From High School to Red Carpets: Jeffrey Dean Morgan's Son Steps into Showbiz with Parental Guidance
Student departs from education to pursue acting career in Hollywood - Student yearns for educational departure to pursue acting career in Hollywood
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the 59-year-old star of "The Walking Dead," and his wife Hilarie Burton (42) find themselves intricately entwined in a common flicker of parenthood shared by Tinseltown icons. Their 15-year-old son, Augustus "Gus" Morgan, dreams of leaving school and joining the ranks of Hollywood stardom like his father. In an exclusive chat with U.S. magazine "People," Morgan shares Gus's ambitious plans.
Gus's theatrical prowess isn't a new revelation — it harks back to a pivotal moment when he was just three years old, attending a performance of "Hamilton." His impromptu on-stage appearance instantly struck his parents as a sign of his destiny in the limelight. "I could see he was seizing the moment," reminisces Morgan, "He already excelled at things I couldn't do."
Life Beyond the Classroom
Gus demonstrated his acting chops in 2021, playing a brief yet memorable part as a zombie in the final season of "The Walking Dead." With Morgan praising his son's performance on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes photos, it seems Gus is well on his way to stardom.
A defining moment for the family came during the Canneseries Festival in April. With the world premiere of "The Walking Dead: Dead City" and Morgan's handprint ceremony on the Cannes Walk of Fame, the young aspiring actor stole the show. "It was fantastic," Morgan beams. "Gus and George could have easily landed three-picture deals that day."
Despite their son's undeniable talent and passion, Morgan and Hilarie remain protective, cherishing their son's education and the idealistic landscape of the stage over the harsh realities of Hollywood stardom. "Our priority is to ensure he gets a proper education," confesses Morgan. "We're reserving him because it's a rough path, even with nepotism, and the industry is constantly evolving."
A World Changing Stage
While Morgan boasts an extensive career in the industry, he admits concerns about the radical evolution in Hollywood. "Years ago, there were plenty of low-budget films," Morgan recalls, "In the last 20 years, the rise of television jobs has been immense, and now Los Angeles feels like a ghost town."
Reflecting this sentiment, the family has decided to enroll Gus at an arts-focused institution for the upcoming academic year. "Now, Gus can focus on honing his skills and broadening his knowledge in various aspects of storytelling," Morgan explains, "He can explore film production, acting, playwriting, and theater."
Gus's future in the industry doesn't necessarily mean a departure from the classroom. Burton takes him to numerous musicals and theater performances to nurture his artistic side. As Morgan envisions Gus making a smashing entrance on Broadway, he underscores the importance of a solid foundation in education: "We focus on giving him a well-rounded approach to the arts, so he doesn't just thrive on camera but can also create impactful stories."
- Hollywood
- Acting
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan
- Hilarie Burton
- Balancing Act
- Career and Childhood
- Industry Risks
- Nepotism
- Support for Children in Entertainment
- Arts Education
- Broadway
- Despite their son's emerging acting talents, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton emphasize the importance of a balanced life, suggesting that Gus continues his education to build a solid foundation.
- In the face of industry risks and the uncertain world of Hollywood, the couple prioritizes Gus's artistic growth while ensuring he maintains a well-rounded education, aspiring for him to make a significant impact on Broadway and beyond.
