We recently connected with Chris Villegas and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chris, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the biggest risks I ever took was walking away from a stable career in the military to pursue acting and writing in Hollywood. I was born and raised in Texas, and like a lot of people I knew, the military offered structure, purpose, and a guaranteed paycheck. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for 10 years, traveling around the world and experiencing many different cultures, environments, and communities. It was life-changing, but not in the way I expected.
During those years, I realized what really moved me were the stories of the people I met, the dreams, the fears, and the human moments we share from Africa to Japan.
The real risk came when I got out of the military. The scariest choice of my life. Abandon job security or follow my heart?
I chose to follow my heart. Instead of reenlisting, I closed my eyes and jumped the metaphorical ship into an ocean of uncertainty. Even though I didn’t know anyone in the entertainment world and didn’t have a backup plan. I packed up and moved to Los Angeles, enrolled in the Lee Strasberg Institute to study acting, and then went on to earn my BFA in screenwriting at the New York Film Academy in Burbank. I left behind a life of security and predictability for one of creative unpredictability. But a life of passion.
It was terrifying, it still is. I don’t know if I’ll “make it,” but I do know I’ll regret not trying. But that risk led me to some of the greatest rewards of my life: My wife, who’s the Albanian love of my life, a dog who keeps me grounded, and a community of fellow veterans and storytellers who remind me that chasing your dream is always worth it.
Now, the stories I share and write are about characters who embrace the unknown, trust their gut, and go after the lives they only dream of. Because that’s what I did, and it changed everything.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Chris Villegas, a Texas-born actor and writer, and U.S. Navy veteran. I believe in the power of stories to connect, heal, and inspire. My path to storytelling was anything but traditional: after years traveling the world during my military service, I left behind a stable career to pursue my passion for acting and screenwriting. I create stories that blend humor, heart, and hop. Centered around characters who take risks and chase the lives they’ve always dreamed of. What sets my work apart is the perspective I bring, from real-world experience, working with diverse communities, environments, and cultures. I’m most proud of the love and family I have found pursuing this journey. Whether you’re a fellow veteran, a dreamer, or just someone chasing something bigger, my work is for you. I currently live in Los Angeles with the Albanian love of my life, our dog Henry.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Simple. I don’t want to look back one day and regret not following my passion and my heart. I like to ask myself things like: “Are you proud of what you are doing?”, “Are you happy?”, and “what could you do better?”.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The biggest pivot in my life was leaving the military and moving to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking. The Navy gave me structure, purpose, and a chance to see the world, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t my forever. So after 10 years, I finished my enlistment and moved to L.A. It was scary, but I’ve never felt more alive. That pivot changed everything and it put me on the path I was meant to walk.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherjack67/
