We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiera O’connor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kiera, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I love my parents to death. I absolutely would not be where I am physically or emotionally without their support. They raised me to believe in my dreams and for that I am eternally grateful. I remember growing up in Hawaii, in elementary school, asking to take ice skating lessons just because. My Dad said yes immediately, I didn’t have to break out a powerpoint presentation why, because it would make me happy, was enough. Every week he drove me and my sister and read his book in the bleachers, supporting our new interest. I am grateful my parents validate my passions when they shifted as I grew, from skating, to skiing, to dance, to gymnastics, to martial arts ect. Mom and Dad are retired doctors now, and despite the stigma, the stories I’ve heard from movies and my peers, of how we as the kids are expected to follow in their foot steps, I was intimidated, because I loved the arts more than the schooly part of school. One day, I think I was in middle or high school, sitting in the backseat with mom driving us home. I point blank asked her, “Do you want me to go to college and become a doctor like you and dad?” I will never forget the relief and laughter and the speed she said “OH GOD no honey.” She explained she did that for herself, and I will find my own way in life career wise. I’m grateful she celebrates and supports this non-traditional path I ended up falling down, literally.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
This about me section feels a little intimidating to be honest. Hello to all you folks reading, I guess I’ll start with the easy part, my name’s Kiera O’Connor, I am and Actor and Stunt Performer, but most importantly just a person. I grew up in Hawaii on the island of Oahu and my first proudest accomplishment was performing in our high school dance concert. Being on stage was both terrifying and yet wonderful. To being surround by beautiful artists working to share the same story was life changing. Through a series of events I’ll sum up as “ADHD Takes The Wheel” I followed my gut and started taking classes to learn movement I was curious about. Eventually I acting and stunt performing found me and I fell in love with the craft of it all. Being emotional and physical magicians, messengers to connect with humanity and work together to accomplish what we can’t alone. I am most proud of the work I did on the CW show Stargirl. I grew up watching the CW and I love the DC universe. I loved their superhero shows, and I’m stoked to have gotten a chance to be part of a DC show on their network. I sleep better knowing some teenage out there with insomnia, like I was, is watching and finding comfort in the same TV show with lovable characters, and freaking cool fights.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal as a creative is to recognize and love who I see in the mirror, and hold space for others to do the same. I admire people who lead simply by example, staying honest to their voice. I know I’m not alone when I say I struggle with the inner critic, depression, and anxiety. I am grateful to all others who come before, who are teaching me how to overcome, to find comfort with who I am, and figuring out what I am here for. I like to remind myself, especially when anxious, we are all 60% water at then end of the day, to be open to the shifts and changes. Change is part of our human experience and can feel like loss, but the more I learn about how different we all can be the more I see we are two arms and two legs trying our best to leave this world a little merrier than we found it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is the memories I get to share with other like minded souls. The shared collective “you did it! I did it! We did it!” when a project is done is one of a kind joy. Essentially when we all do something otherwise impossible without each other. If you told childhood me I’d be doing any of this I would not believe you. And to be honest I’d be right. I did none of what I did alone, I had mentors, friends, life experience, that all, like water carving through the rock walls I put up of “Can’t, Shouldn’t” to find who I am as an artist, as a person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.forwardtheagency.com/women/2199153/kiera-oconnor
- Instagram: kieraoc
- Youtube: https://www.google.com/search?q=kiera+oconnor+stunt+reel&sca_esv=8f5d8c7e0081b1d2&ei=Th1GZ_nCA7r_p84P1PGmgAE&ved=0ahUKEwj5oaHl2fqJAxW6_8kDHdS4CRAQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=kiera+oconnor+stunt+reel&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGGtpZXJhIG9jb25ub3Igc3R1bnQgcmVlbDIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCjIHECEYoAEYCkjuI1D7AVibInAEeACQAQCYAYkBoAGzDKoBAzcuOLgBA8gBAPgBAZgCEqACkgzCAgoQLhiABBiwAxgKwgIOEAAYgAQYsAMYhgMYigXCAgsQABiABBiwAxiiBMICBhAAGA0YHsICCBAuGBYYChgewgILEAAYgAQYhgMYigXCAggQABiABBiiBMICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGBYYChgewgIEECEYCsICBRAhGKsCmAMAiAYBkAYFkgcDOS45oAeKVA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e4758e4a,vid:quwneD7HMZ4,st:0
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9361270/
Image Credits
Denim & Black Long Sleeve: Katie Parker – https://www.katieparkerphotography.com/
Stripe Shirt: Chase Anderson – https://www.chaseandersonphoto.com/
Everything Everywhere All At Once (three people in photo): Michelle Yeoh, Michiko Nishiwaki, Myself
Wildcat kneeling set photo: Stunt teammate photograph
Jackpot Wire photo: Spencer Thomas: John Cena Stunt double