If you’re a Bridgewater graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume. Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.
Acting was not something Nicholas Garofolo, ’95, ever considered doing with his life but that all changed 30 years ago when a friend hounded him to be in a film they were producing on Cape Cod.
“I kept turning them down, but eventually I said yes,” Garofolo said. “Once I was doing it, I thought, this is actually pretty cool.”
The acting bug had taken a successful bite.
Born in New York City, the Bridgwater State University alumnus always wanted to go back to his roots. After graduating from what was then Bridgewater State College with a degree in management, he took the leap.
“At first I had no job, and was living in a small dingy room,” Garofolo said.
But it didn’t take long for him to find work as an actor; he auditioned and was cast in a part for Law and Order, a popular television crime show where many eager thespians get their start.
“From there, I started doing things in the film industry. I got into independent films, cable shows, and cable movies. I started networking and met a lot of people,” Garofolo said.
His connections led him to auditioning for Adam Sandler’s 2019 film, Uncut Gems. He ended up not getting the part, but it still opened doors for him.
Making connections plays a large role for a working actor, and something he would encourage current Bears looking to pursue a career in acting to consider.
“It’s also about being patient. Sure, it will happen overnight for some, but for most people it’s a journey,” Garofolo said.
Over the years, the BSU alumnus has branched out, as both a writer and director.
“Someone I met (in the industry) offered a bit of advice. If you can’t find work, create your own,” Garofolo said.
So, that’s what he did and found a new successful avenue.
His most recent work, Artificial Evil Awakens recently won the 2024 Cine Vision Award at the Indie Cine Tube Awards Film Festival.
Garofolo both wrote and stars in the film. Production took place back where his acting career started – on Cape Cod.
The plot of the film, which can be found on Fawesome TV and Stash TV, is about a man obsessed with aliens and with making films. His life is hacked by Artificial Intelligence after using a mysterious Ouija Board. It’s not a horror movie necessarily, but more of a sci-fi fantasy, Garofolo said.
As he continues his career in the film industry, he plans to keep auditioning for roles and creating his own projects.
“That’s the life of an actor, you’re always pursuing your next goal, chasing the next gig,” Garofolo said.
The life of an actor can be arduous, he added, but it can also be a lot of fun.
“If you’re a Bridgewater graduate, and looking to pursue this, try not to go in blind like I did. Begin with training, and try to get involved in films, even if it’s student films, so you can build your resume,” he said. “Make sure you also take your time and enjoy your youth while you’ve got it, because it goes by fast.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu