It’s not often you sit down with a complete stranger and have their undivided attention without their eyes darting around the room. This was the pleasant surprise I shared with actor, Ryan Oliver Gelbart. In fact, our first meet wasn’t for an interview, just a casual actor-to-actor chat.
He’s witty, charming, quietly confident and a darn good storyteller. Before I get into the nitty-gritty, let me explain. Most often than not, if you ask someone “What’s it about?” Whether it’s a book, film, script or even a newspaper article, the general response is something like “Oh, about this guy, who meets this girl and they fall in love,”- short, accurate but very bland. Ryan on the other hand, surprised me again. “What’s it about?” I asked. “It’s about this Israeli boy… and Ryan trails off into a vivid account of the role he is auditioning for. It just goes to show how honest his love for the craft is. Not (YET) starring in the film and he provides a synopsis that many Hollywood actors would give when promoting their film. Damn impressive.
Now, the nitty-gritty…
Ryan has been acting since year 11. This is the same time that the decision to make acting his career hit him. It all started with a high school teacher approaching him to audition for Guys and Dolls. Being the footy player he was, well, let’s just say at first he laughed at the idea. After biting the bullet and auditioning, Ryan landed the role of Harry the Horse and realised that acting was something that came naturally to him. Ryan found that he didn’t have to force it; it was second-nature. Which is most likely the reason why his agent , Mark Byrne took him on board.
The majority of parents out there, when told by their son or daughter that they’re choosing Acting as a profession, probably want to keel over. Especially parents who sent their kids to the most prestigious schools – as Ryan’s did. However, the response from Mr & Mrs Gelbart was a little different. Ryan tells me that his mum is very supportive of everything he wants to do, and while he says his father is too, extremely supportive, he adds that his fathers words were more along the lines of “ Are you sure, you’re sure? You’re positive? Acting is really what you want to do?”
Having worked in an even amount of theatre and film/TV, I was curious as to which medium was his preference. “Film is my absolute passion. You can do it a million ways. It captures an essence which cannot be seen in theatre. Film is a truthful medium. You can’t lie. Film will magnify truth and magnify lie. Theatre taught me how to use my body. My teacher always said ‘Ryan, you have a body; use it!’ Ryan continues in saying that with theatre you get ‘an instant response from the audience’, which he simultaneously loves and dislikes.
The lingering question is what does this young man aspire to in the next five years? “Fingers crossed, to be working… and to be considered and known, as an actor. I want to be able to say occupation: Actor.” With Heath Ledger and Sam Worthington as his Aussie idols, along with a drive to work with directors Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn, Ryan seems to be setting his personal standard at high – effectively up for success.
Ryan will shortly be graduating from the Actors Centre in Surry Hills. Before he plans to take over Hollywood, he intends to take Australia by storm. With his feet well and truly grounded, his eye on the dream, it’s likely we will see this doe-eyed Aussie capture the hearts of many woman and make a genuine-mark in the film industry.
In true acting tradition, break a leg Ryan!
“Nup, we don’t do any of that. It’s knuckles and don’t fuck up!”
A Quickie with... Ryan Oliver Gelbart
Favourite food: Oporto’s at 3am after a big night – with ‘extra chilli’ (as the Oporto guy familiarly names his order.)
Your indulgence: Having a drink or hanging out with mates.
Favourite book: Where’s Wally.
Favourite film: Boondock Saints.
Favourite curse word: Malaka.
The CD you are listening to at the moment: Bon Jovi.
The last time you humiliated yourself publicly: Everyday.
The last person in your dialed numbers: Chloe, for her 21st birthday.
