We recently connected with Joseph Gandurski and have shared our conversation below.
Joseph, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Throughout my life I remember always being intrigued by theatre, and impressed by so many talented entertainers However, there was more than just the “magic” of their talent. Whether it be dance, song, acting performance, or the written word of a novel, I was often “moved” by exceptional performances. They touched something powerful deep inside and I realized on some level how important that was in life–exploring one’s humanity. I grew up near the Chicago Stock Yards in a poor area and I witnessed many of my friends suffer from poverty and physical abuse and I learned to “bottle” it all up and store it away. I joined the Army during the Vietnam build-up in 1966, a month after high school, and in war I also witnessed some of the extremes of human behavior, from great kindness to great cruelty. To survive I continued to bottle all this up and check it somewhere in the warehouse of my mind. When I was discharged in 1969, I left all that behind and got married, or did I leave it behind? I was intrigued and signed up for an improv/acting class at the School of the Art Institute. It was taught by a young Frank Galati, who would go on to become a brilliant actor, director, writer, and Academy Award nominee. His enthusiasm for the craft was infectious and he helped light the fire that was inside me to further explore our humanity and learn about what may be our place and purpose in the world. We would do scenes from a collection of modern prose, and after a performance of mine he wrote me a note:
“Joe, you create the place—and you establish—in the air—relationships
you sense and are able to project the nuance of human communication.
This is good. You are actor and dramatist…”
Being recently married and in need of a job, circumstances conspired that I delay my desire to be an actor. I joined the Chicago Police Department in 1972. Numerous assignments, shift changes and the responsibilities of family delayed my desire. Life stepped in. After thirty-one years of a wide variety of assignments to include: patrol, detective, hostage negotiator, mounted unit officer, ending with my retirement in 2003 as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime, I had acquired a lifetime of experience and was witness to the best and worst of the human condition. With my Vietnam experiences, it was an entire lifetime of learning, and I am proud of my service, as I served with honor among some of the finest human beings alive.
I then embarked on a new career as an actor–here and in Los Angeles. The ups and downs of that effort made for an amazing experience. Educating myself, auditioning, getting representation and trying to carve a foothold in the business have been extremely challenging. The entertainment business has been through a sea change over the last two decades and is still adjusting, and so the actors must also. I did land a spot on “Criminal Minds” and in the film, “Chavez” and also roles in independent features here in Illinois. As opportunities over the last several years dwindled, I saw clearly that one of the ways to make a mark was to create my own works, and so I began to write, I first wrote a short novel focusing on the valor of the “Women of Fort Dearborn” during the War of 1812, and the creative reward was very satisfying. I continued on to write a short screenplay and self-produced it with the help of my very talented actress and director friend, Mary Reynard. Titled “RPG,” it focuses upon the intergenerational ripple effects of loss due to war through a conversation between a veteran and his son. It did very well on the festival circuit and ironically, I won an “Outstanding Actor” award for my performance at the Golden Film Awards in LA. Spurred on by its success, I continue to write. I have written two novels, four feature scripts, and numerous other short works of which I am very proud. They tackle important subjects like the emergence of a new Nazi regime, crime and interracial adoption, unbearable loss, and I am currently trying to fund one of the feature films that focuses on the amazing dance talent of the teen daughter of one of my early acting teachers. I find writing at once amazingly frustrating and incredibly rewarding and like acting it fulfills my goal of leaving a legacy of memorable and meaningful work.
After I embarked upon my acting journey, I tried to reconnect with Frank Galati with no success. Unfortunately, last year, he passed away. My memories of his class were rekindled. I had kept his note in the pages of the works of prose we performed. I dusted off the book and carefully unfolded and re-read the note which I cherish. I clearly remember how it empowered me to continue my passion for acting and to be creative.
Joseph, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a lifelong Chicagoan, actually a lifelong Southsider, which has meaning to people from Chicago-White Sox, not Cubs-and I damn well put ketchup on my hot dog if I please. I grew up in a poor area called the Back of the Yards, the Union Stockyards, that is. The neighborhood was Polish/Lithuanian and as we finished grammar school, there was a large influx of Mexican people. I loved my childhood friends and still meet with some of them regularly. We ultimately became friends with the Mexicans and many of my Polish/Lithuanian friends ended up marrying our Mexican friends and the generations continue on with much love between us all. I went to an all-boys high school and did well, but a month after I graduated, I joined the US Army. The Vietnam War was ramping up and my friends and I decided to join the military. Most went to Vietnam, some were wounded but we all came back. Joining the military instilled discipline and provided us with a sense of maturity and self-sufficiency, as well as self-confidence.
In the Army I went to Military Intelligence Training School to become an Intelligence Analyst. However, there was a pressing need for interrogators so a group of us were trained as interrogators and then sent to Vietnamese Language school for several months. My Army friends and I were very close, but once in Vietnam we were split up. I was sent to a combined Army/Air Force Advisory Intelligence unit in the Mekong Delta, the most southern part of Vietnam. There I travelled the Delta, working with many varied units; Special Forces, Navy Seals, Vietnamese forces, and other Army advisory teams to collect and evaluate intelligence gained from prisoners captured in combat or who surrendered. I was able to establish myself as a skilled interrogator who provided reliable intelligence to US Command. The climax of my tour occurred at the end of January 1968 when the Tet Offensive began. It was a wild time where our very lives and positions in the Delta were threatened. Intelligence was critical and I was instrumental in learning early information on enemy plans. I also was involved in the rescue of a wounded Vietnamese woman, who my fellow soldiers and I whisked to a hospital through enemy territory during the first night of battle. I ended my service at Fort Bragg in 1969 as an instructor. My service was dangerous, thrilling, rewarding, and maturing and would shape my entire life.
In 1970, I married my Sweetheart Maggie, and in 1972 I joined the Chicago Police Department. There I worked the mean streets of Chicago as a patrolman, Violent Crimes Detective and Hostage Negotiator. I also was honored to serve on the Mounted Unit three times during my career, ultimately becoming the Commanding Officer of the unit. I continued my education while working and obtained a Master’s Degree in 1985 and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois.
My career continued and I was honored to be promoted to The Administrative Assistant to the Police Superintendent and ended my police career as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime in 2003. During my police career, I was involved in many significant and nationally noteworthy cases and certainly added to my experiences of the widest ranges of human behavior, from the most inhuman, to the most incredible acts of kindness, and I will always consider myself a retired “cop” and was honored to serve with some of the most incredible human beings I ever had the privilege of working with. We worked extremely hard at great risk to provide a sense of justice to those who suffered most under the tyranny of criminals.
As I said in an earlier section, throughout my life I had an interest in and admiration of creative individuals, writers, actors. filmmakers. performers. I had deferred acting upon those interests until my police career was over. I then began to study the craft of acting and started with doing some community theatre. It was terrific, and so satisfying. I realized that I could draw upon my experiences to shape the characters of my roles and the process was often cathartic. I then had the opportunity to appear in some indie films, such as Dog Jack and Chasing Robert and a few others. I continued studying and made a few forays out to Los Angeles where I got an amazing manager, Sharon Holleran, who I also consider a good friend. I was able to land a gig on Criminal Minds and in the Feature Film, “Chavez” as well as other indie films here in Chicago.
As the landscape of the business has changed over the years, opportunities have become more sparse, so I turned my attention to writing. I wrote a short novel about the valor of the “Women of Fort Dearborn” during the War of 1812 and was inspired to write a short film, directed by my talented friend Mary Reynard. It is called “RPG” and focuses on the intergenerational “ripple” effects of loss due to war. The film did well on the festival circuit and I won the “Outstanding Actor” award for the film at the Hollywood Golden Film Awards.
I continue writing and have written four feature screenplays and two novels as well as several short works. They do well on the festival circuit and my goal is to bring them to life on the big screen. Each work has its own unique perspective, and conveys important themes, from the rise of a new Nazi threat, to a unique view of the racial aspect of policing and interracial adoption, to unbearable loss, to the story of a talented dancer and her coming of age. Being involved in the entertainment business has its challenges to say the least. In the current day, the business is in flux, and I have had to adjust. I have been working on several projects with a talented producer friend, David Kupcinet, which we hope to bring to life in the near future. I am also seeking literary representation to help get my literary works published and my films produced.
During all this time I have received the love and support of my beautiful wife, Maggie. Our marriage of 52 years has been a true blessing for me, resulting in two wonderful, amazing children, Matt, a musician extraordinaire, and Lauren, a gifted artist. My two wonderful grandchildren, Benny,6 and Ellie, 4 are my heart and they keep me young.
What I believe separates me from others is a drive to excellence and a perseverance to overcome any obstacle. I also care deeply about people in general. I remain active in the criminal justice consulting field. I hope to be able to continue working with the goal of paying things forward. I am currently providing a free screenwriting class to police officers and am involved in a charity that offers equine therapy to police officers suffering from the crushing stresses of what has become law enforcement. I hope to leave a legacy of memorable and meaningful works that move others to explore the world and the human condition, and find their true self, their true calling and peace.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I am now in my 70’s. With the passing of every year, I am more aware of the press of time. I consider myself very healthy but time does take its toll and health issues become more serious as we age. One of my goals has always been to stay physically fit and regularly exercise with a vigorous routine. Staying fit contributes to good mental health. I seek to achieve clarity in my vision and have my writing reflect that clarity. As a “Boomer” I’ve been witness to the incredible advances in society over the years, science and technology has advanced in leaps and bounds yet global peace still eludes us. Our society is surely not perfect, but we have made several strides through our lifetime to improve conditions incrementally on many fronts. There was never a time in my life where I felt it necessary to get ahead by taking from someone else. My life of service in the military and in law enforcement is testimony to that. I have always strived to make things better and to treat all people fairly and equitably.
When I reflect on my creative journey, I feel that the creative spark in me has matured from a sense of success measured by being in the spotlight and gaining accolades to a desire to share my many diverse experiences–the good and bad–with others. Certainly, I have disappointed myself in many ways by my actions, but self- reflection always includes seeking ways to become a better individual and better human being–to become a better father, husband and grandfather as well as a better friend. My creative journey was a road filled with great disappointments and obstacles as well as great accomplishments. I despair when some casting directors, or directors or publishers just don’t get “me” or understand my work or intent. Rejection is embedded in the entertainment industry and as a sensitive person it is a personal hurt when it occurs. One has to constantly argue against that inner voice that keeps telling you, “You’re not good enough; you’re not talented enough; you’re wasting your life in a futile effort.” They say to develop a thick skin, but being creative requires a sensibility to all emotion. We are naturally sensitive people. So my focus has changed over the years. Now I am devoted to spotlighting heroic people, developing characters with deep sensitivities that reflect the best and worst of who we are. I love history and strive to develop works that showcase individuals who make a difference. I continue to learn every day. I will continue to explore the world around me and the nature of the individuals who inhabit my world. My efforts focus on creating memorable and meaningful works. Works that leave an emotional mark and that are not easily forgettable.
As the press of time continues, I will continue for as long as I can-to leave a legacy of service that makes a positive difference to those most in need, and of creative works that touch those who experience them.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I became a police officer in October of 1972. I was in need of a job and got called to the department unexpectedly. I really knew nothing about the Chicago Police Department and had no relatives who could give me an idea what it was all about. When I hit the street after the Academy in 1973, I was sent to work in a “fast” district that was very diverse. It was a good place to learn. I worked the street for many years of my career, rotating shifts and days off. There was also no union at the time. I had great partners and enjoyed helping people and protecting the vulnerable from predators. However, there was still a great political influence that directed the department. It was clear that if I didn’t want to spend thirty years with no chance of promotion it would likely take some political networking to get ahead. That was totally not my style. I felt strongly that police officers should be independent and not rely on political connections to get ahead. My wife was working for the phone company at the time and there were openings for managers. I decided to take a leave of absence from the department and give it a whirl. Bottom line, I hated every minute. I disliked the bureaucracy and the corporate culture, but the people were great. I had also heard from some people who expressed sadness that I had left the police job as they believed I was a very good police officer and made a difference. My calling was very clear. I made the decision to return. I decided to be the “police officer I wanted to be. ” To be myself and do the job I loved. I was assigned to patrol with a great bunch of officers but with a new attitude. Then I was fortunate to be assigned to the mounted patrol and then to detective, always working very hard to excel–to be the best. I got promoted to sergeant and then worked for several years in department administration learning the budget process and operational structure. I worked as a hostage negotiator and another stint on the mounted patrol. There were certainly many difficult times during those years and I often felt like I was again spinning my wheels.
I studied hard and was promoted to lieutenant after failing to place well on two earlier promotional lists. Ultimately my good work was noticed and I was given the command of the Mounted Patrol unit. I’ve always tried to be a good boss and good leader and I was promoted to a command staff position as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Police. It was an extremely difficult job, but I pressed on and was then promoted to Deputy Chief of Detectives and retired as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime. I am forever grateful for all those who supported me and for the outstanding work of the men and women of the department who give so much of themselves. I would never have succeeded were it not for the support of my wife and children. I try to instill the idea that you are your best critic. You only need to please yourself, and with a solid work ethic and sound ethical foundation you give yourself the best chance to rise to the top.
Then I decided to become an actor and my entire mindset pivoted again. It was difficult to reconcile that the hard work and effort you put in to improve your craft does not in any way guarantee success in the entertainment business. So I have truly come to learn that the measure of success is evident in the journey, not in the goal. Learning to persevere, even in the face of disappointment and difficulty, to maintain a positive outlook, to mentor others, to continue to hone your skills and to be productive will provide you with a sense of fulfillment regardless of the idea of “success” as measured by someone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmountie1.wixsite.com/joegandurski/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeygman1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeygman
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegandurski/
- Youtube: Joe Gandurski @joegandurski3062
- Other: https://www.fbinaa.org/ Member of FBI National Acadamy Associates, Also life member of VFW “RPG” award winning short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5qqoAuVnoY Acting reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRR70619Gbs
- Latest sizzle reel Det. Joe sizzle (short version) – YouTube
- Acting reel: 2022 reelinfo – YouTube