We caught up with the brilliant and insightful John Eisen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
John, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
As a high school student, I really thought about going to drama school. I loved acting, and my high school had a great program. I was cast in the lead role of a play at my school during my freshman year—very rare. Over 400 lines, and it was a comedy I had a blast with. I don’t think I had the courage at that time to pursue an artistic career. My sister got into the Berklee College of Music, and all through my 20s I complimented her on her courage—pursuing something in the arts. So I decided I’d get a law degree and/or a business degree and work in something intellectual and prestigious. I had the opportunity to study for a summer at one of the best business schools in the US–Chicago Booth. I loved it…4o of us total, half of my peers were from all over the world. I loved it. So I began my business career and at 27 I had accomplished what I wanted when I graduated from university. When I did eventually tell my parents that I wanted to pursue acting, my father said, “Well, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone…you’ve already been a success in one area.” I really appreciate that they trusted my judgement. But once I reached that point of satisfaction in my business career, I started searching and thinking about what would really fulfill me. At that time, I would watch movies to de-stress. I particularly remember “The King’s Speech” and “The Theory of Everything” inspiring me so deeply. I was alone in the movie theater late at night watching “The Theory of Everything” and just broke down crying. I wanted to play parts like that, and I appreciated the detail and hard work and what Eddie Redmayne did in that role. But I still had trouble being honest with myself…so I thought, ‘Well, I could go back to Booth, get an MBA, and do film marketing!” But I had to be honest with myself—I find acting so fulfilling. I lose track of time, and I really enjoy the ride of it all.
John, 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?
I have been acting on stage since the age of 11, I’m originally from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Big theatre town, and everybody does something in the arts there. When I moved to LA in 2015, I began studying screen acting and I love it, too, for different reasons. For more information on my work, what I’ve done, and to see clips and stills of my work—people can go to my IMDB page. I’m so happy with the variety of things I’ve gotten to do…Covid was really hard, and it delayed the release of my first feature film. But it was worth the wait. And these strikes are hard right now, but we will get through it.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I find it so fulfilling. Particularly when I’m working, on set or in acting class, I love when I have well-written material and a scene partner who’s ready to go for it. It’s like a roller coaster—you don’t know what’s going to happen. And it’s fun to get notes from the Director because when you’ve spent hours preparing the material…and going over all the details…and for me being as meticulous as possible–it’s wonderful to have someone be there after all that and say, “Ok, let’s try this.” A fresh set of eyes. I like asking questions, too, beforehand if I can to make sure I understand exactly what they need. And it’s also very very rewarding to me if someone has no notes to give and/or they are speechless. A couple times I’ve done scenes where they needed a moment to collect themselves…that feels AMAZING! Oh my goodness, it makes my day! On my first film, a producer had to leave the room after one particular scene, because she broke down. She left the room sobbing. It was apparently very authentic. So I’m very proud when my work really moves people, whether it’s in comedy, drama, or music I’m performing.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One thing I’ve learned in LA is that I need to meet people for myself. In the past, in the business world, someone’s reputation would precede them. You knew going in what you could expect. And to be sure, there is some of that in LA, too…I knew to stay away from certain people, before the Me Too movement began. But the funny thing is that in entertainment, unfortunately, it appears people can get jealous or threatened of other people and then say things that aren’t true or accurate. And so in LA, and in entertainment circles, I’ve learned to keep an open mind, to meet someone for myself, and to form my own conclusions. Basically, to stay open. I am friends today with a few people I was told to stay away from, and I’m so glad I gave them a chance and got to know them for myself!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @john_eisen
- Other: imdb.me/john.eisen
Image Credits
Bella Seville, Steven Sabel, Eric Ganison