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Entertainment Spotlight: Gerald Isaac Waters, All Together Now

Tennessee-native Gerald Isaac Waters portrays Chad in All Together Now, Netflix’s film adaptation of Brett Haley’s book Sorta Like a Rock Star. Gerald is known for his role in TBS’s Angie Tribeca, has modeled for campaigns with Target and Zappos, and has also featured in New York Fashion Week. In 2015, Gerald had an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down, which confined him to a wheelchair. Despite being told by his doctors that he was unlikely to regain movement, he has regained most movement in his upper body and continues to progress. Aside from his acting and modeling career, Gerald’s interests include surfing, boxing, baseball, and wine. 

Can you tell us a bit about your character Chad in All Together Now? What drew you to the role?

My character ‘Chad Fox’ can be described as a devout friend, charming and determined. The thing that drew me most to this role was the message of friendship. I personally cherish my friends deeply, and I saw that in Chad as well. I knew I could bring parts of myself into this character and bring him to life.

Do you have any fun facts or funny stories about the making of the film?

There is a fun fact I can share!! There is a certain upbeat song from one scene that got stuck into EVERYONE’S head for days after we finished the scene! It is so catchy and repetitive that you catch yourself humming it or singing aloud before you know it! So, needless to say, our lunch breaks were quite musical.

What inspired you to get into acting? Were you ever part of a drama club at school?

My first intro to acting was the church Christmas play my mom was directing. I was 12 years old, and my best friend’s mom played my mother in the play. She shared some great advice I’ve taken with me to every acting gig I’ve gotten since. To this day, every role I land, I call her, and we talk about where it all began! 

The first drama club I was a part of happened in my senior year in high school. I joined my town’s community theatre in a production of Bye Bye Birdie. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue acting wholeheartedly!

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life this far?

The most important lesson in life I’ve learned this far is that a determined mind, body, and spirit can conquer even the most difficult obstacles! There’s something so rewarding about setting a goal, big or small, and seeing it through at all costs.

Is there anyone in the industry right now who you look up to or whose work you particularly enjoy?

I definitely look up to Neil Patrick Harris. From his work in television to film, Broadway, and an all-time host, he is a person I can inspire to be. Whenever I put on a show he is in, I know that I’ll end up laughing and feeling a little better than when I started watching. That is something I would love to be able to do; give people a sense of relief from whatever they are going through.

Do you have any advice for young wheelchair users who hope to have a career in acting?

My advice for young actors in the wheelchair community is DO NOT GIVE UP! Keep pushing and striving toward that goal. Don’t listen to your inner saboteur. Keep following the dream and make your voice heard!

If you could change anything about the world right now, what would that be, and why?

If I could change one thing about the world right now, it would be our lack of empathy. It is unfortunate that we are still treating human beings differently solely on the facts of race, origin, and religious beliefs. As a people, we find ourselves now with a bigger voice and platform to raise awareness and keep people accountable for their actions. Using our voices, I believe we can start practicing love and acceptance and build a bridge that can connect us all as equals!

If a theme song played whenever you entered a room, what song would it be?

Trying to pin down one theme song to play every time I entered a room is tough.  I think instead, I would settle for having a 90’s theme laugh track for every entrance. How fun would that be!

What’s next for you?

What is next for me is a question I love because, honestly, the sky’s the limit! I do have a couple of projects coming up that I cannot wait to discuss. But an immediate goal of mine is to be a series regular on a show, just so I get to say “Previously on…” I can’t really explain why but that’s something I’ve wanted to be able to say for quite some time!!

Thanks for taking the time, Gerald! All Together Now is now (all together) streaming on Netflix.