Actor Garfield Wilson has a lot to look forward to after taking on projects such as the Nickelodeon TV series The Astronauts, TNT’s Snowpiercer and an upcoming Lorne Michaels musical comedy. Wilson’s resilience shines through his career and his relationship with his three children —all built on a foundation of acceptance, love and support. Wilson gets candid with Jejune on acting, his kids and advocacy as a parent to an LGBTQ child, raising awareness for the Black Lives Matter movement from his home in Canada, and how we can follow his example to provide better, more inclusive spaces.

Where are you based?
Vancouver, BC Canada.

What inspired you to get into acting?
I caught the bug for acting when I played the role of Judas in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Playing such an iconic character was both scary and inspiring.

The new show The Astronauts has been super fun. Can you tell us a little bit about this show and your character?
I had such an incredible time on this show. I play Niles Taylor, who is a computer engineer for the company Helios. My two children and three other children sneak onto a space shuttle and, “accidentally” get launched into space on a mission that was meant for real astronauts. The show's journey is a coming-of-age for these five brave kids and how the adults try desperately to get the kids home safely.

Looking at your credits you have popped into so many of my favorite shows over the years, and have played a little bit of everything. Do you have a particular type of role that you are drawn to?
I’m very lucky to have played so many different characters. I honestly don’t have a particular type of role that I’m drawn to. That’s the beauty of this art form, and I’m thankful that I get to inhabit so many different characters.

Besides The Astronauts, what other upcoming projects are you looking forward to working on/coming out?
I’m excited about the spring release of the musical comedy SCHMIGADOON on Apple TV, starring Cecily Strong, Keegan-Michael Key, and Alan Cumming to name a few from this All-Star cast! I’m also very excited about a new project I just booked; a remake of a beloved classic. Unfortunately, I can’t say more but I’m blown away to be a part of this production!

Could you describe how you’ve grappled with your work as an actor amid COVID-19 restrictions?
The experience I’ve had on set in Vancouver, BC during this global pandemic has been impressive. The film industry in our province goes above and beyond to keep everyone safe and to ensure that we all keep working… Thanks guys!!

You have an impressive background in music as well. How are you incorporating your background as a musician in your everyday life and your creative endeavors?
It’s been an absolute blessing to have had the opportunity to work with such incredible artists over the years in the music biz. I’ve also been able to share my passion for music through numerous charitable events and most importantly, fostering some amazing friendships.

Not only are you a man of many talents, but you’re also father to three kids. How do you go about balancing your creative work and family life?
It’s been a very busy life journey, honestly speaking. My kids are the most important part of my life but I haven’t always been successful at finding that work-life balance. I’m extremely grateful to have learned some important life lessons and now I can honestly say I am much happier with the time I get to spend with my kids and the projects I get to work on.

How has your family dynamic changed since the pandemic started?
The Covid shutdown last year was exactly when my kids had spring break. Early on, it was very difficult for the kids not to see their friends and having to home school for the remainder of the school year. With all of the stress and anxiety that this global pandemic has brought, I am very thankful that we have grown closer as a family. My kids were always close but they became that much closer during the lockdown which was wonderful.

You’re an ardent LGBTQ advocate, and you have been open about having a trans daughter. What words of advice would you give to parents with LGBTQ children?
Do everything you can to provide your child with a safe, emotional place in your home to be fully expressed. Educate yourself, seek out allies and also take care of yourself, emotionally.

Can you tell us a little bit about what it was like helping a child to transition?
My daughter is literally my hero. Our journey as a family was not always easy, but I’m extremely proud of how we’ve navigated all of the ups and downs. I love my children more than I can convey and wouldn’t change a thing.

Jejune also loves how you have also been actively involved in the BLM movement. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with the BLM movement?
2020 was a hard year to say the least. And there were multiple incidences of racism that were utterly appalling leading up to the George Floyd killing. I wanted to use my social media platform to not only shine a light on what was happening in real time, but to also educate, inspire and open the dialogue to the history of systemic racism in North America. That led to being asked to be one of the speakers on June 19, 2020 for the BLM, "Freedom From Hate March" here in Vancouver, BC. An incredible event; I’m honoured and proud to have been a part of it.

Do you feel like enough change has happened?
I feel as though Black people are more empowered to speak up and demand equality but we are far (very far) from where we need to be as a society.

What more would you like to see?
Justice for all under the law. If there is one thing that has been tragically consistent throughout history (particularly in the US) is that there is one set of rules/opportunities for POC and another set of rules for whites.There’s a lot to unpack in that alone, so let’s start there.

One big side movement that came out of BLM is the one supporting transgender black lives. How has your daughter felt about everything going on?
She feels as I do, and many others, and that is more education and more should be done to protect transgender people of colour.

What more would you like to see done to help transgender people of color?
Listen, Learn, and be an Ally.

How are you staying positive during shelter-in-place?
I have my beautiful children and an amazing woman in my life. All of them give me an abundance of Love, Laughter, Inspiration and Support.

What is your life motto?
Dream Big!

To learn more about Garfield Wilson, please follow him via the below platfroms:
Instagram: @garfieldawilson
Twitter: @garfieldwilson

Photography by Jason Benson

Garfield Wilson Leads With Empathy