Luis Guzman Reflects on Life in Vermont
Luis Guzman, the 69-year-old actor, recently shared his experiences after relocating from Los Angeles to the quaint town of Cabot, Vermont. He expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m fortunate to be here. I have great neighbors and I’m proud to tell people I live in Vermont.”
Cabot, with its population of under 1,500, captivated Guzman when he first visited the state in 1974 while working as a social worker on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. “It became my escape from the chaos of the city,” he admitted.
In 2020, Guzman articulated his love for Vermont, saying it offered him “a different perspective on life and humanity.” He highlighted his newfound sense of freedom, enjoying fresh air, local food, and even clothing-optional swimming at the quarry. “Oh, absolutely!” he recalled.
He officially made the move in 1995 and described Vermont as “one of the safest places in the world,” particularly during the pandemic. While he values the privacy his neighbors provide, he noted that being a public figure also alters his experience. “For the most part, people are quite polite,” he remarked.
However, Guzman pointed out that property taxes can be challenging, and he acknowledged that his children faced some obstacles, specifically regarding acceptance of people of color in the community. “It’s not a constant issue, but it’s been significant at times,” he shared.
In 2010, Guzman mentioned owning a farm where he raises lambs, chickens, and horses, humorously describing himself as “a Puerto Rican land magnate from Vermont” with 700 acres. His commitment to the community is also evident; after winning $30,000 on “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” in 2023, he donated it to Neighbors in Action, a local organization providing meals to residents, especially following devastating floods in July of that year.
“This organization has really stepped up for the people here,” Guzman noted, emphasizing the communal spirit. “It’s not about me. It’s about the community.” He loves the different pace of life in Vermont but remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for roles in films like “Boogie Nights” and “Traffic.” Currently, he’s gaining attention for his portrayal of Gomez Addams in Netflix’s “Wednesday.”
In a lighter moment during an interview with fellow cast members, Guzman revealed his mixed feelings about past collaborators. When asked about Jennifer Lopez, he simply replied, “Okay,” which surprised his co-stars. In contrast, he praised Adam Sandler as “amazing” and complimented Catherine Zeta-Jones as “bellissima.” He concluded by calling Jenna Ortega a “genius,” to which she warmly responded, “I love you.”
Guzman’s journey reveals his dedication to embracing both his celebrity status and the beauty of individuality. “Strangeness is absolutely beautiful,” he stated. “You don’t need to fit in; just be yourself and love who you are.” The actor’s journey highlights a deep connection to community and a commitment to authenticity, making his story both relatable and inspiring.
