When actor Gem Marc Collins ’23 stepped onto the red carpet for the premiere of Apple TV+’s “Cape Fear,” he found himself surrounded by some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
The thriller series stars Amy Adams, Patrick Wilson and Javier Bardem. For Collins, who recently completed a three-episode arc on the show, it was the highest-profile moment of his career so far.
But before walking the carpet, he made an important call to someone he trusted: fellow Oglethorpe University alumna Wendy Gonzalez ’23.
“Marc reached out to me that he was coming to LA for a red carpet premiere,” Gonzalez recalled. “He was like, ‘Hey, would you want to style me?’ And I was like, ‘Hello, Marc. It’s been so long. I’d be happy to.'”
A freelance stylist based in Los Angeles, Gonzalez and Collins first met as students in Oglethorpe’s theatre program. They worked together on productions including “The Tempest” and “12,” with Gonzalez designing costumes and Collins performing onstage.
Picured below: Gem Marc Collins ’23 at the red carpet premiere of “Cape Fear.”
The collaboration brought together skills each had begun developing at Oglethorpe. Gonzalez credits the university with helping her refine both the creative and practical sides of design, from technical theatre foundations to communication and organization.
Today, those skills help her work with brands, public relations teams and talent as she builds a career in fashion and styling.
“The moment that really does it for me is when people try on either their costume or the outfit, the look that they’re putting on, and the confidence that they get,” says Gonzalez.
For Collins, Oglethorpe provided more than a foundation in theatre. Through professors, classmates and internships, he developed a professional network that helped launch his career. An internship with Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre led to industry connections and opportunities that eventually opened doors in film and television.
“My time at Oglethorpe was really a special one,” Collins said. “It was special because of the people I met here.”
When preparing for the “Cape Fear” premiere, Collins said working with Gonzalez helped him feel like himself during a whirlwind experience.
“To have a familiar face right there that was like family,” he said. “She is family.”
For both alumni, the experience was a reminder that the Oglethorpe community reaches far beyond campus.
“It goes to show the connectedness that we have here at Oglethorpe University,” Collins said. “You can have a classmate who’s in the same field as you, may not be doing the same thing as you, but can offer what you need to get to the next level.”
Now, as they continue building successful careers in entertainment, both carry those Oglethorpe connections with them. Collins has begun mentoring current students, hoping to help future Stormy Petrels find the same support and encouragement that shaped his journey.
