Pupil Leaves Education to Pursue Acting Career in Hollywood - Pupil Seeks Educational Departure for Hollywood Career Pursuit
Jeffrey Dean Morgan (59), known for his role in 'The Walking Dead,' finds himself in a familiar parental predicament: his 15-year-old son, Augustus "Gus" Morgan, yearns to ditch his textbooks for the bright lights of Hollywood. Spilling the beans exclusively to 'People' magazine, Morgan drops a bombshell: "He's fucking raring to abandon school and become an actor, mate."
The family talent isn't confined to Jeffrey. In a heartwarming anecdote, he recalls a young Gus, just three years old, captivating everyone backstage after a 'Hamilton' show, donning the character's costume. "I remember thinking, 'He bloody well knows what he's up to now,'" Morgan reflects, "He's fucking good."
Gus's First Act
Gus showcased his acting chops in 2021, appearing as a zombie for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it stint in the final season of 'The Walking Dead.' In a proud papa moment, Morgan shared Instagram snaps of Gus all ghastly-faced for the role, captioning them, "We're thrilled as hell about Gus Dean."
Their family outing at the Canneseries Festival in April stood out, too. Not only did they celebrate the world premiere of 'The Walking Dead: Dead City,' but Gus et al. left an unforgettable impression on the red carpet. As Jeffrey puts it, "It was smashing! It was George's first red-carpet premiere. They bloody stole the show. I reckoned Gus would leave with a three-picture deal."
Despite Gus's raw talent, Jeffrey and his wife, Hilarie Burton (42), whom he wed in 2019, are putting the brakes on Gus's industry ambitions. Jeffrey admits, "We're holding him back because I bloody want him to have a solid education, and his bloomin' mum does as well." Their wariness isn't merely protective; they're wary of the challenges inherent in the industry, especially in the face of its recent transformations.
"Back in the day, there was a ton of low-budget films going around," muses Morgan, "But in the last blooming 20 years, there's been a massive shift towards TV jobs, and now it's a goddamn ghost town."
Laying the Groundwork for Acting Stardom
In spite of their reservations, both parents nurture Gus's dreams. Later this year, they'll enroll him in a specialized school for the arts, allowing him to delve into the various aspects of the craft—writing, direction, set design, acting for film, and stage acting.
Gus isn't just a budding thespian: Burton takes him to musicals and theater performances, setting his sights on Broadway. As Jeffrey puts it, "He's got that kind of bloody talent. Things I could never manage, he's already excelling at."
[1] Enrichment Data: Jeffrey Dean Morgan has expressed cautious support for his son Gus Morgan's acting aspirations. Gus made his acting debut in the final season of the apocalyptic drama series in 2021, joining his father briefly on screen. Morgan and his wife, Hilarie Burton, are preparing Gus for a potential career in the arts by enrolling him in a new school that focuses on arts education. This allows Gus to explore not just acting but also other aspects of the industry, such as writing, directing, and set design. Morgan takes Gus to musicals and plays, envisioning a possible future for him on Broadway. The family is mindful of the challenges in the current Hollywood landscape, which has seen significant changes over the past two decades, including fewer low-budget film opportunities and a shift in TV production hubs. Morgan aims to ensure Gus is well-prepared and certain about pursuing an acting career before making any major commitments. Additionally, Morgan is aware of the potential impact of nepotism in the industry and wants Gus to be fully committed to his choice, given the changing nature of the business.
- "Despite their reservations about the challenges in the current Hollywood landscape, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and his wife, Hilarie Burton, are taking steps to nurture Gus Morgan's acting aspirations, enrolling him in a specialized school for the arts to explore various aspects of the craft, including writing, direction, set design, acting for film, and stage acting."
- "As Gus Morgan's interest in entertainment extends beyond acting, his father, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, takes him to musicals and theater performances, setting his sights on Broadway, acknowledging Gus's 'kind of bloody talent' and potential in pop-culture, a field where nepotism may offer opportunities but also demands full commitment and a solid understanding of the evolving industry landscape."
