Getting to Know Snowpiercer’s Garfield Wilson

Meet Garfield Wilson, who returns for season 2 of TNT’s Snowpiercer on January 25^th. He also stars in THE ASTRONAUTS, directed by Star Trek franchise veteran Jonathan Frakes, and Dean Israelie. He’s also starring in a new Lorne Michaels project (a comedic musical) coming next year.

We wanted to know more about Garfield and his role as Jackboot Kaffey on Snowpiercer so we got him to weigh in on a few things!

From the outside looking in, describe Garfield Wilson!

I am definitely someone whom you shouldn’t “judge the book by its cover”!

I give a huge shoutout to my agent Natasha Trisko Pezzente for understanding that and thus providing me the opportunity to play a multitude of different characters… Thanks Natasha!

Was there a defining moment that brought you to the entertainment industry specifically acting?

The defining moment for me was landing the role of Judas in the production of Jesus Christ Superstar two years out of college. That was the first time I felt the impact of embodying a character and submerging myself into a story arc. Up until that point I was primarily focused on becoming a professional singer.

You play Jackboot Kaffey in TNT’s SNOWPIERCER how did you come to capture that role?

It was a pretty quick process from the audition to landing the role. And honestly speaking, at the time I booked the role I thought the character would have a linear story arc. Little did I know that nothing on Snowpiercer is linear, which is a testament to the amazing writing on the show.

What do you most enjoy about this character?

I enjoy that this character is committed and aligned to an ideal and infrastructure, and has that belief and alliance tested to its limits.

What do you feel the character brings to the overall fabric of the show?

I think Jackboot Kaffey embodies what is consistent about so many aspects of Snowpiercer; and that nothing is what it might appear to be…

Who’s the biggest joker on the set?

It’s an incredible industry to get the opportunity to work with your friends. Working with my “Brother from Another” Aleks Paunovic on Snowpiercer is a real treat and he’s not only a joker but is more times than not on the receiving end… Which is always fun to watch!!

We’ve seen you in quite the diverse selection of roles on both the big and small screen, has there been one that had an impact on you personally?

I literally created the character I played on the feature film “Come To Daddy”. And on top of that, getting to work opposite Elijah Wood at that time in my career was an absolute gift. He’s a wonderful human being and such a giving actor.

That role was a paradigm shift for me at a difficult time in my life, and I’m extremely proud to have been a part of that movie.

Where do you feel you would be without acting?

I’ve owned and operated a successful personal training company for over 15 years. At one point I thought my future would be 100% in the fitness industry as a career. But in retrospect, I was always drawn to the arts, and to that end I believe that what I’m doing today was inevitable.

Being an artist is what I was born to do.

You had a stint in the music business as well, will we get more of that side of you in the future?

From the time I was 5 years old and had worn out my first Jackson 5 record, music has been a vital part of who I am. You will definitely see me singing and performing in the future!

How have you maintained your motivation during this pandemic?

My three kids keep me extremely motivated. I’m very aware that everything I do directly and indirectly has an impact on their lives. So, I try to stay connected spiritually (taking care of my mental health) and physically (always stay fit).

Any guidance for up and comers in the acting world?

Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Easier said than done for sure, particularly in this industry. But the truth is, your journey and path to success will be completely different from those whom you might compare yourself to… So, discover yourself, find your truth, and stay the course!

Anything else you’d like us to know?

Check out “THE ASTRONAUTS” on Nickelodeon now!

I just wrapped a new series for Apple TV called “SCHMIGADOON” starring Cecily Strong & Keegan-Michael Key, and a star-studded cast! Executive Produced by Lorne Michaels and Cinco Paul who is also the writer. Stay tuned for the release spring of 2021!

How do we find you online?

Twitter: @garfieldwilson

Instagram: @garfieldawilson

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.