Meet Ash T | Actor, Comedian, Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ash T and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ash, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I never believed I was artistic or creative when I was younger. I knew that I loved acting at a very young age, but didn’t think it was realistic to make money from it. So I blindly followed in my father’s footsteps of becoming a doctor. I went through medical school, residency, fellowship, and finally became an Assistant Professor of Transfusion Medicine at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
And then I realized, wow, I’m really unhappy. I had great academic and financial successes, but my soul was dead.
So I started taking acting classes at night. And voila…the unbridled thrill I felt in acting out a scene returned to me. I made a plan to quit medicine altogether and pursue my true passion as an actor.
Here I am in L.A., 5 years later. I’m not making as much money as a doctor, but I’m surely much happier in this new creative career as an actor/comedian/filmmaker.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’ve always underestimated my abilities. It’s why I chose a profession as a physician at first–because it was easier to follow and learn from being in a family of doctors than try a completely different career track. I never believed I could actually become an actor and make money from it. But what I’m proud of is finally breaking free of society’s shackles to serve my higher purpose–to make others laugh and inspire them to believe in themselves.

It’s been a long road. Transitioning from doctor to actor, I had to start over again and downgrade my lifestyle. I had to work 100-hour weeks again. But it feels right. I won’t die with any regrets. I’m really going after the artistic career that I always dreamed of as a kid. Five-year old me would be proud just as much as 100-year old me.

As cheesy as it sounds, I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I can achieve anything I want to. I’m actively living my dream life as an actor in TV (Better Call Saul, Euphoria) and on film (Slayers). I never thought it would be possible for me to act opposite Thomas Jane, Malin Akerman, Abigail Breslin, Christina Applegate, and many others…but I’ve made it happen. I never believed I could perform standup comedy, but I’ve done so at the Hollywood Improv, Flappers and many others. I’m continually impressed by being courageous and taking risks to achieve something that I thought was impossible for me. As a result, I always tell people they should believe in themselves and never underestimate what they’re capable of.

I’ve got a lot of big wins coming up this year. Just started a podcast called ‘The Dropouts’ on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts that describes the journey of other corporate 9-5 people who left their jobs to pursue a creative career. A movie that I starred in called ‘Slayers’ will be out in theaters 10.21.22. I’ve executive produced a documentary, ‘Living with Chucky’ (directed by Kyra Gardner), that is currently at several big film festivals and close to getting distribution. And finally, Hitbaby, a TV episodic I co-created with Mike, produced by Christian Rose, and directed by Abigail Breslin will be out within the next month. I’m very excited about sharing these great pieces of art with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wisdom Tree–A steep hike to the top but totally worth it because you can see stunning panoramic views of LA. And from there it’s another 20-minute hike to the Hollywood sign.

I’m a huge vegan foodie so I would recommend a trip to Nic’s at Beverly, CREAMO by donut friend, and Just What I Kneaded.

Rooftop bars like EP/LP and Mama Shelter are always fun.

Of course, a trip to Universal Hollywood and Disney is a must.

And finally, how about some live comedy at the Laugh Factory or the Comedy Store?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Really grateful to have found Brian Thornton in my acting journey early on. He was one of my first acting coaches in Texas and gave me a solid base to build upon. I really respect his dedication to craft and what I would call truthful acting.

And also John Dapolito–his deep insights into helping me my find my inner greatness and always pushing me to be supernatural. Because of his inspiring words and questioning, I took a leap into trying out standup comedy.

Kacey Roye at Bankston Talent–getting me into some really big rooms that allowed me to book my first movie (Slayers) across some of my acting idols.

Andrea Courtney at Established Artists–never have I worked with a manager as capable, intelligent and hard-working as her. She is my rock and most trusted advisor.

Christian Rose–This guy is a powerhouse filmmaker. He can do everything and knows everything about film. The work he’s helped me with on my projects is immense.

To the amazing casting offices that keep bringing me back to audition: Betty Mae, Feldstein/Paris, Bialy Thomas, Marie McMaster, Vicky Boone, and MidThunder Casting.

My friends Johnny Rey Diaz, Christian Rose, Matthew Peschio, Aaron and Austin Arnold who always have my back.

My new amazing LA agent (Rebecca Ek, Eris Talent) and Atlanta agent (Linda Ryan, Crossbeam Talent) who get me tons of work.

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/big_ash_t

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/asht

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEShk8D7ECUIF-yRnw3-BvA

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dropouts/id1647713763

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60PFo8BUsCGbYZJBusaCAF

Other: http://www.imdb.me/asht