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Actor Garfield Wilson speaks about his musical comedy series

Actor Garfield Wilson speaks about his musical comedy series

Photography by J Benson

Originally from Surrey, England and the middle child to Jamaican immigrants, Garfield’s story is certainly unique.  He always felt a pull to all things creative, he organically fell into music and acting in his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta.  After two years performing as the lead singer to a funk/soul cover band, Garfield’s first break was portraying Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”  He then ventured to Vancouver, BC, to pursue music and acting further.  After singing in his own band, followed by a Canadian tour singing back-up vocals for Colin James, Garfield began to focus on acting.  In addition to his work in front of the camera, he’s been an advocate for the BLM movement, and feels that real change comes from inspiration and education; the only way to move past the divide is to educate everyone on what it’s like to be on the receiving end of systemic racism. 

 


How did you come across Lorne Michaels musical comedy series?
I auditioned for the role via self tape from my agent. 

How did you prepare for the role, and what's your role in it?
I play the role of Henry, who is one of the townspeople of SCHMIGADOON. We were given amazing songs and a wonderful script to work with (Thank you, Cinco Paul!) And from there we had rehearsals and open dialogue with everyone involved. So preparations for the role (and the show) was very collaborative. Which created such a cohesive group on set. 

I know it was a fun set, can you give any spoilers? How was it on set?
I absolutely can’t give you any spoilers, BUT what I will say is the vibe on set was an absolute love-in with an incredibly gifted, all-star cast! Huge thanks to our producers and director Barry Sonnenfeld. 


What's the most difficult things about being an actor today?
I think one of the most difficult things about being an actor today is finding your groove through the COVID-19 pandemic. The year 2020 (and now 2021)  became such a different landscape in regard to auditions and callbacks being remote via Zoom/self tapes and getting used to life being on set with the necessary COVID protocols in place. A large part of being an actor is connection, and the pandemic created a disconnect. Even when you’re on set working with cast and crew there’s a level disconnect with masks and specific zones to work in. I’ll be grateful when we can once again see faces.  

What inspires you in life?
I’ve always been inspired by the arts in all of its incarnations; theater, music, films, poems, art…I also draw immense inspiration from my children and my fiancé.  

Do you have any favorite movies or TV shows? If so, what are they?
There are so many movies and TV shows that have had an impact on me as an actor. There’s a long list that ranges from Malcolm X, The Godfather, The Ozarks, Shameless, Ali, Breaking Bad and so many more. 

If you can go back and change anything about 2020 what would it be?
That’s a tough one because 2020 was such a devastating year. At the very top of the list would be to not have lost so many lives due to the pandemic and racism. I’ve never lived through a year wrought with so much anxiety, fear, anger and loss. I pray we never have to go through that again. 

Did you have any other projects fans should watch out for? 
I’ve been filming a feature film since March 2021 and will wrap at the end of June of this year. It’s the biggest project I’ve ever been a part of, and I can’t wait to share! Unfortunately I can’t… Yet! I’ve also just signed a deal for a movie series that starts filming early July 2021 to the end of September 2021. 


Extremely excited to start that project and share with fans… Stay tuned!


How can fans reach out to you via social media?
Please check me out on Instagram: @garfieldawilson and
Twitter: @garfieldwilson