On the Couch with Ryan Gonzalez

Ryan Gonzalez AAR On the CouchWho is Ryan Gonzalez?
Ryan Gonzalez is an Australian Actor, Singer, Dancer, who loves going out for solo brunch, streaming on Spotify for hours, jumping head first into the ocean and getting lost in an audio book.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
Honestly, I would love to update my morning ritual and really find out what suits me. I’m not a morning person, so I find my day depends on how I wake up. Sometimes that is not on the right side of the bed. Maybe morning meditation, or exercise. Something that motivates me before heading into 6 show weeks etc.

Who inspires you and why?
Gosh so many people. Most recently I worked with David Campbell on Assassins at the Sydney Opera House. It was honestly a master class in time management. He is incredible. He would be up super early to film Today Extra, head home spend quality time with his kids, go for a massive run around the Botanical Gardens, as well as staying connected to his social media and then heading in to do an incredible performance at night. I was in awe. It was super inspiring. Massive lessons in taking what you’ve done with your day and integrating it into your character and allowing it to emotionally take over and enhance your performance. That really inspired me!

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think I could be more open and absorb more information about what is affecting the world at the moment. I think if everyone committed a little more to listening to what the earth needs we could react in a way to support it.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Depends. For relaxing: I love hiring a car and driving around the Hawaiian Islands. On the Go: Definitely New York. Running shoes are a must.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Being from Sydney. It is all about the beaches. Starting with a dip in North Bondi, we’d walk the coast stopping for brunch at Bronte, then a fresh coconut at Tamarama, finishing with a cocktail at Coogee Pavilion! Heaven. Also the Botanical Gardens are a personal favourite for me.

What are you currently reading?
I am revisiting Daring Greatly by Brene Brown on audio book at the moment. Incredible chats about vulnerability and shame. But I have also started the Game of Thrones series, I love alternating between fiction and non-fiction. Keeps my mind satisfied.

What are you currently listening to?
My three favourite albumns on repeat right now are: Cheek to Cheek – Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga; Brave Enoough: Live at the Variety Playhouse – Sara Bareilles; and Racine Carree – Stromae (this is a must listen for everyone).

Happiness is?
Being on stage, doing something I am fiercely passionate about and affecting people with it. I will never get sick of feedback from people talking about how special and connected they felt during a show and how it made them feel. They don’t need to do that and yet they feel the need to express how happy they are. That’s why we do live theatre right?

What does the future hold for you?
I think the future holds more opportunities to tell incredible stories and connect with beautiful people.

Ryan stars as Frankie Valli in the Australian production of Jersey Boys – which officially opens at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on Saturday 2 March 2019. For more information, visit: www.jerseyboys.com.au for details.

Image: Ryan Gonzalez (supplied)