Today we’d like to introduce you to Gjermund Gjesme.
Hi Gjermund, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I moved to New York pretty impulsively after realizing a military career in Norway wasn’t the right fit. Once there, I went to acting school, toured nationally, and have since worked across theater, film, TV, commercials, stunts, and military consulting. I’ve really fallen in love with New York and the people here, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh yes, super smooth—never once a doubt, fear, or obstacle. Not for me!
Obviously, that’s not true. But I don’t see much use in dwelling on the hard parts. I know the kind of life I want to build, and I keep moving toward that—though sometimes the road takes a few unexpected detours.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I think I’m known for being a professional and versatile performer. I enjoy expanding my skill set and applying it in unexpected ways. Last summer, for example, I played Macduff in Macbeth in Manhattan while also serving as the production’s stunt coordinator. Not long before that, I worked as both an actor and military advisor on Netflix’s Troll 2, and for Marvel Universe Live, I became a certified fire performer.
But at the core of it all is acting—that’s where my real passion lies. The additional skills are just tools that allow me to build a more exciting and sustainable career around that core.
Lately, I’ve developed a growing interest in video game performance. I’ve worked on games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Project Thalassa. I’m not a huge gamer, but I do usually play through a couple of single-player games each year, and I love it – some of the best storytelling is done in video games! The acting process is uniquely focused: no sets, costumes, or lighting (since all of that is created digitally) – just actors in a green room, with everything stripped away except the performance itself. It requires imagination and presence, and I love how much weight it puts on the acting itself. I’d like to do more of it in the future.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m super excited to travel to the Norwegian Short Film Festial in June with the short film Manhattanite – a goofy, surprisingly layered mockumentary shot on a Super 8 camera from the ’70s. It’s like a love letter to my adopted home, New York City, and a celebration of its eccentric characters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gjermundgjesme.com
- Instagram: gjermspiration
Image Credits
Picture one: Private
Picture two: Riley Kraus
Picture three: Private
Picture four: Julia Weklar
