Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ken Hodges. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ken, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I always enjoyed acting and performance. My family and friends can attest to how much of a ham I was when I was a kid. When it comes to really learning the craft, I can say honestly that it never stops. The biggest mistake I made was thinking I had already learned what I needed when I made the move up to Los Angeles. I had taken some acting classes in college, and I really enjoyed being involved in my high school theatre program. I thought this was enough, but I was wrong. The real learning didn’t begin until I realized how much more I needed in my toolbox. It was a true example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. When I came to terms with that, the true learning began. I studied. I signed up for classes. I read and re-read. I now go into every class, audition, job, and situation with an open heart and mind, and with that perspective the lessons are so much more meaningful. As an actor, every scene needs to be approached with honesty. Even if the character you’re portraying is being dishonest in the moment, that dishonesty must serve a very real purpose for them and, by extension, you.

If I had this mindset at the start of this journey, I believe my focus would’ve been stronger. If I could go back in time I would hit the ground running. I would pillar my dreams with that focus. But hey, you live and you learn. I ultimately had to learn those lessons, and maybe that course was how.

When we talk about skills as an actor, there are the obvious ones that are taught in class. A lot of those skills can be learned. The truly essential ones, the ones that make you sit up in your seat when you’re watching a good piece of theatre or a television show that you are binging; those ones are harder to teach. Vulnerability. You have to be vulnerable in an uncomfortable way. You have to come to terms with that. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you can disarm yourself while learning about a character you are playing, the bits that make you interesting, the reason why you got the job, that will shine through. That is the true and necessary skill that has to be sharpened and refined.

You are always your own worst enemy. People don’t lie about that. Oftentimes, I’m my greatest obstacle. Artists know this feeling. You go from booking a job and feeling amazing to months and, on occasion, years before you book your next one. That can leave you in a state of limbo where you question your decisions about the path you chose. That anxiety can make the process of learning and studying so much more difficult, especially when you can’t be certain the work will bear fruit. But you have to keep it up because you never know when that call or opportunity will come in again.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ken! I’m a San Diego native. I was a political science major at SDSU but after graduating I came to LA when the acting bug hit me hard.

I’m a SAG actor whose been grinding it out as a day-player for over a decade in the city. I have great comedic timing and bring honesty to every character I play. Most of my credits are in television, but I absolutely love the theatre and hope that one day soon I can get back on stage.

I love the craft of acting deeply and approach every job with a stalwart work ethic. My passion is performance, and I strive to deliver with every opportunity that comes my way.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

All of us in every industry were hit hard by the Covid epidemic, and those in the film industry were no exception. I was fortunate enough to keep my day job during the pandemic and book a few television roles once the industry began easing into opening up.

But after the pandemic, we were met with the guild strikes. I’m an actor! It’s my dream. I’m passionate about it. Every creative aspect of it brings me joy. So many of my friends are artists in some way. For us, we know what that means. Work weeks at my day job range from 40-60 hours. To me, that’s fine. I like my day job, and I work with some really good people. Many artists can’t subsist on their art alone. My story is not unique.

I felt the solidarity that many of my co-workers would’ve felt toward any other union didn’t exist when it came to writers or actors of Hollywood. There was a sense that these were a bunch of rich people demanding more money. It was like there was almost a belief that anyone touched by the industry was doing well when that simply isn’t true. These people are working in a profession whose end product we all benefit from. The stories told are often written by people whose circumstances aren’t so different from your own. Most actors and writers aren’t rich. We are working toward excellence in an art form. An art form whose product is consumed by most people in this country.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A.I. is making huge strides. It put my partner out of work *sigh*. As is life and we must adapt. I took a promotion at work and pick up the overtime when it comes. Couple that with some belt tightening and we’re making it through! I’m an artist but I still have to eat, my friend. As I get older, I’m able to understand better the important things in my life that keep me going. My wife is my rock and with her by my side, we can weather any storm.

However, when storm winds get particularly rough, you need to find yourself a stronger ship. I’m in the process of looking for a job that will serve as that ship for my wife and me. I have some good opportunities coming up in that area. I just have to nail the next few steps to make it happen.

I’m wiser now and understand that when a change needs to be made, it doesn’t mean you need to abandon the things that make you, you! I will always be an artist and actor. At my core, it’s part of my definition of self. No matter what job I do, I will always find the time to be on-screen and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/kenhodges
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_devils_donut/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6477674/

Image Credits

Deidhra Fahey

Adam Della

Rebecca Hodges