Coffee with Robert Guthrie
There are times; very few, that you might look over your shoulder. Depending upon your age, what you see in the rear view are glimpses of family, friends, work. And sometimes, remorse, of what you wish you could have changed or done differently.
Robert Guthrie has no remorse when he looks back at his 29 years. In fact it is his rich and colorful history in film, television and theatre that motivates and carries him beyond his humble childhood.
Described by one, he is the "hardest working actor..." evidenced by his award winning performances in films Expiration Date (2006) and Good Night Irene (2005). His television credits include recurring appearances on Walker Texas Ranger, co-starring on The O.C. and To Serve and Protect.
But who is this young man, who enjoys a broad range of athletics, including boxing and stage combat, to include much gentler and perhaps, activities more akin to his nature: fly fishing, equestrian, Native American Fancy Dance and Flamenco dancing?
Robert Guthrie's work is his craft.
His handsome looks and work ethic grabbed the attention of Robert Redford's Sundance Filmmaker's Lab where he was taken under the wing of the industries most seasoned filmmakers and high profile stars.
"I was fortunate enough to be mentored at the Sundance Filmmaker's Labs by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ed Harris, Robert Redford, Stanley Tucci and many other amazing professionals," he said, then taking a sip of his capped coffee.
He reminisced about the time he presented Mel Gibson with an award for his work on Apocalypto at the First American in The Arts Awards in Beverly Hills. We then went on to talk about when he was honored with the Outstanding Actor Award in 2005 at the Image Nation Film Festival in Vancouver, Canada, for his performance in Good Night Irene.
Then, in 2006, he was presented the Best Actor Award for his performance in Expiration Date at he American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco. The film, Expiration Date was presented at 87 Film Festivals were it won 33 Awards.
The foundation for Robert's success comes from studying classical theatre at Texas Womens University, being baptized by the story telling process of the Sundance Labs and his continued education under actress Dee Wallace-Stone, who has been in over 100 films.
His nature is positive and peaceful. Driven, some would say. But he explains it as having a desire to nurture the basic human elements in every project or person in his life. He admits that he has a mantra that he lives by. It's a code of ethics that was given to him by Philip Seymour Hoffman, "Just do the work, and the people with integrity will find you."
Robert is looking forward as he works on what seems to be a natural progression of his career: film-maker. He is currently editing a film of his own, while residing here in Brunswick County, that is tentatively set for screening by late summer 2009.
To view more about Robert Guthrie, visit his website at www.RobertGuthrie.net.
