GERALD GARTH

I remember running for class treasurer in elementary school. Classmates knew me to be good with numbers and multitasking and for being trustworthy. "You would be great for treasurer!" my young fellows chimed out. "Why not president?" I responded. "But you'd be perfect as treasurer." And sure enough, that's what I did-- I ran for class treasurer, the whole time wanting to be president. I knew I was qualified to be president, but allowed the thoughts of others to keep me i

So it seems I’ve been giving a lot of advice about “cutting folk off,” and I can easily see how people might be like, “Dang, he needs a friend… Or a laxative.” But after years of not saying what I mean or dealing with the other people’s baggage, it is a cleansing feeling to be able to “woosah” and make decisions that make me feel good. But even still, I understand how difficult it can be to actually think something—and then say it. Years ago, I was introduced to an amazing

“With so much shade in the world, why not walk in light… when you can at least? We’re all human, but strive for better. Try for different.” It’s okay to be inspired! Oprah's Top Ten: What you put out comes back. You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power. When people show you they are, believe them the first time. Dr. Maya Angelou Worrying is wasted time

I once read that an oppressed people long for a group to oppress. Does this explain why groups are so quick to divide? All these subcategories! I won’t even begin to ramble off the titles and designations groups have. Preferences are one thing, but to be rude, bitter, and just down right ugly is unacceptable. And it’s generally some extreme sub-sect that seeks this high horse. Now I will say, there are some things that turn my head (and stomach) more than others. But a w

“Son—how come you talk so much ‘bout money?” “Because it is life, Mama!” “So now it’s life? Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money. I guess the world really do change…” A favorite exchange from A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Lena and Walter contend what’s more, as Walter is grappling with his dream versus his reality. While the piece was written over 50 years ago, the story still rings strong-- the struggle over money, recognition, and self-wort

In my hometown there was a man who was at every beauty salon, every barber shop, every in-town football game. He had a great attitude, always very cordial, and was always stocked up with the latest of his wares: teacakes. And because of this, he was simply known as “The Teacake Man.” Teacakes, where I’m from, are a simple old-fashioned cookie made with vanilla and sugar. Because the recipe is as simple as it is, there’s lots of room for error. Yet the Teacake Man got it

As an actor, as anyone knows there are always dissenters in this business. You’re always too “something,” add a little of this, less of that, blah, blah, blah. Still, I was actually a bit surprised to hear that I was “too tall” to be a leading man. Gratefully so, I do know better and have played the leading man several times. My first roles ever were actually as leads. But even knowing that, I did have a moment. I had to ask was this person right or what? So this showc

I have a longstanding mantra about being specific, always purposing myself to be as specific as possible—that goes from prayers to potential mate to orders at the drive through. But one example especially is last New Year’s Eve as I was flying into Las Vegas with my friend, Shana. A longstanding dream of mine-- one I would say aloud quite often was “I will see Celine Dion in Vegas for New Year’s Eve.” As we bustled through the lobby of the McCarran International Airport, I

All it takes is one. One person to get you. To see your talent. To take a risk on you. To believe in you. And we’ve all seen it; it can all change in a heartbeat. The business is all about perception. Nobody knows who you are or what you’re about or how extraordinary your talent might be—and then one day it changes. Or it changes once you show them. And then all of a sudden, everyone’s interested. But to get to that “one” you have to create opportunities to be seen. And it ta