Meet Mark Haptonstall | Actor, Writer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Haptonstall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Colorado Springs Colorado and I lived there until I was 18 years old. My upbringing had a lot to do with who I am as an actor and a person today. I was fortunate enough to grow up at our small family business, Quality rubber stamps. My dad still runs it in Oklahoma. My grandpa started the business in the 60’s and my parents both worked there when I was a kid. Growing up at “the shop” taught me how to work hard, even when it’s not easy; and watching my grandpa live his dream as the business did well still inspires me today.

My grandparents are all deaf, so I grew up with sign language as a big part of my everyday life and culture. I believe that it even influenced me to be an actor and storyteller in a big way. I remember watching my mom, my aunt and my grandparents all signing at the end of each day or at family gatherings. The storytelling, the passion and of course the acting that comes with signing defines our behavior in a powerful way. I love that. I still remember the moments my grandpa taught me specific signs because of how much he could express with such a small gesture.

All of that coupled with my obsession for my imagination and a small yard behind the business made it a very lucky place for an actor like me to grow up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the most proud of what’s to come for me as an artist. I have a lot of exciting stuff in the works in several disciplines of art and can’t wait to present a new level of depth and range in my acting work soon. Recently I signed on to play Craig MacLachlan in the independent film, Sunshine Girl; being directed by the outstanding Olivia Maiden. It’s a wonderful project that is so important and very much in line with the work that I became an actor to be a part of. I’m honored to be involved and can’t wait to begin shooting.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy at all. There are so many actors in LA that it’s easy to start to feel like you don’t bring anything unique to the table. For me, the difference came when I stopped being “just an actor”. I had to acknowledge the rest of my artistry and passions in life to gain the balance that I feel is making me whole as an actor. I’ve started to succeed after realizing that I needed to stop trying to be that undefinable “actor they are going to pick” and instead focus on who I am and what I have to express as a person and artist.

This revelation led me to create my short film, Makeshift Memories and changed my approach to making and being in movies. The film is a whimsical short story about two young men who sneak their aunt out of her nursing home to help her remember her love of sailing and was released in 2018. Further, the realization about myself also led me to my wonderful agents at Engage Artists Agency (EAA) and into my first guest starring roles on television, as well as my first starring role in a feature film.

Another lesson I’ve learned along the way is to not over-plan for the future. Put your best foot forward, but don’t play the game of making decisions off of assumptions and speculations of the future. Playing the future in the current moment doesn’t work in acting, and it doesn’t work in life either.

I have to say though, I have been extremely lucky. Through the ups and downs of my career, I have been mentored by my dear friend, the incredible film actress, Diane Baker. Diane was the director of the Acting department at the Academy of Art University during my time there (where I earned my BFA in Acting). She continues to teach me about life, the craft and above all else, integrity and compassion. If it weren’t for Diane, I wouldn’t be who I am today and I may not even be an actor anymore.

I like to say, “I’ve had dozens of acting teachers, but I will forever be Diane’s student.” It is very true. I hope to uphold and represent the honesty and integrity that she has carried throughout her life and career.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When people visit me in LA, I absolutely have to take them to Stout. If you don’t know, they pair their incredible burgers with different types of beer and it is amazing. Best burger I’ve ever had- try the Goombah, it’s unreal.

Naturally, at some point you will need to take your friends to the ocean. It’s a must. I personally love El Matador for a quieter beach day, but Santa Monica or Malibu are always packed and a lot of fun.

Depending on who is visiting, I would consider a trip to the Getty or to the Huntington Library. Both places offer a lot of history, art, culture and of course, gorgeous views.

If I personally had to choose only one place to take them though, it would have to be to the Staples Center to see the Clippers play. I have a lot of love for the Clippers because my high school buddy, Reggie Jackson is their starting point guard. Regardless of my personal connection, they are a great team and they’re going to be hard to beat next season. You have to see Reggie, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and the rest of these guys play in person if you get the chance. Plus, Staples Center is nothing short of legendary! It’s worth seeing regardless.

There is so much to do in LA that even without a plan or a destination in mind, you can find something world class and unforgettable with just a bit of searching.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and things I could give shoutouts to for my journey this far. My family, like I said, have inspired me greatly and made me who I am today.

However, I do want to specifically send a shoutout to my wife, Kacey Haptonstall. Now, this isn’t just because I love her to death. No. It’s because she is absolutely amazing.

Kacey was born amazing, but I remember telling her she was a “dime” in high school, long before we would ever have our first date. That’s because she is an amazing example of a smart, kind and powerful modern woman; and of course, she is absolutely gorgeous as well.

She double majored in undergrad at Colorado University (I should say “Go Buffs!” here to make so many people happy, so… “Go Buffs!”). After that, she earned her Masters in Evolutionary Medicine from UCLA. She has worked in wine in Napa, followed creative pursuits like running the art department on my first film, published her own studies and papers in Cardiology and Neurology and she now works at Cedars Sinai, coordinating research. She really is the definition of a role model.

Kacey has supported me so much in every way. She doesn’t just deserve recognition for my story, she is my story.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/markhaptonstall/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/ogcac89

Other: Check out Quality Rubber Stamps at www.qualityrubberstampsco.com/UI/en-US

Image Credits
Kacey Haptonstall & Melvin Haptonstall