At Arbor Terrace Norwood, it’s the people who make the biggest difference. In a recent Golden Gang recording, Christina, Director of Engagement, sat down with Brian Parks to learn more about his story, his love of performance, and what brought him to our community.
Brian is known for his quick wit and willingness to jump in wherever he’s needed, whether that’s helping with transportation or lending a hand with engagement. He’s built real connections with residents and team members alike!
From New Jersey Roots to a Life of Storytelling
Brian was born in the Bronx, but he grew up in New Jersey, spending time in Palisades Park, Oradell, Toms River, and eventually in the Montclair area. If that sounds like a lot of moving around, it was, but it also shaped his sense of humor and adaptability.
Growing up, Brian and his brother were surrounded by classic films and old-school comedians. Laurel and Hardy, the Three Stooges, Abbott and Costello, and the Marx Brothers weren’t just background noise in the house. They were an inspiration.
That early love of comedy turned into something more. Brian and his brother started writing and performing sketch comedy in high school, doing talent shows and learning what it felt like to make a room laugh. And like many performers, he discovered something surprising: confidence can show up when you least expect it.
Over time, Brian found opportunities that helped him keep moving forward. One turning point came when he earned an Actors’ Equity contract through a theater in New Jersey, which opened doors and changed his ability to audition in New York City.
Later, he auditioned for a production connected to a story he already loved: Dead End, originally a Humphrey Bogart film that helped popularize the “Dead End Kids” (later known as the Bowery Boys). Brian landed the role and became part of the Axis Company in New York City’s Village area. Since 2017, he’s performed with the company regularly, including holiday shows.
For Brian, the work is truly impactful when it’s about the people you create something with. That shared experience, the trust, and the teamwork often become the most meaningful part of the job.
As the conversation deepened, Brian shared a life experience that changed him forever: loss.
In 2003, his mother passed away at 65. Not long after, his father died as well. Brian described that period as a fog, the kind of grief that can make time feel unreal. But he also spoke to something many families understand: grief teaches you about your own story and the stories others carry, too.
That season tested his direction and his drive. He even questioned whether he wanted to keep acting. But the thread that kept pulling him forward was the same one that started when he was young: the desire to connect, to make people laugh, and to keep going even when life feels unsteady.
Why Arbor Terrace Norwood Felt Like the Right Fit
Brian’s path to Arbor Terrace Norwood began during the pandemic, when restaurants closed, and the theater paused. He started driving Uber, and he enjoyed the flexibility and variety, but eventually the income dropped, and the wear on his car added up.
A friend mentioned a driver position at an Arbor Terrace community, and while that first opportunity didn’t work out, another opening came up in Norwood. Brian said yes, and the rest is something our residents and team members feel every day.
What surprised Brian most was that his role wasn’t only transportation. He was also invited to support engagement, and he found he genuinely loved it. The conversations, the laughs, the everyday moments, and the sense of belonging mattered.
In his words, he came for the driver position, but he stayed for the people.
A Community That Celebrates the People Who Show Up
In the Golden Gang recording, Christina and the audience made it clear: Brian is appreciated. He’s the kind of person who brings energy into a room, but also knows when to listen. He’s a teammate, a storyteller, and someone who helps residents feel seen.
And on top of everything else, Brian is heading into a new chapter soon: welcoming a baby! It’s the kind of milestone that puts everything into perspective, and the kind of joyful news our community loves to celebrate.
Want to learn more about life at Arbor Terrace Norwood?
Explore our community, meet our team, and see how we support meaningful connections every day. If you’re considering senior living for yourself or someone you love, we invite you to schedule a visit and experience Arbor Terrace in person!
