"I just might run for Governor of Texas"
Gnarr accompanied by his wife Jóga, his younger son,Jón Gnarr junior, and his daughter Kamilla María Gnarr Golli / Kjartan Þorbjörnsson
Former Mayor of Reykjavík Jón Gnarr is to be Rice University’s Center for Energy and Environmental Research in the Human Sciences (CENHS) Writer-in-Residence during Spring Semester 2015 and will be moving with his family to Texas. Gnarr was recently awarded the Lennon-Ono grant for peace at an awards ceremony in Reykjavík.
An article on the CEHNS website runs through Gnarr's career saying,
"Gnarr (b. 1967) was diagnosed as a child with severe mental retardation due to dyslexia, learning difficulties, and ADHD. He nevertheless overcame these hardships and went on to become one of Iceland’s best-known actors and comedians. In late 2009, in the bitter aftermath of Iceland’s banking crash, Gnarr founded “The Best Party” which sought to bring joy, humility and humanity back to Icelandic politics. Although dismissed as a “joke party” by the Icelandic political mainstream and national and international media, Gnarr’s ability to be equally sincere and satirical about his country’s political situation struck a chord with disillusioned and disoriented voters. The Best Party surprised all observers by winning the 2009 municipal elections in Iceland’s capital and Gnarr served as Mayor from 2010-2014."
Gnarr's story serves as an inspiration
The article adds that Gnarr will continue to write about topics that touch him such as freedom of speech, human rights, environmental issues and world peace.
CENHS Director Dominic Boyer explained the significance of Gnarr’s residency, “Gnarr’s story has served as an inspiration to both movements and individuals across the world who are looking for an alternative to contemporary political stasis and cynicism."
Gnarr will make several appearances on campus at CENHS events whilst writing a book based on his mayoral experiences provisionally titled, A Human’s Guide to Politics.
In the article Gnarr hints at a longer stay in Texas saying, “At the end of my stay I just might run for Governor of Texas,” Gnarr writes, “We live at a very exciting time in history and I’m happy to be part of it. Looking forward to seeing y’all!”
Jón Gnarr dressed up in the traditional women's national costume at the Reykjavík Gay Pride during his time as Mayor.
Gnarr set a lighter tone to city council meetings. Here he is smiling up to the public sitting on the balcony. mbl.is/Kristinn Ingvarsson
Jón Gnarr was recently awarded the Lennon-Ono peace prize. . mbl.is/Árni Sæberg
