Gregg Prosser is proof that everyone deserves a second chance.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Gregg Prosser was on the set of NBC’s “Deception” where, with a little help from venerable actor, Victor Garber, he was able to hit his “mark”. An actor, who has appeared on various hit television series, including WHITE COLLAR, THE AMERICANS, and POWER, to name a few, Gregg was no stranger to stage direction, so he knew there had to be another reason why he was having trouble with staging. There was…a few weeks later, he was diagnosed with Vestibular Schwannoma, more commonly known as an Acoustic Neuroma.
Gregg, who is also part owner of an MRI facility in Brooklyn, knew he needed advice, especially as the 7th cranial nerve (facial nerve) lies millimeters away from his tumor and the removal or stunting of the tumor could have caused facial paralysis. It was the chance of the facial paralysis was daunting. “As an actor, it’s one of the greatest gifts—to be able to communicate through the art form, to convey human emotion. I just want the opportunity to create and develop characters that are true and interesting to the audience.”
He sought the counsel of two experts: an army of specialists from NYU Medical and actor Mark Ruffalo, who suffered from the same medical condition. After a series of conversations with his newly-formed team, Gregg had a procedure done to shrink the tumor and decided to dedicate his life to achieving his dream.
Enter his SECOND CHANCE a drama about a home invasion gone awry. Gregg, lead actor for SECOND CHANCE took home Best Actor at Nice International Film Festival in France and The Marietta Film Festival for his role in the new independent film.
Six film industry awards later and counting, Gregg continues to follow his dream against all odds and is being rewarded with accolade upon accolade. “Being an actor comes with tons of self-doubt. It’s part of the gig. We audition and don’t get the job more often than not. The why I am doing this to myself and I’m just not good enough constantly enter your mind. Winning an award at a festival, especially in another country, where you have no previous contacts, gives you validation. It recognizes your hard work and what you put into your character. So in short, it feels great.”
In addition to SECOND CHANCE, Gregg, who perfected his craft at the renowned Terry Schrieber Theater stars as lead actor alongside Melissa Archer (Days of our Lives) in WRAITH, a short horror film that is starting its festival submission process. Gregg is a member of Primitive Grace Theatre company. The co-artistic directors are Paul Calderon and David Zayas (Dexter and bloodline)
One of the best-kept secrets of the film industry, award-winning actor Gregg Prosser will be at this year’s WilliFest, September 9-11th in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. SECOND CHANCE is the featured film for the night of September 10th. Gregg can also be seen in GOLDEN BOY, a bi-coastal non-profit show for Parkinson’s disease, produced by stoPD. This production is a fundraising event for the Michael J Fox Foundation and stoPD will run October 9, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 at Gleason’s Gym, Dumbo, NY.