Despite his decades-long fantastical work in Trapper John, MD, Falcon Crest, Razorback, Logan's Run, Sisters, One Tree Hill, The M Word (the film we did together), recurring roles in 9-1 -1, and General Hospital, as well as scores more, we talked pretty much NONE of that. We talked REAL talk, the hard stuff. The very hard stuff. His sexual molestation at the age of 9 by Johnny Cortes, YES, he named him, for the first time, realizing that, especially now, it’s so very important. Gregory spoke of the toll it took on his psyche for years, and how he enlisted a modicum of “revenge.” But there is no justice when a child is violated by a pedophile. Do you hear that, Congress?
Drinking and sexing at 11, self-supporting with a job and an apartment of his own at 14, the first non-religious conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, whose true intention was driven by motives it took Gregory years to realize. There was a suicide attempt, cocaine addiction that almost cost him everything, how he got sober, was betrayed, and miraculously turned that into a win. The spiritual awakening (realized as we spoke) that led to shedding another lifelong addiction, more insidious and perhaps even more dangerous, in a fashion.
After years of shame, self-loathing, and damage done, Gregory resurrected his marriage; he and Randi celebrate 44 years and counting, his career, he’s doing some of his best work, 2025 brought him his first Emmy nod and he’s soon to be seen in Grace Period, a feature written and starring his daughter, Lily, directed by her partner, Peter Facinelli. What a family!
Speaking of family, Gregory and Randi have 4 children, three grandchildren, and a new puppy named Henry. An avid activist, strong humanitarian, and a caring, loyal friend, Gregory is beloved by everyone who knows him. Including me.
Gregory Harrison’s story begs to be told. I’m begging him to write it.
Gregory Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
Wed, February 25th, 5 pm PT, 8 pm ET
Streamed Live on my FB, YouTube & LinkedIn