Gedde Watanabe (or “Gary” if you know him personally) is cinema’s secret weapon. Having worked with all-time great filmmakers, names like Ron Howard, John Hughes, Michael Bay, and Joe Dante are just the short list of directors who were able to use Watanabe’s brilliance. Comedy is a universal language and Gedde is extraordinarily fluent.
It’s important to note that Gedde made it into entertainment on his own steam as a quintessential struggling artist. He also made a name for himself at a time when there was no path, no guideposts, and no precedent for Asian actors. He simply took jobs that brought him joy and, little by little, that led to career satisfaction. We should all be so lucky.
This versatile voice actor, street singer and legendary comic relief is the best part of anything you’ve ever seen (or heard) him in. And, hands down, Volunteers will always be his personal best in my eyes.
Hailing from the great state of Utah, the unforgettable ’80s screen icon has had an unparalleled trip through the world of entertainment. He’s traveled to San Francisco, made stops in Detroit, Thailand, Springfield, Japan, then on to the bright lights and stage in NYC. He’s done it all…he can even tell you how to get to Sesame Street.
He continues pursuing the things that interest and inspire him, and these days he’s doing a lot of theater work. Keep an eye out for the East West Players performances of “Flower Drum Song” among others.
We’re thrilled to welcome the one, the only, the sweetest, most sparkly, the most sincere Gedde Watanabe!! It was a bucket list interview for sure and he was an absolute pleasure. Enjoy this extra special episode of The GoSeeTalk Podcast Experience!
