Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune
November 12, 2020
Born in England to Jamaican parents, actor Garfield Wilson currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. Known for playing Jackboot Kaffey in TNT’s “Snowpiercer,” the actor’s latest series is Nickelodeon’s “The Astronauts,” which includes Jonathan Frakes (of the “Star Trek” franchise) as an executive producer. Though this pandemic has stalled Wilson’s usual travel plans, he said he’s ready to take his family on another trip when it’s safe. His motto? “To always expect the unexpected, especially when it comes to travel — good and bad,” said Wilson, 51. Fans may stay in touch with the actor via Instagram and Twitter.
Q: Did your parents try to teach you about your Jamaican roots?
A: I grew up with amazing parents. The Jamaican culture is so vibrant and beautiful. All I remember growing up is tons of music, amazing food, laughter and loads of family and friends getting together for barbecues, house parties with us kids — my older brother, younger sister and my cousins — getting into trouble on more than one occasion and getting our behinds slapped. (Laughs)
Q: Can you talk a bit about filming some of your projects?
A: “The Astronauts” and “Snowpiercer” had the distinct challenge of creating a world that felt palpable and very real for the viewers. I can honestly tell you that the attention to detail on both sets was phenomenal. Every department (from) set design, makeup, wardrobe (to) lighting brought so much passion, talent and integrity that it made my job as an actor an easier process and a joy. A testament to the talent on both projects is that filming was primarily done on a soundstage and not in different locations, but for me as an actor it felt like I was in different locations.
Q: “Snowpiercer” has an international flair. What has your experience on the series been like?
A: Working on “Snowpiercer” for me was very special, considering the current climate. Casting was very cognizant to have an incredibly diverse cast and how that diversity can be portrayed on the show as a commentary on our present-day society.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: So far it has been Maui, Hawaii. It’s the closest I’ve come to being in paradise. I would recommend renting a condo close to the beach, renting a convertible car and then exploring the countryside. Rent kayaks, go snorkeling and check out the beautiful historical culture of the island. It’s absolutely stunning.
Q: What was the first trip you took as a child?
A: I was born in England, so when we moved to Edmonton, Alberta, the only trip we ever made was on the plane, which wasn’t as much exciting as it was kind of scary. But I do remember my parents taking us on a road trip in the car to Banff and then to Jasper along the mountains. That trip was one of my favorite memories as a kid traveling with my family.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, which would you choose?
A: There’s a pizza restaurant in Vancouver called Nook. I love it there, because the food is amazing, the atmosphere is cool and casual, the service is great and most importantly my kids love the food.
Q: Where is the most romantic destination?
A: I think it’s the town and most importantly the company, but New York was the first destination for my girlfriend and I, which was just so romantic and epic. That being said, I’ve traveled to destinations that I’m dying to take my girlfriend and kids to once we’re able to travel again. So, it’s definitely going to change as time evolves.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: I’ve never traveled for any holiday like Christmas. But when the kids were small, we surprised them with a trip to Disneyland for spring break and that was an unbelievable trip to experience with the kids at that age.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: I don’t speak any foreign languages, but I do enjoy incorporating different accents to the characters I play. I chose to make a character I played Jamaican, on the TV series “Ice,” which was a lot of fun.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Africa, France, Italy, Thailand and New Orleans.
Q: What would be your dream trip?
A: Taking my lady and the kids first to Disneyland, then to Europe and ending our trip with a week in Hawaii.
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A Two of the very best was taking my kids to Disney World and going to New York with my girlfriend. Both were phenomenal travel experiences that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.
© 2020 JAE-HA KIM
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