Mike Gassaway
Actor & Activist
Guess who’s coming to our mixer on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at Opal Divine’s Austin Grill. Since our audience is so often filled with actors and aspiring actors, we present one right here in Austin who’s succeeding in making a living at it: Mike Gassaway!
Mike is an Emmy Award winning actor with a long résumé of roles in television & web series, commercials, documentaries, and feature films including The Magnificent Seven (2016), Thrilla in Manila (2018), and Dallas (2012), among others.
Some interesting facts about Mike:
- The city of Noble, Oklahoma declared April 5, 2002 “Mike Gassaway Day” for his legal accomplishments and his commitment to democracy.
- Awarded “The Best Dressed Man in Oklahoma” in 2005 by the Oklahoma Journal Record.
- Set a World Land Speed Record for 250 cc Motorcycles at the Bonneville Salt Flats under the sanction of The Southern California Timing Association on a Kawasaki KR1 in the 250cc P-P class in 1989, which stood until 2007.
- Awarded the “Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Decade” Award in 2000 by the Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
- Ranked #28 on Sport & Fitness Magazine’s “100 Hottest Men Over 50” list.
- Was named Criminal Defense Lawyer of the Decade by the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
- Prolific athlete endeavoring equestrian, jockey, golf, jet skier, kick boxing, martial arts, aerobics, badminton, pool/billiards, boating, body building, boxing, motorcycle riding, sprint running, scuba diving, shooting, snowmobile, stage combat, tennis, track & field, weight lifting, wrestling.
- Inducted into the “Professional Karate Magazine” Hall of Fame.
- Can speak in a Southern or Scottish accent.
- The music video for Cloud Nothings commissioned by Urban Outfitters in which Gassaway is the sole actor went to #1 on Spin Magazine’s play list.
- 2018 inductee in to the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
- Skilled as a comedian, diver, juggler, motorcyclist, licensed driver, stuntperson, and with medical equipment, firearms, an ear prompter and a teleprompter.
- Was selected and became member of the Rosa Parks “Wall of Tolerance” for his exemplary work in the courtroom representing and defending the civil rights of others.
Represented by one of our favorite talent agents at Acclaim, Mike’s been around the block a few times, and on more than a motorcycle! He can knowledgeably speak on acting, films, TV, the law, fitness, hogs — both the animal and the riding kind, as well as how be to be an inspiring, hard-working, caring and compassionate human being. Mike is indeed a complete package of talent, determination, and conscious living!
We extend our deepest appreciation to our 3rd Panel of Talent Agents for their time, dedication, insights, and answers to our questions at our #NAMixer on April 10, 2019. Thanks so very much to Laura Maxwell-Scott of Collier Talent Agency, and Jorge Elizondo & Jimmy Cobble of TAG Talent!
See photos here, and more mixer photos here.
Come on the 8th and bring a friend to network and enjoy the show. While there enjoy Opal Divine’s Happy Hour which lasts until 7, then $3 “Three for Texas” beers the rest of the evening. And don’t cook or go anywhere else for a meal or snacks because Opal’s offers a tasty and largely locally-sourced menu of goodies.
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Mixing & Networking @ 6:00PM, Announcements @ 6:30, Speaker @ 6:45
Followed by More Mixing & Mingling and Networking
Born and raised in Texas, Samantha graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in English. Her passion for writing and storytelling led her to the Austin Film Festival where she began as an intern in the Conference Department before taking on the role of Film Marketing & Events Coordinator. Most recently Sam served as the Office Manager and she is thrilled to now be taking over the position of Executive Administrator at AFF. Out of the office, you can find Sam in the Red River District enjoying live music or binge-watching movies over queso and champagne.
Originally from Eagan, Minnesota, Gabbi moved to Austin in January of 2015. Since her move she has filled a number of roles within AFF from starting as an intern in the Development Department to eventually serving as the Registration Director for the 2015 Festival before transitioning to her role in the Screenplay Department in which she coordinates all things administrative for the Competition. In her free time she enjoys throwing the Frisbee for her dog, Jasper, eating breakfast tacos, and of course, watching movies.
Originally from Chicago, Samantha attended the University of Texas at Austin and has stayed in the city ever since. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance with a concentration in RTF. Samantha originally joined AFF as an Office Management Intern for the 2013 Festival and has also filled the roles of Event Coordinator, Office Manager, Theater Operations Coordinator and Script Reading Coordinator. Samantha is looking forward to furthering the mission of AFF through marketing efforts. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys yoga, going to see live music and theatre, performing and sleeping.