Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Gafford.
Hi Donna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always loved actors and movies! Movies were the places I escaped to, away from the poverty and alcoholism in my home. I was never told I could do anything when I grew up but I love helping people which moved me towards nursing/health wellness!
In Jan 2017, I literally woke up thinking: “I’m gonna start acting!” At the time, my youngest son was doing poorly, to the point that I was truly grieving his imminent death as I breathed every day. This drive to start acting was God-given and I fully embraced it!
Positive with my son: it’s been 3 years since he received a life-giving, double lung transplant!
I’m a business owner so I began acting like I’d do any business endeavor: education and experience! I trained with Cathryn Hartt weekly and with her intensives. I got an agent which helps get work. Signed up on actors’ services, actors’ FB pages and submitted to any and all roles that I fit! I did student films and background work to get any and all experience on sets. Starting in May 2017, that first year was some “no pay” but the background work I did was paid and I looked for paid projects vs not paid!
I’ve not mentioned my age. I’m 60ish which gives me positive impetus regarding a “no” in submissions! When I truly realized there was nothing personal about not getting a role, auditions became fun and very enjoyable! I love doing them! I especially love self-tapes which open up hours of time for me!
I’ve grown with 4 agents to date and financially, this year will be in the positive! I’m blessed to work in Glenn Morshower’s Extra Mile Classes. I’ve got wonderful agents, Katrina Fristoe and Mina Lara, South West Artist Group.
I’m getting quality commercials and roles all over the US which I attribute to my agent and classes. Being older, my goal is to be moving forward. Even an inch is forward movement! I’m excited for my future! Retirement isn’t a thought! I’m so very glad to have listened to that still, small voice telling me, “It’s time to start acting”!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’m a researcher so although I consider this a struggle, I learned quickly! There are many folks and organizations taking money from “actors”! I’m not a struggling artist but I’ve spent money in places that took it and gave me nothing back! Dishonest but still outwardly legitimate!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Nursing is my background but health/wellness with nutrition has been my focus for the last 18 years of my life! I’m very pleased to be the food boss in my home! I consider teaching my family how to live healthier, better-quality lives has been a great source of pride for me! I’ve helped many others professionally but my family is my priority!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Laughter is hugely important! Even today there is still heartbreak. Because of the doom mentality that I felt from everywhere, I began posting “snort milk thru your nose” memes: truthful, opinionated, but funny! I receive daily how much 1 meme meant to someone whether it touched them or they just needed a belly laugh! I’m still posting memes! My son told me when he was very young, that laughter helped us to live longer! I hang onto that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.me/DonnaGafford
- Instagram: instagram.com/donnagafford
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.m.gafford
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/dongaff
- Other: resumes.actorsaccess.com/DonnaGafford
Image Credits
Arthur Bryan Marroquin
Kelsey Edwards
