“I know what it’s like to have a dream,” says actor-educator Jim Jarrett, of Sonoma. “I know what it’s like to struggle in pursuit of that dream – and I know what it’s like to start late in doing it.”

Vincent van Gogh didn’t start painting until he was 27, points out Jarrett, who began acting at 29 and was met with bewilderment at his late-stage career path.

“Just like Vincent, I know what it is like to have everyone think you’re crazy.”

There is, adds the award-winning, globe-trotting performer, one other thing about his own life that mirrors the experiences of the groundbreaking 19th century painter.

Says Jarrett, “I know what it’s like to feel that you know what you’ve been put on this Earth to do.”

Jarrett’s passion for performance goes back to his days training with legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner, whose students include such acclaimed names as Gregory Peck, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Grace Kelly, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Steve McQueen and Sydney Pollack. After six years of training, Jarrett was the last of the renowned instructor’s apprentices to be approved to teach the Meisner technique. Jarrett, who moved to Sonoma 10 years ago, has since taught acting across the United States, Europe and Asia. In 2005, he founded the Meisner Technique Studio, in San Francisco.

As a performer, Jarrett has worked on television and on stage, has developed a number of children’s educational shows. Several years ago, he wrote the one-man-show “Meisner,” based on notes he took while training with the colorful and influential teacher.

But it’s “Vincent,” a remarkable solo show about Vincent van Gogh, which Jarrett credits as his most significant, and surprising, success.

Click ‘Here‘ to read the full story in the Sonoma Index Tribune