 | Geoff opens up about everything---and it's awesome! |
It has been a dream of mine since I started A&D to bring you interviews. And with Signed, Sealed, Delivered: From The Heart only a few days away from premiering, I am proud to announce that Geoff Gustafson is my first one!
A self-described "dazzling conversationalist," his digital footprint largely boasts only the basic information you would expect to find of someone with a rather extensive career. Much remains a mystery about the man behind the character of Norman Xavier Dorman. Today, we learn more about the upcoming film, the character and the man!
A self-described "dazzling conversationalist," his digital footprint largely boasts only the basic information you would expect to find of someone with a rather extensive career. Much remains a mystery about the man behind the character of Norman Xavier Dorman. Today, we learn more about the upcoming film, the character and the man!
| While Geoff deemed the basic premise of From The Heart "top secret," he was willing to divulge that NoRita "[will] face a particularly challenging obstacle that neither has any experience dealing with." But, as we know---and Geoff was sure to remind me---"every obstacle [Norman and Rita] face brings them closer together." I think it's safe to say that whatever From The Heart has in store, the outcome will bring the two even closer! What else can we expect of From The Heart? Apparently the introduction of "privacy and communication" as important themes in the show, courtesy of that 200 year old letter Norman is taking such good care of in the films' photo gallery. Look for this theme to stick around---and definitely start pondering how it could impact our POstables moving forward! |  Holding a piece of history. |
| Of course, I had to ask about some of the dynamics around set. Chief among them Geoff's role in shaping his character Norman, and whether or not Geoff shares any similarities with his character. "Martha is very encouraging and inclusive when it comes to Norman" and the two often chat about "where Norman comes from and how he got to where he is." And if you ever wondered if some of Norman's one-liners were scripted or an ad lib, the standard of inclusion is pretty high. "If Martha laughs---boom, victory---we get to see it in the script," Geoff boasts. |  The man and his maker. |
As for sharing similarities with Norman, the answer will make it abundantly clear why Geoff's portrayal is so masterful---it all stems from vulnerability. It is Norman's "greatest strength, but [also] his greatest fear." Norman's quest to embrace vulnerability as a strength, thereby pushing past his fear, has propelled Norman's immense growth since the Pilot. Being of the mind that growth comes by doing what scares us, Geoff can relate.
He also relates to Norman's loyalty and inclusiveness when it comes to his friends and family, which Geoff, perhaps unknowingly, demonstrated when asked which cast mate he preferred to be stranded on a deserted island with---he couldn't choose!
"Eric could probably build anything we would need. Kristin would make sure I didn't ruin myself falling off a cliff or eating something poisonous. Crystal and I have known each other for years. We grew up in the same small town. We would keep each other sane." Each person has a place in Geoff's circle, and it's no wonder these four gel so well as a unit!
He also relates to Norman's loyalty and inclusiveness when it comes to his friends and family, which Geoff, perhaps unknowingly, demonstrated when asked which cast mate he preferred to be stranded on a deserted island with---he couldn't choose!
"Eric could probably build anything we would need. Kristin would make sure I didn't ruin myself falling off a cliff or eating something poisonous. Crystal and I have known each other for years. We grew up in the same small town. We would keep each other sane." Each person has a place in Geoff's circle, and it's no wonder these four gel so well as a unit!
 Swag-tastic at #TCA16. | I couldn't let the opportunity to learn more fun stuff about Geoff pass me by. So, given the content of From The Heart and the recent Valentine's Day holiday, I asked what any other reasonable person would---what would his ideal Valentine's date be if he were planning one? Boy, was I slightly unprepared for the [ridiculously sweet] answer. "Valentine's Day is such a great opportunity for me to plan something for my fiancé (sorry ladies, I'm taken. [insert emoji w/ sunglasses via your imagination])." Besides a decaf coffee and bagels [a few of her faves], his lucky lady could look forward to a long walk with their "frolicky dog" through a local park's trails for fresh air and chats, and later dinner at one of Vancouver's "fantastic restaurants." And, as every woman in a relationship with a man would attest, "she would probably love it if I did some cleaning or worked on wedding plans as well." Amen, sir, amen. |
Just when you thought you knew all there was to learn about our Geoff, he continued to surprise and amaze. Perhaps my favorite thing to learn from our interview was that he's an acting teacher!
"I've been working with a group of student's for a few years now and I find a lot of enjoyment and pride in their success. It's very fulfilling and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and learn from theirs." Excuse me while I give up all my worldly possessions and move to Vancouver so I can be one of his students...
"I've been working with a group of student's for a few years now and I find a lot of enjoyment and pride in their success. It's very fulfilling and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and learn from theirs." Excuse me while I give up all my worldly possessions and move to Vancouver so I can be one of his students...
 #LifeGoals | For those of you wondering where his sports team loyalties lay, I don't have an answer for you. I can tell you, however, that he loves playing soccer and watching baseball. In fact, one of his life goals is visiting every Major League Baseball field in North America. Keep your eyes out POstables---Keep.Your.Eyes.Out! And my sincerest thank you to Geoff for being such an open book---this was too much fun! Let's do it again soon, okay? :) All About Geoff, ~C |
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