Seniors in business: What happens in Vegas, happened to Jerry

by Kimberly Bailey-Tureaud

For many seniors, Las Vegas is viewed as an ideal retirement destination. Among them is Jerry V. Lindsay, who moved here from Los Angeles in 1994 after retiring from a 32-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. A seasoned real estate broker, Lindsay was attracted to Las Vegas because of its then-booming housing market. These days, Lindsay stays active with his church, participates in a wide range of community activities and enjoys a flourishing acting career  highlighted by his unforgettable role in the hit 2008 comedy “What Happens in Vegas.” Black Image recently sat down with Lindsay for a closer examination of how he keeps it moving.

You are very involved in so much.
Yes, but a lot is winding down now. I had been the vice president of my church, Second Baptist, layman’s department for six years, and I still work with the Nevada Senior Games, which puts on what was formerly known as the Senior Olympics. I help promote the senior games and try to recruit other seniors to get involved with the games and our health programs. I also work with disadvantaged youth with Coach (Gene) Tate and his Junior Giants educational program.

Each day you get up and work with a lot of nonprofit organizations?
That’s right. It works around my wife’s “honey-do” list.

How did you get the part in “What Happens in Vegas,” with Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher?

That was the first part I had on a major film. It was filmed at Planet Hollywood’s wedding chapel. I volunteered in some community plays, and did some extra work on some shows — but winning the role in “What Happens in Vegas” was really a tremendous opportunity. Initially, I joined … Wild Streak Talent Agency, and they called me and asked if I wanted to participate with the project. I had no idea it was for an individual acting role, until I got there on set. The director and producers said they needed a preacher to perform the wedding scene, and asked if any of us were interested. I auditioned right there on the spot, and then a few hours later they shot the scene with me marrying (the characters portrayed by) Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. It was really quite an experience. I had to make up my own words for the scene—ad-lib — because there was no script. The director said “action” and I had to start talking. My church background gave me a great start, and in acting you have to embrace the character.

How was it working with Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz?
I have a great deal of respect for both of them. Cameron did a lot of funny and wild things impromptu in the wedding scene, and a lot was cut out. Ashton Kutcher has more talent than most people realize, and I predict he will be one of our top, top, superstars in the next 10 years. They were both very nice and down-to-earth.

Do you believe that more seniors should consider acting?
Oh yes. There are several little community acting groups you can get involved with, to give you the needed foundation. I was involved with the Flamingo Senior Center, and participated in several of their community plays. Acting in front of a live audience was great preparation for my role in “What Happens in Vegas.”  The director had the camera lens right in my face — about a foot away — when I shot the scene.

How was the financial compensation from working on the film?
I had a very good payday (laughs). I worked for about four hours on the movie, and I received a great check. Also, I receive another check every six months — depending on how good the movie is still doing nationally and internationally on DVD. It is still surprising that I still get a check from the movie, but I’m very happy to get it.

Do you plan to continue your acting career?
Yes, I do. What you quickly learn is that roles in films are few and far between, so you need to keep your main job. I will stay active in local community plays, which will keep me prepared when those film opportunities come around.