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Post by safeandsound on Jul 14, 2011 8:43:28 GMT -8
Malcolm Groome's Search For Himself
TV Dawn to Dusk -- April 1977
It was well worth the long car ride to end up at the Cecilwood Playhouse in Fishkill, New York. The play that was being presented was Godspell, and the star of the show, in the role of Jesus, was Malcolm Groome. You didn't have to be a major drama critic to be able to tell that the theater was full of energy - full of magic - and that the audience was enthralled. What was most evident to the audience was that the pivotal character in the play was being performed by an actor with a special energy and magic, all of his own.
For a little over a year, television audiences have known Malcolm Groome as young Dr. Pat Ryan, as the tender but steadfast defender (and former lover) of his brother's wife, Delia. Summer stock audiences more recently had a chance to see him in the role of Jesus in that rock-musical version of the Gospel of St. Matthew. And there in general agreement that Malcolm plays both gentle characters with sensitivity and understanding. Malcolm, born on August 8, in Greensboro, N.C., credits meditation with "helping me relate better to myself and other people. Meditation is total relaxation of the mind and body, so that which is 'you' - which is larger than the mind can become aware of all feelings in your body."
Malcolm's interest in Far Eastern philosophy began when he went through an "identity crisis" as a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It wasn't the first such crisis - his entire childhood insecure, marked by constant moves because his father was a military officer. After college, Malcolm went to India, were he joined a dance ensemble, the Rainbow Gypsies, and more importantly, studied with the Guru Maharishi, of which he now says, " I no longer follow his beliefs, but at that point in my life, it was good for me."
He is learned, articulate, and well-guided in his life-interest of seeking inner knowledge. But beyond the things he says are the things he does, and Malcolm lives a life that radiates excitement and knowledge he finds from constantly delving inward.
Malcolm had just finished his run in Godspell on the day we met. He was happy because he had done something which had used his energies well. He also got to play a role which was a terrific channel for him - to project things that are in his thinking.
"I could use the highest expression of myself that I could reach - finally!" Malcolm beamed, "I suppose that all other roles will be more challenging. With this role it was easier for me because I could tune in purely - the rest has to filter through personally. That's more difficult."
Was it a good experience to star in a vehicle?
"It was good to star. But there was a lot of star-type trappings with autograph signing and billing, which really isn't for me. I think the only way I could handle that was I had to realize it wasn' me. It was my opportunity as a channel - to give joy. When you think about the word 'star', you can also think about a real star- a real star reflecting light."
Malcolm's interest in meditation. and inner awareness, has been with him since he was a child.
"I was always spiritual. Sometimes I've veered, but like a lover I've always come back. When I'm most in touch with myself, I'm right with it. When I'm somewhat spaced out, I'm not there."
Was there something that Malcolm could tell us about his self-knowledge and the desire to find your way "in"? So many people might also feel the need to learn more about their inner selves, but are awkward or unskilled in making the first plunge. There are also many new "religions" that both lure and tempt young people which just might not be right for them.
Carefully, Malcolm spoke about this.
"There are so many paths, that someone should follow whatever stirrings are within them, follow instinctively. Anyone who starts searching will find the books and the teachings. Anyone who starts, has the desire to know more about themselves - they will be led in the right direction. Consciousness produces form. If you want to learn about higher things, that in itself is the attraction. Specific things are hard to talk about because people are different. Some people might find it through therapy. All of it is so much a part of getting in touch. I would say that people should be open - but they should be discriminating."
Malcolm Groome is aware that he is "evolving toward something."He says that is a "clarity of consciousness." But there seems to be things beyond that. For whatever Malcolm is finding within himself, there is much that is begin radiated out of himself. There is the love of his work on Ryan's Hope, and in his singing and dancing lessons, and there is the contact and impressions he has with the people in his life.
For the moment, there is no one Malcolm is involved with seriously. Yet, everyone whom Malcolm is involved with him seriously. Marriage! Someday - as all good things happen in their season - but for the time being he is just "seeing an actress fairly regularly."
In Malcolm's private life, he is greatly attuned to many people who share his spirituality.
“I try to maintain enough spiritual company - people who have an awareness of their own light and truth. It's a transmission of light that regenerates me."
Ronni Warren Ashcroft
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Post by Echo on Jul 17, 2011 3:40:49 GMT -8
I commend MG's commitment and dedication to learning and evolvoing, giving his all to the constant and ever changing human experience.
-Echo-
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Post by originalbunnymom on Jul 17, 2011 17:48:55 GMT -8
Did he ever marry?
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Post by safeandsound on Jul 17, 2011 18:19:46 GMT -8
He's been married twice -- and divorced twice. His first wife, Rebekah, was his teacher in an Actualism (sp?) class he took. Second wife's name was Maria. Malcolm and first wife Rebekah in 1984
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olive
Johnny's Best Irish
Posts: 124
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Post by olive on Apr 23, 2019 18:00:29 GMT -8
Does MG have a substance abuse, past or present?
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