HELLO AMERICA!—Theatre and Film Director Gerald Gordon sent me a report card concerning the success of some of his students. He made it clear that finally realizes what parents go through when they become proud of their children.
“Over the past 50 odd years, I am sure I have had 10,000 students (children to me in a way) and when certain ones do something very special, especially in a business that is so very difficult to even break into, I have to congratulate them and share good news,” said Gordon.
Gordon related with great pride that on Labor Day, one former student is starring in a two (2) part mini series “Houdini” which will be on the History Network. Of course it is Adrien Brody. “It’s pretty strange, but wonderful that in 1953, a kid named Bernie Schwartz aka Tony Curtis played the role and was paid $1500.00 a week for a few weeks. Adrien for approximately the same amount of filming time got over $10 million. Big difference,” added Gordon.
Another former student Gordon coached is Greg Grunberg who spread his dramatic wings in such TV and film hits like “Heroes,” “Hollow Man” and “Star Trek.” In 2014, he has filmed or is working on nine different movies and TV shows. “To the best of my knowledge, I have three former students on Broadway and another starring in the road show of “The Bookd of Mormon.,” he proudly offers.
Because he has tutored and guided so many actors throughout the years, he admits that it is difficult for him to keep track of so many of all the actors and musicians who have trained with him. “Many of them do keep in touch and I am so proud of their work,” he said. Gordon also added that he does feel like a proud parent and he is pleased that he might be a slight part of his former students’ success.”
Adrien Brody when discussing Gerald Gordon’s technique quickly explains: “Gerald is a guy who obviously enjoys guiding and shaping young hopefuls who have no idea about the realities of the craft of being an actor or making a character believable. He loves what he does and when you spend a few hours with him, one begins to understand one’s self and many of the realities of life as well. He’s a gift to anybody who is not afraid of truth.”
