otherwise I’ll continue with my travel series, “Bump,” and putting together my next films to produce. I feel very fortunate to do what I love everyday!