We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Demetrios Troy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Demetrios below.

Demetrios, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I have been blessed to be a part of many memorable and meaningful projects in my career. Projects that have put me in the presence of brilliant artists and kind souls that have shaped me as person. When I read this question the first experience that came to my mind was one from the beginning of my career. While I was trying to gain momentum I had the privilege of working with a veterans organization called The Veteran Art Project (VAP). VAP was a program that paired artists from different disciplines with a Veteran to create original work that portrayed the Veterans experience in war. The program was successful in helping Veterans tell their stories and aided many in finding a path to healing from the traumas they faced on the battlefield.

I was paired with Vietnam Veteran, Author, and Chiropractor, John Fisher. He served as a forward observer in the war. A very dangerous job. Out of respect I won’t share his experience but it was one that would test the bravest amongst us.

My commission was to create a piece that would express a pivotal three days from his experience. At first my intention was to write and direct but because of time constraints, I also decided to portray him, as well.

Most artists and Veterans were able to have in person meetings, but that wasn’t the case for John and I. He lived across the country from me and our meetings consisted of a number of phone calls that I will never forget. Because of this distance his face became the countless faces of men, from my research, who served and gave their lives in the war.

I remember when John first shared the intimate and graphic details of those three days with me. I walked away from the phone heavy and when I ran into my father he looked at me and said “Are you alright? It’s the strangest thing. I don’t recognize you.” I immediately broke down. John told me he had the same reaction after our conversation.

As we were drawing closer to the showcase, I found out John was going to fly in to see the performance. The head of the organization asked me if i wanted to meet him before I performed. My gut told me to wait until after. I didn’t know how meeting John before I portrayed him would effect me. Was it fear or instinct? I wasn’t sure. I only knew I wasn’t ready.

When the day of the performance came, I was last in a series to perform and when my turn came I stepped out on stage in surplus olive green fatigues from the period and performed one of the most important pieces of my life in front of room filled with Veterans.

Afterward the head of the program asked the artists and Veterans to come out and take a bow together. And when I walked out I locked eyes with John for the first time and felt as if I was seeing a long lost brother. He became family to me.

We are still in touch to this day.

Demetrios, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Demetrios Troy and I am an actor, director, husband and father of three. I received my BA from Depaul University/Barat College and my MFA from the University of South Carolina. My Career started on stage at Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier, where I have had the privilege to perform and explore Shakespeares masterpieces to this day.

I have performed at many of the major houses in Chicago and regionally.

My film and television career has more recently started to blossom. I have appeared on Chicago PD and Fire, Empire, and many other series. Most notably, I portray Lazarus in the critically acclaimed series The Chosen.

I also direct radio dramas for Relevant radios entertainment wing The Merry Beggars, as well as performing as a Foley Artist for the radio program Unshackled.

Since I was a child I had an attraction to the arts and started performing at a very young age. It has been a thirst for knowledge and passion for telling stories that has fueled me in this very difficult and rewarding business.

I am drawn to telling stories that connect us as human beings and leaves audiences walking away thinking and discussing.

I’m most proud of my faith (Orthodox Christian) and my family. Those two things have been a rock for me in my life. I’ve never had stars in my eyes. I’ve only wanted to tell good stories with talented people, but If i never have any more successes I know I have been successful in life because of my family.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The pandemic and lock downs were difficult for us all. I was fortunate to have a freelance job acting and working as a foley artist through it, although it wasn’t enough to survive. Work in the mainstream was scarce. And to make matters even more difficult, for medical and religious reasons I was unable to be vaccinated, which put me in a position that had me thinking that I was facing the end of my career. With my opportunities and professional support suddenly disappearing how could I ever think I could help support my family?

I worked hard on my own to find work, and make connections with artists, casting directors, and people who would understand my position. A number of places I had performed closed their doors to me, but there were a few that stayed loyal.

The Chosen was one of those series that didn’t turn me away and gave me a great opportunity to perform in a show that has touched millions and opened some doors for me. I had brought this show to my then agency, as well as other opportunities, but they had decided after nine years of representation that my career had “no traction” and dropped me. I didn’t believe that reasoning. I was fighting to gain momentum, had it, and then was plunged back under water.

I could have easily fallen into despair, and I was definitely tempted, but instead the obstacles fueled the fire in me. I reached out to many of my contacts, and a few reached back to aid me with recommendations and support.

Through prayer, determination, the support of my family and loved ones I fought and continue to fight.

Now, I have a wonderful agent in LA and also have just signed with a new Chicago agent. I have returned to the stage performing Shakespeare at Chicago Shakespeare and have a number of film projects in the works and on the horizon.

Don’t stop. Keep the faith, Fight and keep fighting.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many rewarding aspects to being in the arts. The collaboration, the amazing creatives you meet, and the exploration of stories about the human condition. The craft brings me great joy. But, something that has really touched me has been the reactions of our audiences. This has become even more apparent to me because I have been blessed to have a large fan base from my portrayal of Lazarus on The Chosen and I am reminded every day of how we as creatives can make a difference in the lives of other’s through our work. It doesn’t always happen, and it’s impossible to please everyone, which is something that shouldn’t be pursued. But, when it does happen it makes the work so much more fulfilling and it’s important that our audiences receive our attention and gratitude for their support.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetrios.troy/profilecard/?igsh=MWlsbHY2emFtZmM5ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12F9cgPzkj4/
• Other: IMBD: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6494657/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits

Liz Lauren
Jake Badovski