We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Crofut a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I definitely wish I would have started acting a lot sooner. I briefly started acting in background roles when I first started college. However, I eventually had to put that dream on the back burner because at the time I was living on my own and taking care of myself while going to school at the same time.. My priorities at the time were paying my own bills and finishing up school, acting wasn’t paying the bills. So, ultimately I had to make the smart choice at the time which was focusing on working and going to school. I had the intentions of returning to acting as soon as I was in a better place in my life. This was finishing school and getting a job that would help fund the dream. I eventually became a middle school Science teacher with a Double Masters degree. Around 2020 is when I decided to get back on the path of pursuing my dream. Unfortunately, at that time the world was going through a global pandemic, so acting would still be on hold for the moment. Around the mid to end of 2021 is when things started picking back up and 2022 is when I took on acting full time. Since this time I have been a part of a little over 40 projects, multiple awards, and still going strong. Mind you I did all of this without an agent or agency.

Chris, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Chris Crofut I am an up and coming actor. I started off small doing local background work and quickly took on higher roles. Becoming an actor is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was younger. I took acting classes here in Fresno, CA to get better in acting and get a better understanding about the industry. I have been in multiple independent projects, local commercials, a music video, and have done local interviews. I have played a variety of different roles such as the main Killer in Thomas Sahagun’s “Your Last Call” series. I have played a lead detective, a lead captain in an up coming independent Sci Fi Film, I have also been on the other end as well lol where I was the character who dies. It’s interesting to be able to play different styles of characters, it definitely enhances your skills as an actor. I have also played in some very deep an emotional films, films that take on the reality of what is going on in our current society. I recently played a homeless person in San Francisco titled “Hunger” by Nino Ayadat. It focuses on Hunger in America and around the world. I also played a man who commits suicide in the “Break Up” another film by Thomas Sahagun. I have played both a main protagonist and main antagonist in many of different genres. I want to be a versatile as possible. Actors that have inspired me are Johnny Depp, Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Samuel L Jackson, and Michael B. Jordan. I have had nothing but wonderful experiences working on set, met wonderful people and have taken in a lot of helpful advice. One that stands out is from Nino on the set of Hunger, he told me that as an actor you want to give it your all in every performance, because this is something that someone might relate to that they are currently going through in life. You never know who you are going to touch. The other thing is that long after you are gone, your films will still live on. People will see your work and you want to be remembered by giving your best performance possible. It’s an everlasting impression. When I am not acting I am always enhancing my personal skills, I practice martial arts daily “Jeet Kune Do” under Sifu Josh Horne. I want to be remembered as an actor that people can say, he real can do those things in real life. I am currently in partnership with Thomas Sahagun under EliteFilmsProduction. I am currently looking for representation (agent/ manager). I have finding my own work since I have started.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

The most important factor behind my success has been from a multitude of things that include hard work, dedication, a good support system, discipline, staying focused, being consistent and not relying just on motivation. The reason is because motivation comes and goes, but as long as you stay consistent you will not fall off track and will stay on course when your motivation picks back up. These two paired together can be a dangerous combination. In this business you are your number supporter and critic. Nobody knows you better than you. Try not to be too hard on yourself and realize it’s a process. Coming to terms that success doesn’t happen over night, enjoy the moment(s). Like the saying you have to crawl before you walk. Realizing there be ups and downs just like with anything else. Enjoy the process, and embrace the challenges as they come. This will only make you a better and stronger person when you overcome them. Key thing is don’t give up. DON’T EVER QUIT ON YOURSELF.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an actor is the ability to touch many people’s lives through performance. As an actor you get the opportunity to play many different roles and become many different people. The ability to give it your all each and every performance is a personal mission I have. I never want to cheat the audience or myself when it comes delivering a performance. I want future generations to feel my character(s). Film is something that will be here long after we are gone and you want people to see that you gave it your all. It’s a reflection of who you are, make sure you leave a good permanent impression. I think there is a big misconception of what an actor is and does. It’s more than just acting, there is a lot that goes into it. The idea of acting is nice but the reality is that, acting isn’t for everybody.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13923944/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscrofut?igsh=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100036379538288&mibextid=eQY6cl
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/christopher-crofut-148200166
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Sahagunfilmsproduction?si=ZAlXOn1ziTVGByqJ