In the new holiday film “The Sound of Willow”, Tom Vera takes on the role of Gabe Berry, a seasoned teacher whose carefully guarded world is quietly transformed by a remarkable little girl in his classroom. 

For Tom, playing Gabe wasn’t just about portraying a mentor—it was about honoring the quiet heroism of teachers.  The role starts with a man quietly going through the motions of daily life but becomes something much deeper, filled with heart, faith, and those everyday miracles we sometimes miss. Tom brings warmth and honesty to Gabe, showing us that sometimes the biggest lessons don’t come from books, but from the people who surprise us the most.

Can you tell us about your character Gabe Berry and how he fits into the overall narrative of “The Sound of Willow”?

Gabe is a dedicated but emotionally guarded teacher who, at the beginning of the film, seems to have it all together. He’s experienced enough to know the system, but a bit jaded by it too. But when a child like Willow enters his classroom, she completely shifts his perspective—not just on teaching, but on how we connect with each other. At first, it appears that Gabe is a quiet anchor in the storm she faces, but we soon realize that through her resilience, she guides him to rediscover his own sense of purpose.

Gabe develops a close relationship with Willow. How did you prepare to portray the emotional depth and nuances of this bond, especially considering Willow’s vocal disability?

Being a father, this wasn’t too much of a reach. It allowed me to harness the guidance of a parent and apply it to the relationship to forge a bond through presence, empathy, and unspoken connection. Though Willow is nonverbal, she can still hear. But the communication went deeper than the words — it was through eye contact, body language, even stillness. We worked closely to build a rhythm where our characters could feel safe and understood in silence. It was subtle work, but deeply moving.

Were there any personal experiences or real-life individuals that inspired you while preparing to play Gabe?

Not only did I think a lot about the teachers and mentors in my own life, I studied Richard Dreyfuss’s performance in Mr. Holland’s Opus. The way he portrayed Mr. Holland’s passion for music and his dedication to his students was masterful. Like Mr. Holland, Gabe isn’t flashy—he leads with his passion and his heart—and I really wanted to honor a similar kind of quiet heroism.

The film addresses heavy topics like illness and bullying. Were there specific scenes that were particularly challenging for you to film as Gabe?

There’s a moment in a scene in the film where my heart broke. Without giving away too much, there is a scene where Willow’s parents make a stand against a force trying to take Willow away. In the scene, her parents are rendered powerless and in that moment, I saw a broken man. As a father, that crushed me. It was a masterful performance by Josh Peri and I know it’ll tear your heart out! 

What do you hope audiences take away from Gabe’s character and his interactions with Willow and the other students?

Gabe learns just as much from Willow as she does from him, and I think that mutual growth is so beautiful. God has a plan for each and everyone of us . . . and we all have a purpose. It may be hard to see it at times, but it will make itself known. And when it does, it’s a magical thing.

How did you approach the development of Gabe’s character from a seasoned teacher to one who is actively inspired by his students?

I approached Gabe, with the help from director Shawn Welling, through the lens of a man struggling to find his purpose in life. So his arc was about rediscovering the heart of why he became a teacher. He wants to help Willow, but feels useless, powerless. As mentioned before, what was beautiful is that through the relationship with Willow, he learned something about himself and, in turn, his purpose.

What was the dynamic like on set, especially working with the young actress playing Willow? Did she bring anything unique to the collaborative process?

Emma Rain Welling, the young actress playing Willow, was extraordinary — approaching each day with a sense of youthfulness. She has her goofy moments, her tired moments, and her moments of brilliance. I have to say, she never ceased to amaze me.

“The Sound of Willow” explores themes of hope and perseverance. How do you think Gabe embodies these themes throughout the film?

Gabe embodies hope through action. He doesn’t try to “fix” Willow—he accepts her, uplifts her, and creates space for her voice to be heard, even when she can’t speak. That perseverance—continuing to show up, even when it’s hard—is what defines him by the end of the film.

After filming, did playing Gabe have any lasting impact on your personal perspective towards challenges faced by children and their families dealing with disabilities or illnesses?

Absolutely. Playing Gabe opened my eyes even more to the everyday struggles that children and families face when dealing with disabilities or chronic illness. It made me reflect on how important it is to be patient, to lead with empathy, and to really listen. It also opened my eyes to how fortunate and blessed I truly am. It left a mark on me, and I’m grateful for that.

The film concludes on a hopeful and uplifting note. How do you think Gabe’s journey contributes to this transformation within the story, and what are you most excited for audiences to experience during the Christmas release?

Gabe’s journey is really a quiet triumph—he doesn’t save the day with a grand gesture, but his presence, consistency, and heart help change the course of Willow’s life. Through his journey of self discovery, Gabe became the tool in which God performed the greatest miracle. However, at its core, this is a story about the power of faith, hope, and community—and I think that’s something we all crave, especially during the holidays.

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Cover photo Ray Kuglar.

Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.