Whether you remember him for his turn opposite Steven Seagal in Marked for Death, his appearances on television soap-operas (The Bold And The Beautiful and The Young And The Restless), or for his role in a theatrical production, the potency and strength of his performance is still etched in your memory.

Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter

Indeed, Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter - award-winning Jamaican-born actor, director and educator based in the United States - is a master at his craft, widely credited for opening the door for actors with 'dreadlocks' on prime time television in the USA. Today, his signature locks are gone but his unparalleled quest to "pass on the knowledge" and give back to his homeland, remains foremost on his mind.

Anderson-Gunter, who is of German and Maroon heritage, currently teaches voice and articulation, acting and American sign language in the US. He produces Target Sundays at the California African-American Museum, and directs Gimp City, a touring musical for persons suffering from spinal cord injury. He visits Jamaica annually to participate in the Caribbean Celebrity Golf Tournament in Montego Bay, which offers proceeds to local primary schools, facilitating the construction of much-needed computer labs.

Anderson-Gunter - a graduate of Excelsior High and a former resident of Rollington Town - was recently in the island on loan from the Caribbean American Repertory Theatre (Los Angeles) to direct Basil Dawkins' latest work Uptown Bangarang. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Observer, a day before he departed the island, he spoke about his career, his projects for 2007 and why Bob Marley is the role he was born to play.
Sunday Observer (SO): This is your second stint as director of a Basil Dawkins production. How did your creative talents first meet?

Anderson-Gunter (AG): Years ago I met Basil when he was doing Toy Boy and I took the script back with me to Los Angeles for a short run. That is how we met and then he asked me to direct Forbidden. It was wonderful and we have kept in touch since. So he asked me to come and do this show for him and that's why I am here (Laughs).
SO: So what is the feeling like being in Jamaica, especially in the middle of the holiday season?

AG: I am glad to be here for Christmas. I have been in the island since November. In Jamaica, the Christmas celebration is more reverent, there's more Christ. It is more traditional. I really love the family atmosphere in Jamaica at Christmas time, which is very important. In the US, it is more of a thanksgiving and commercial celebration.
SO: We can't help but notice that your locks are gone. What prompted you to do the 'horrible deed'?

AG: I had been growing my hair for 15 years and I cut it off three years ago. I didn't like what 'locks' had become. People would come up to me and ask "Who did your hair for you?". I just felt it had lost its specialty, but I might grow it back. I used the hair to make a 'Rasta wig' I call "CeCe" which I use for some auditions.

SO: What are some of the projects you are currently working on?
AG: I have a film called Hospital coming out at the end of January. I also have a tour of Trevor Rhone's Smile Orange going on. We already did San Francisco before I came to Jamaica. Once I go back, I have the budgets to set up before we continue. We are doing New York, Atlanta, Miami and some other cities. I am also shopping around a TV script about my experiences, including the prejudices, I faced trying to make it in the business in the US.

SO: You have appeared in movies, theatre productions and TV shows. Which are you most passionate about?
AG: My passion is theatre for sure. My wish all the time is to get a TV show so I can make money for my work in theatre.
SO: What has been the highlight of your career as an actor and as a celebrity thus far?

AG: I think the highlight so far, and it might sound corny, is using my celebrity over the years to help others as much as possible. For example, coming down here every year to participate in the golf tournament, which gives donations to needy schoolchildren. It really pleases me. I also love passing on the knowledge that I have gained. The exchange is just great.
SO: What would you love to see changed about theatre in Jamaica?

AG: Basically, I would love to see theatre get to a place where it is so viable that the scope widens. I really love the fact that theatre is thriving in Jamaica and it really says a lot about the country despite the obvious challenges.
SO: What is your ultimate goal for your career in the future?

AG: I want to play Bob Marley in a film. Rita has some projects that she is looking into and if they don't use one of his sons, I would love to do it. I am also trying to convince Neville Garrick [close associate of Marley family] to write a script about Marley. That is my ambition right now, to play Bob Marley in my next picture.

SO: What advice do you always give to young aspiring actors who have their eyes on Hollywood?
AG: First of all, I always ask "Are you sure this is really what you want to do?". I tell them to expect the disappointments because it takes a lot of time, dues and rejection, and if you don't have the stamina for it and are not prepared to fight, you will not survive. But at the same time, if you really want it, you will fight. You should also set aside time to get the proper training - both book and practical - and work to prove your ability.

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