Voice of Truth
FIND OUT THE MANY REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR “13 REASONS WHY” STAR TOMMY DORFMAN
Find out the many reasons why you should keep an eye out for “13 Reasons Why” star Tommy Dorfman, from his work on the set of the hit series to his activism.
Like most actors, Tommy Dorfman started off doing small roles in small productions. In March this year, however, he appeared in hit Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” The show ignited quite a bit of controversy due to its mature themes, but was critically acclaimed. More importantly, it catapulted Dorfman into the ranks of Hollywood’s most promising new talents. And of course, his own personal story as a performer and activist is no less rich or intriguing. da man: hi, tommy. Great to have you with us. how is it going? tommy dorfman: Hey, DAMAN! Thanks for having me! It’s going, it’s going. It’s been a really wild ride since the show came out and I’m having the time of my life. da: speaking of which, while it’s been a couple of months since the show launched, the hype for “13 reasons why” still hasn’t died down. what do you think made the series so special? td: I think it’s a really meaningful show for teenagers and parents alike. It fosters an opportunity for conversations that, prior to the show coming out, might have felt too taboo or uncomfortable to talk about. I also think it’s been so successful and special because people can really relate to all of the characters on the show and everyone’s individual stories. da: on a more personal note, did it feel special being part of the “13 reasons why” phenomenon? td: It’s been really meaningful to be a part of this amazing show and engaging with fans. da: now, the show famously deals with some very, very disturbing issues such as suicide, self-harm and rape. were you initially worried about these themes when you joined the cast? td: I wasn’t. It’s important that these stories are told and I knew that the writers of the show would do it truthfully. da: speaking of the mature content of “13 reasons why,” there has been some backlash against the graphic way the show depicts things like murder. what’s your take on this? td: You’re seeing what actually happens when someone dies by suicide, or in a car crash. It’s the truth, and the truth isn’t always pretty or shiny or comfortable, but it’s necessary. da: you’ve recently graduated with a Ba in theater performance; you’ve just made your mainstream debut in a super-popular netflix series; and you’re basically well on your way to becoming a household name. how are you feeling right now? td: Honestly ... confused, excited, shocked—all of those things. It’s been a whirlwind doing this show and everything is moving so quick-
ly. down I’m a tryingbit andto find really time be to presentslow and enjoy the process. da: will we be seeing you in another tV show or a movie in the near future? td: Yes! Can’t say what, though. da: By the way, what was it that drew you to the world of acting in the first place? td: I love storytelling and fantasy, the way I can be living in someone else’s shoes for a while. da: has your time on “13 reasons why” changed your original views of acting as a profession?
td: It’s changed my work ideals in that I’m not longer interested in meaningless work. By that, I mean I want to continue to be a part of shows and movies that actually have a purpose. da: what, would you say, is the most important skill, talent or characteristic that an actor must have or develop to succeed in the movie industry? td: Compassion. da: and what do you think is your most prominent characteristic? td: Listening.
“I HOPE TO BE AN EXAMPLE FOR LGBTQ YOUTH; SOMEONE THEY CAN LOOK AT AND SAY ‘ HEY, I CAN DO THAT TOO!’”
“as a Guy wIth a peculIar sense of style, It’s hard to fInd clothes that I would wear, that I feel represent me, outsIde of the luxury world”
da: with your breakout role comes fame, fortune ... and a lot of attention from the public. and from the media, obviously. what is your number-one method of dealing with the pressures of becoming an increasingly public figure? td: I’m working on keeping more things private, especially my family and home life. da: on a more positive note, have you ever had particularly fun, heartwarming or otherwise great encounters with your fans?
td: Ninety percent of the time, it’s lovely meeting fans. Many of them have wonderful things to say about the show, how much it meant to them, how it helped them. That’s always really sweet. da: you’ve spoken out on many occasions about lGBtQ rights, and now, obviously, your voice can reach a much bigger audience.
what kind of change do you hope to create?
td: I hope to be an example for LGBTQ youth; someone they can look at and say “Hey, I can do that too!” da: when it comes to lGBtQ rights, and just about any kind of social issue, really, too many people are stuck in the “what can one person do” mindset. what is your number-one piece of advice for people who care but are still unsure about actually speaking out or taking action?
td: Research. Read the news, look into different organizations and find the things that you’re passionate about. If posting on social media is dangerous for you because of where you live and your views, or makes you uncomfortable, look into ways to volunteer or raise funds on a less “public” level. Use the Internet to find like-minded people and talk to them. da: moving on to the lighter side of life: outside of your work and activism, what else are you passionate about? td: My dog. I love my dog so much. And also food. I really love trying out new restaurants.
da: and when you simply want to kick back, relax and have fun, what do you do?
td: Order Thai food and watch mindless TV shows or read a new book. Or, my friends and I will go out dancing. da: on a related note, what would you say is your biggest guilty pleasure or extravaganze? td: Eating a pint of cookie dough ice-cream while watching “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” or HGTV.
da: is there anything that you’re unashamedly snobbish about? Food, perhaps? or fashion?
td: Fashion. I’m particular about the designers I wear. I don’t care about labels as much as style; however, as a guy with a peculiar sense of style, it’s hard to find clothes that I would wear, that I feel represent me, outside of the “luxury” world. So, I’ll save up for certain pieces I really love.
da: if you could sum up your life experience so far with a single quote, motto or saying, what would it be?
td: Turn it over. So many things in our lives are out of our control, so I’m constantly turning things over to the universe to handle because it’s too much pressure trying to micro-manage everything and will things to go in “my way.” So, when you feel stuck, or like you’re fighting against a huge wave, just try turning that problem over. At least, that’s what works for me.