J Benson Photography
Born in Surrey, England to Jamaican parents, actor Garfield Wilson immigrated to Canada at six years old. Since then, he’s been building a career that has encompassed both music and acting. Fittingly, his first big break was as Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. His acting credits include films like The Astronauts and Come to Daddy (with Elijah Wood and Niecy Nash) and stints on TV, including on TNT’s Snowpiercer, Once Upon a Time and J.J. Abram’s Almost Human. Next up he’s returning to his musical theatre roots with a highly anticipated Lorne Michaels project; his co-stars including Hollywood heavyweights like Kristin Chenoweth and SNL stars like Keegan-Michael Key and Fred Armisen. We spoke to Garfield, who is a dedicated dad of three, about his career, parenting during a pandemic, and more.
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You’ve had a diverse career—acting, music, fitness. How are you raising your three kids to follow their own dreams?
I do my very best to provide a very loving and supportive home so that they can explore/discover whatever passions/dreams they want to pursue.
So you would support them if they were interested in acting or music?
Absolutely! All three children are incredibly creative and talented. So it really is about giving them the benefit of my experience while allowing them the space to become their own person in whatever they decide to do.
How have you dealt with all the challenges of parenting in a pandemic?
It’s been a journey but I think that we have grown much closer as a family and my children have become amazing friends having to spend so much time together early on last year. That being said we’re all really looking forward to the pandemic being over sooner than later.
Credit: J Benson Photography
Us too! What has been your favorite role to play and why?
Wow, that’s a very difficult question. I would have to say my role in Come To Daddy opposite Elijah Wood is my favorite. Such an amazing opportunity to literally create this character from the ground up, along with working on such an amazing project with Elijah as my scene partner… Amazing!
Awesome. Can you please share any details of your upcoming Lorne Michaels project? Sounds so amazing!
I can’t say a lot other than it’s a musical comedy with an incredible all star cast! Truly a magical series and I’m so happy to have been a part of it… Can’t wait for you guys to see it!!
You have a passion for fitness and started your own fitness company – how do you encourage your kids/family to be active?
I try to nudge them in the direction of activities with the goal of having it be as enjoyable/fun as possible so that it lends itself more to a lifestyle than a chore. Also I try to educate them on the benefits of a healthy body and the trappings of societal pressures of the ideal body.
How do you handle busy times in your career, in terms of being a dad and finding balance?
Early on in my career I struggled a lot with work/life balance. It’s still challenging at times but my time with my children, and my fiancé take priority so I carve big chunks of my time to spend with the ones I love and care about.
What’s the best advice you give to newer dads, in terms of fatherhood?
It’s very true what you’ve heard and what many will tell you… Savor every minute you can because they grow up way too fast!
Totally agree. Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m currently on the biggest production of my career in a supporting role for the next 3 months and can’t wait to share it. Stay tuned, I’m extremely excited about it!!
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