While I support every Hallmark project that I can, as I’ve stated in other interviews and posts, Signed, Sealed, Delivered always holds the most exceptional place in my heart. And undoubtedly the most lovable character is Norman Dorman as portrayed by the notably gifted Geoff Gustafson. I hope that all POstables realize that Geoff will not only be starring in the next Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie set to premiere in July, but he is also being featured in the upcoming Darrow & Darrow 2 movie which premieres on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries this Sunday, May 6th. I am delighted to be able to share my recent interview with Geoff in light of this upcoming premiere.

RH: Since we last spoke, you have done several Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies, and Norman and Rita’s relationship has finally led to an engagement. How would you characterize the changes in Norman and how has that gone into portraying his character?

GG: Hi, Ruth! Norman has indeed come a long way. Gone are the days of his hobbit-like hair. We see him adopting a more “Oliver” like look. Norman has certainly embraced himself as a capable adult and partner. If I had to identify one specific element of change in Norman it would probably be a sense of purpose. His relationship with Rita seems to be his main focus now.

Crystal Lowe has teased the fact that the next film will be the wedding between Norman and Rita, and we have heard that Carol Burnett is back guest-starring. What can you tell us about the next one that will be airing (without giving away too much of course)?

Oh boy. Well, you’ve mentioned most of the teases and I live in fear of ruining things for our fans so I’m not going to say much more than it is a wonderful celebration.

As you look back on the years this series has been on, has there been a favorite moment or two? If you don’t mind sharing what those moments might be and why they are favorites, that would be great.

Without a doubt working with Carol Burnett was a massive highlight for me. She was so hilarious and thoughtful. The proposal scene with Crystal is also a stand out for me. It’s not often an actor gets to portray a relationship that grows so much.

Sometimes a movie series like this begins to wane in popularity, but not so with SSD. Why do you think this series is still popular after all this time?

I think fans of the show are invested in the characters’ growth. Martha Williamson continues to write thoughtful and loving stories and characters.

Hallmark as a network has seen unprecedented growth in the past couple years. Why do you think that is?

I think it speaks to the quality of Hallmark’s family programming lead by Bill Abbot and Michelle Vicary.

Now that Once Upon a Time is finally ending as a show, what did you enjoy most about your time with that show? Even though your character was killed off early on, you still got to come back a time or two. Why do you think this show resonated with the fans so much?

ONCE UPON A TIME – ABC Television Network. (ABC/Jack Rowand)
GABE KHOUTH, DAVID AVALON, GEOFF GUSTAFSON, FAUSTINO DI BAUDA, MIG MACARIO, LEE ARENBERG

I played the eighth dwarf, Stealthy. I think people really liked OUAT because of how all the fairy tales and its characters were reimagined. Having one giant world for all of the stories to exist in and getting to see relationships between characters was part of the fun for me.

I understand you will be in the next Darrow & Darrow film on Hallmark. What can you tell us about your character and how that fits into the story of the movie (without revealing too much of course)?

Geoff Gustafson Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Kailey Schwerman

I loved working with Tom Cavanagh and Kimberley Williams-Paisley. I’ve worked with director Mel Damski before and a lot of the crew were from SSD so it was a very fun shoot. I don’t want to give anything away, but I can say I am very un-Norman-like.

On a side note, Hallmark is now playing reruns of Psych on their mystery network. As one of the many guest stars on that show, what was it like being a part of that show, and what was your role like? What did you enjoy most about your time on that show?

Working on Psych was fun. I had a little scene in the first season. Psych is actually where I met Mel Damski as he was executive producing. I was in the musical episode and had a blast playing an arrogant actor with a penchant for being over the top, so basically me.

I hadn’t realized you were on the recently-ended show Rogue. What can you tell us about your time on that show and what we might get to see if we look it up?

Oh boy. Rogue was a lot different for me. I was cast to play a contract killer. A particularly vicious man. Lots of fun getting to work in something so dramatically distant from what I might normally do.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a vacation, where would you like to go and why?

If I could travel anywhere, hmmmmm, well I took myself on a vacation to Copenhagen and loved it! The food was amazing and I went to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. As I type this, is I am in Los Angeles for a surprise birthday party for my good friend Tyler Labine. Because I am a big baseball fan my brother and I came down a couple days early to watch the LA Angels play. My next trips will include St. Petersburg, Australia and I am hoping to get to Cincinnati this summer to watch the Reds play.

It’s natural for some people to think of Geoff and Norman as one in the same since he has created this beloved character on-screen for so many years now. I admit that even I sometimes forget how insightful, versatile, and sagacious Geoff is in real life. Some of his fans may tend to underestimate his ability to tackle roles that fall outside of the Signed, Sealed, Delivered bubble. In fact, I find it rather reminiscent of Crystal Lowe when she played a rather unsavory and distinctly different role in one of Dylan Neal’s Gourmet Detective films. While I realize that it might be troublesome to see Geoff in a role that may be the antithesis of how POstables typically perceive him, I am confident that a true thespian such as Geoff appreciates having those opportunities to portray an extensive assortment of characters. There is no doubt in my mind that Geoff is one whose sincere passion is acting, and I know he is most jubilant when sinking his teeth into parts that afford him the occasion of playing a character with profound layers in a medley of genres. Furthermore, Geoff is one of those actors whose talent and appearance are inimitable in an industry that often preaches conformity and congruity. I applaud Geoff for carving out a niche that only he can fill (so I’m probably VERY biased in stating that), and as far as I’m concerned, no matter the role, I will always support him in his endeavors and look forward to every performance of his.

I sincerely hope that everyone (including Sleuthers and POstables) tunes in to Darrow & Darrow: In the Key Of Murder Sunday, May 6th (please check local listings as it is showing earlier than normal) on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network. Additionally, check out Geoff’s links below and consider following him on Twitter. I promise that even though his posts are minimal, they are invariably entertaining and fun. I know that we’re all breathlessly awaiting the next Signed, Sealed, Delivered film in July, but at least we have things to keep up occupied until that date arrives. And why would the fans NOT want to check out more phenomenal shows and movies starring one of the most humble, skilled, and pragmatic men in the world of entertainment today? I mean, seriously, this guy deserves all of our support and then some!!

FOLLOW GEOFF

Twitter

IMDB

A simple offer of legal advice turns into the biggest challenge of Claire Darrow’s legal career when her new beau, District Attorney Miles Strasberg, introduces her to his younger half-sister, Phoebe. A singer who has just completed her first album, Phoebe fears that she may have signed away her rights to her ex-producer, who is threatening to destroy the recordings.

Coming At Us in July 2018!

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