Hollywood actor Luis Guzmán reflects on living in Vermont, service and staying grounded
By Adrian Pastor
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SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WPTZ) — Luis Guzmán, a legend in Hollywood, is known for bringing characters to life for decades, most recently introducing Gomez Addams on Netflix’s “Wednesday,” to a new generation. The actor says Vermont is where he’s simply “Luis” — a neighbor proud to call the Green Mountain State home.
“I’m lucky to be here. I’m lucky to have the neighbors that I have,” Guzmán said. “I take a lot of pride in telling people that I live in Vermont.”
Guzmán first connected with the state in the 1970s during a trip to Goddard College while working as a social worker on New York City’s Lower East Side.
“That kind of became my connection to Vermont, and it was my escape from the city,” he said.
He has lived in Vermont since the 1990s and has volunteered his time with several local groups, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Hunger Free Vermont and Neighbors in Action.
“When I was a social worker … I saw the need to service and help people,” he said. “But my mentality was always helping people to help themselves.”
What began as a hobby became a decades-long career on the big and small screen, and Guzmán said he has watched Hollywood evolve during that time, creating more authentic Latino stories.
“We’ve been dealt some pretty heavy hands in our existence,” he said. “We’ve powered through. We continue to power through. We take pride in who we are.”
As the next generation of actors and creatives begin to embark on their journeys, Guzmán said his message is simple.
“Ask questions, be focused. Stay off the phone,” he said. “Humble yourself … Be a giver. Be willing to help. Be willing to be a team player. Be willing to learn something new.”
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