Getting Outside My Comfort Zone
Gerard O’Dwyer is passionate about many things and shared with us some of the ways he enjoys life.
I keep myself healthy and fit by keeping very mobile, I always get out and about. In my normal routine I get up at 6:45 in the morning. I prepare my fluids the night before and put it in my bag to make sure I’m ready.
I then make my way to the gym. I stretch before I do anything – because I’m always tight and cramping. My favourite is running on the treadmill and increasing my speed. It keeps my weight down.
I enjoy going to the gym, but I mix it up. I also like watching the sunrise and going for a run in the morning when everyone is still sleeping.
I don’t want to sit in my house all day. I like to get out in the fresh air, do something or go somewhere. I like to get out of my comfort zone.
Most days during the week I work in a theatre company, The Riverside Theatre in Paramatta. When I’m not working, I study acting at NIDA.
I am also part of Bus Stop Films, where I attend filmmaking classes on a Sunday. It teaches you about inclusive filmmaking and making films that matter. It is a place to make new friends and always have fun.
I’ve been with Bus Stop Films from the very beginning and made my first film, Be My Brother with Genevieve Clay Smith, who started Bus Stop Films. I am also an Ambassador for Bus Stop Films. I am really proud of that role because it allows me to promote and help raise money for our wonderful organisation.
As an actor, I make people laugh, I make people cry, I communicate with them, I interact with them. I love my acting, I’m passionate about it, it keeps me going.
I won Best Male Actor at the Tropfest Film Festival in 2009 for Be My Brother. I decided to memorise my lines from the script.
As an actor I spread my message about equality:
We are what we are in life, and we deserve to be treated like everyone else. We are not labelled by our disability. Everyone wants to be heard, given a voice through the arts. Never put anyone down but treat them equally.
I love watching The Bold and The Beautiful with my mother. I got to meet the whole cast at The Riverside Theatre. That was the best highlight ever. My two favourite actors from the show are Ronn Moss and Susan Flannery who I often impersonate.
I am a jetsetter too. I love travelling. I love being on the plane especially when it goes high. I love the service.
I have been to many places with my mother and with Bus Stop Films.
When I went to Ireland just recently, it was my birthday. My cousins, nieces, nephews and mother were all there and yelled out “surprise!” My family means a lot to me.
Life is challenging but I face it head on. It doesn’t stop me from participating in life, it doesn’t stop me one bit, I keep going! I have learned so much, I have achieved a lot. I am surrounded by family and friends who love me for who I am.