John Norman never let age define his ambition. At 60, the Indiana-born, Dayton-based actor and model is finally doing what he always dreamed of as a kid, and doing it on his own terms.
“I’ve always wanted to act,” John says. “But I never realized I could model too until Sir Michael Fomkin explained it at my first VIP Ignite bootcamp.” That moment opened a door that had been closed for decades, but never forgotten.
John’s path to performance wasn’t linear. He worked hard, raised a family, and like many, put dreams on hold to meet life’s responsibilities. “My parents passed away. My kids grew up,” he shares. “Then I saw an ad for VIP Ignite on Instagram, and when Alycia Kaback mentioned modeling and acting, it brought back everything I had buried for years.” Encouragement from Deneen White sealed it. “She reinforced my desire to pursue what I love.”
His “why” is powerful and deeply personal. “My oldest son has been disabled since birth. His strength and determination are incredible,” John says. “I want to be a spokesman for people with disabilities. I want to help them live the lives they deserve.” Despite discouragement from others, he refused to let that stop him. “I’m glad I chose to follow my dreams.”
Acting, for John, is all about connection. “I love entertaining others. That’s the heart of it,” he says. “If I can make people laugh, cry, and forget about life for a while, then it’s worth every second.” Modeling gives him another creative outlet, a way to express authenticity through the lens. “No fluff,” he says. “Just me. Genuinely me.”
His biggest breakthrough has been internal. “The mindset shift? Realizing that I can act and model. That nobody can tell me otherwise,” John says. “I’ve learned to stop listening to negativity. You really can do anything you set your mind to.”
And he means it. One of the highlights of his journey so far was attending an event in Los Angeles. “Hollywood, baby. That was a total mindshift,” he laughs. “Meeting casting directors, networking with Ryan Colby, Mara Santino, Tanya Kleckner, it was like a dream. They gave me direction, helped with my monologues, and reminded me I belong here.”
John’s gratitude runs deep. “VIP Ignite changed my life. Coaches like Bobby Funaro and Haviland Stillwell helped reignite my passion and belief in myself.”
To anyone thinking it’s too late, his message is unwavering. “Go for it. Never give up. You are your own worst enemy if you listen to doubt.”
John Norman didn’t arrive late. He arrived ready. And now, the camera is rolling.
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