Jackass Star, Stuntman, Comedian
SS: What made you go vegan and why?
SG: I first stopped eating meat (except for fish) because I wanted to improve my karma. I quickly discovered that choosing a more compassionate diet made me feel better about myself, and I became eager to do more. I started asking lots of questions and, the more I learned, the more choices I made to cut cruelty out of my lifestyle. I’ve been completely vegan for three years now, and I really believe that it’s played a major role in helping me stay clean and sober.
SS: Has it been difficult for you? If yes what was difficult and did it get easier?
SG: It’s pretty easy, especially with all of the vegan alternatives they have for animal-based products. Becoming vegan has made me feel so much better, both physically and emotionally, the rewards absolutely outweigh any sacrifice.
SS: What are some animal rights related things that you participate in?
SG: I began my career as a professional clown, and have since been very outspoken about the animal abuse I witnessed while working in the circus. I’ve lent my name to campaigns addressing this, as well as a number of other animal-rights issues. Mostly, however, I’m just very quick to share about the ways in which I’ve benefited from adopting a vegan lifestyle.
SS: What are your favorite animal rights organizations?
SG: I don’t agree with everything PETA does, but I do support them on an issue-by-issue basis, and have lent my voice and image to many of their campaigns. I think Mercy For Animals is fantastic, too, the only sticker on my car says Mercy For Animals.
SS: What would you say to somebody who is considering going vegan?
SG: My experience was, within two or three weeks of becoming vegan, that I started receiving lots of compliments. People told me that I was looking younger and healthier, that my skin was looking great, that I was “glowing”, etc. At that time, I had already been “pescetarian” for a year and a half, I’d been clean and sober for almost as long, and I hadn’t smoked a cigarette in over year. I still find it amazing that going completely vegan made such a noticeable difference after I’d already made so many lifestyle changes.
SS: Do you have any memories that stand out in your mind about someone saving an animal? Or relating to an animal in a unique way?
SG: I have two rescue dogs, Walter and Bernie, and the time I spend with them means so much to me. Before I had dogs of my own, I really didn’t know what I was missing out on. Since I rescued Walter and Bernie, they have enriched my life in a massive way. I highly recommend rescuing animals from shelters.