Yes, it's just so hard to believe that somebody can lose their position for going that extra mile to entertain people. This cast member really did his "Gaston homework" and truly takes on the role and becomes him.
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Gaston cast member update
- Thread starter HelenBezzo
- Start date
The Empress Lilly
Well-Known Member
Such a travesty he was let go. So much win in that video! =D
Chef Mickey
Well-Known Member
Probably best for him that he got let go.
Sorry, but the pay for these characters is so poor that he'd be better suited taking his talent elsewhere.
Sorry, but the pay for these characters is so poor that he'd be better suited taking his talent elsewhere.
righttrack
Well-Known Member
To me, he was just like TJ in Tower. Going the extra mile, in character. I guess the issue may be that unlike TJ's amazing work in the ToT, it's attainable by other castmembers even though no one will quite be like he. Perhaps due to physical characteristics other castmembers in the role of Gaston are unable to reproduce that? No idea but sad to see him go.
Mawg
Well-Known Member
I think you probably nailed it. Being able to create a reproducible experience for all guests at any time with the various cast members is probably at the heart of the issue. He was probably warned/told not to do things that other cast members just could not physically reproduce and continued to violate those warnings. Unfortunate.
216bruce
Well-Known Member
It's worth it for Disney to go the extra financial mile and hire folks who look and act the part and PAY THEM FOR IT. It only helps with the guest experience and the brand. We're not talking about a multi-million dollar ride or a new park here, just a moment that a kid will remember forever. It really doesn't take much. Casting call, increased pay for face characters and then just let them 'be' the character. Too damn much corporate goddledeygook. This kind of thing irks me a lot more than the usual complaints about a malfunctioning AA or a place needing a new coat of paint.
DisneyGigi
Well-Known Member
This is one of the dumbest things I have heard of Disney doing. He was great, so funny and engaging. Very disappointed that he was removed from the role!
ItlngrlBella
Well-Known Member
...and the craziest thing is those viral Gaston videos (that cost TWDC $0), caused more positive chatter and international media than any recent TV ad or the lame "YouTube vlog stars" finding their "Disney Side" on the Disney Parks YouTube channel.
Homeboy should've had a bigger spotlight and a raise - not a reassignment.
Homeboy should've had a bigger spotlight and a raise - not a reassignment.
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Communicore
Well-Known Member
Is he doing food and beverage now at Gaston's instead?
Mawg
Well-Known Member
I don't disagree with you at all!
But, this guy was incredibly strong, not just fit. To put other fit guys to shame like he did with seemly endless one handed pushups. Not to mention his personality, attitude and ability to act the part were spot on. To find this mix in multiple friends of Gaston would be very difficult even at a higher pay. I don't know too many guys at my gym who would want this gig. Disney was probably just trying to make sure they could give a consistent experience to guests. Honestly, I don't really care if one Gaston is way better than the other if it means we sometimes get experiences like this Gaston could offer but it means guests have to be understanding if sometimes their experience is only par and others might get exceptional. Not something todays guests handle very well, their all big babies.
ItlngrlBella
Well-Known Member
My husband saw those vids and loved them - he's a bit of a gym rat. He said in college he would have died for that gig. "Paid to pose with women all day... No brainer."
...It was then, I hit him over the head with a frying pan.
...It was then, I hit him over the head with a frying pan.
friendofafriend
Active Member
You've hit the nail on the head. The real issue is consistency but we as cast are told that its about safety. They are just looking out for us after all!
Characters are not permitted to get on the ground other than taking a knee to pose with a small child. Its the rule -we all know it, most of us break it and just hope we don't get caught lolI don't have any firsthand knowledge of what happened after the temporary suspension but I can tell you that his name is not showing up on the cast roster. So it looks as though he quit or was terminated. I hope he quit!
momprincess
Member
When was he let ? We were there in March and saw him on the 26th.
Thumper 32
Well-Known Member
This reminds me a bit of the characterpalooza drama that's going on right now. Similar sense of entitlement for the few that read blogs, expect the same super-special interaction that they saw in a video, or whatever.
There's no sense about what this type of viral video moment does to the time they're spending with one family, while dozens of others are waiting in line, or worse being turned away and not getting to meet at all.
(Heavy sarcasm mode on) "As long as I get what I'm entitled to, who cares what others get."
There's no sense about what this type of viral video moment does to the time they're spending with one family, while dozens of others are waiting in line, or worse being turned away and not getting to meet at all.
(Heavy sarcasm mode on) "As long as I get what I'm entitled to, who cares what others get."
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Bairstow
Well-Known Member
ItlngrlBella
Well-Known Member
You've hit the nail on the head. The real issue is consistency but we as cast are told that its about safety. They are just looking out for us after all!
I don't have any firsthand knowledge of what happened after the temporary suspension but I can tell you that his name is not showing up on the cast roster. So it looks as though he quit or was terminated. I hope he quit!
I hope he quit too, and ended up in a place that appreciates his improv talents and pays him better.
I read somewhere that WDW face/fur characters get a little over 10/hr? That's crap?! They are among the highlights of why people come to the parks - and make those magic moments for the littles. They deserve way more than they are getting if that's the case.
ItlngrlBella
Well-Known Member
Is that guy still at ToT? I'd see him in promos and on TV shows and we'd look for him there but never saw him in person.
Did he do such an awesome job that they scrapped him too?
I have a feeling that if certain CM's gain notoriety they don't like guests seeking them out to meet them and grab a pic - we would have loved to have met that dude. He looked the part - creepy yet funny.
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