On this week’s episode of State Of Mind’s video podcast, General Hospital star Maurice Benard sat down with Gregory Harrison, who is best known for playing Dr. George Alonzo “Gonzo” Gates on Trapper John, M.D., to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the actor’s solo TV Guide cover. The two discuss a variety of topics, including what went on behind the scenes of the spin-off series based on a character from the legendary series MAS*H during his later years.
Gregory Harrison: Retrieving Your Life
Gregory Harrison (Gregory Chase, GH) was having a great decade in the 1980s. He related to Benard how, after serving in the military in Vietnam, the native of Catalina Island was discovered performing musical theater in a club by none other than two-time Oscar winner Jason Robards. He advised him to do it as a living because he was good at it. The following day, Harrison departed for Hollywood. He paid for acting classes with the G.I. Bill.
His eight-year stint on the medical dramedy Trapper John, M.D., opposite Bonanza alum Pernell Roberts in the lead role, followed quickly after he started getting leading man roles. On the surface, everything appeared to be a dream, but Harrison was keeping a terrible secret from everyone.
Although he wasn’t at his best during this time, he was able to manage several projects. “At the time, I ran my own production company in addition to acting. I had a lead role in something, the actor said. He explained his reaction. “I did horribly, but I managed to survive through creativity. I didn’t develop. All development ceased.
During this peak time, it should have been the best of times, but his energy was spent in denial. “If I were the kind of person to look back with regret, then during my prime…Instead of advancing my career, I was too busy disguising my addiction with all of my acting abilities, Harrison said.
He paused because he was struggling to make ends meet. Harrison admitted to Benard, “I could act, but I wasn’t doing as well as I should have been doing.” “I can do better than that, and I’m doing that right now. I wasn’t actually being the creative artist I was motivated to be; instead, I was simply persevering and expending a tremendous amount of energy on keeping up with my addiction.
“When you become an addict, you lose your soul. You become disconnected from who you are, he said. Harrison made the decision to go to the Betty Ford Center for help. “After a few years of hard work, I was able to reconnect with myself through my sobriety.”
Getting assistance made life better. “I regained my creative self after maintaining sobriety. My marriage was saved. regained my health. slowly got back everything I had misplaced. In fact, having gone through it has made me a better person, and I have now lived for three and a half decades.
It took reaching his lowest point for him to rise again. “For nearly passing away. He described the results of reaching rock bottom before recognizing the light. “For having almost lost everything,” he said. I have improved as a person because I had the humility to ask for assistance, admit my frailty, and embrace it.
The actor overcame his addiction and now leads a sober life. Harrison is still benefiting from his outreach. “I believe that having survived that has made me a better husband, father, friend, actor, and overall human being. And there were a lot of friends I made when I first started blowing with who passed away.
He continued by expressing his gratitude for his wellbeing and continued existence. “I don’t recommend for anyone to go through that to become a better person, but that feeds my gratitude that I was one of the lucky ones who got through it, learned from it, and became a better person because of it.”
A Kaleidoscope Of History To Explore
Benard (Sonny) and Harrison delve into his early years on Catalina Island, his introduction to filmmaking through his grandfather’s glass bottom boat company, his feelings regarding the Vietnam War draft, and how his battle as a conscientious objector helped other people avoid serving in an inhumane conflict.
He talks about being raised as a Mormon, becoming atheist, being inspired by Muhammad Ali, and how meeting Doris Day, Rod Taylor, and Jack Lemmon at a young age changed his life. He also talks about his 40+ years of marriage to the CHiPS actress Randi Oakes and how his sister, an ethnobotanist, used mushrooms to treat his depression. Benard even foresaw receiving a Daytime Emmy nomination for his ALS storyline before the show came to an end. This episode is a must-see because it truly has something for everyone.
Instagram users can follow Gregory Harrison. Go to Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to subscribe to and follow State Of Mind. The inspirational merchandise for Maurice Benard’s State Of Mind is now available for fans to purchase. Look into it.
Instagram users can follow Gregory Harrison. Go to Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to subscribe to and follow State Of Mind. The inspirational merchandise for Maurice Benard’s State Of Mind is now available for fans to purchase. Look into it.
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