iron man

Filming the role of Chester, the lead antagonist in Writer’s Block, called for the character to chase a Yamaha Rhino, hurl a spear, shoot a hunting bow, engage in a knife fight, take a few punches, and fire a rifle. Thus, as we searched for an actor to play the role, we knew we needed someone able to withstand the physical demands of the job. A lunch interview with Mike Gassaway convinced us we had found our man from an acting standpoint. But would Mike, on the far side of Medicare eligibility, be up for the physical demands of the role?

We needn’t have worried. A lifetime devotee of physical fitness, Mike was recently chosen as an ambassador of the Austin 60 Strong program, described on the program’s website as “a celebration of grit and resilience that is sponsored by two Central Texas physician groups: Austin Regional Clinic (ARC) and Premier Family Physicians.” Mike was selected from an applicant pool of over a hundred seniors who have overcome major health issues, lost or cared for loved ones, climbed mountains, reached new levels of fitness, or founded charities. The twelve winners are featured in the 2019 Austin 60 Strong calendar.

Congratulations, Mike!