Meet Carl-philipp Wengler | Actor/Action-Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carl-philipp Wengler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carl-Philipp, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think it plays a crucial part in anyone’s career, life, success, etc. You have to take risks. There’s also a time to play it safe and not take risks, for sure, but if you never take any risks, I think you’ll miss out on plenty of opportunities.

For me, the best example was in September 2022. I had just started a film/acting class in Paris (at Cinestudio Paris. Thanks for everything, Cinestudio!) and one morning, I came into the lobby of the studio and on one of the doors, there’s a flyer that said ‘Disneyland Paris Audition’. I had worked there before and I knew I loved it there, but I hadn’t scheduled an audition. So, when the casting directors came out for a break – we recognized each other, as we’d previously been in touch – I walked up to them and asked whether I could audition. I promised it’d take no more than 5 minutes of their time and that even though I wasn’t on the list for the day, I would make an impression on them. They admired my courage and said I should come by in 10 minutes. From thereon, so many doors and opportunities opened up for me, but THAT risk, that’s what made the difference. If I hadn’t taken that risk in that situation and just gone about my day, I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am today without that moment.

So yeah, take risks. And be courageous. Together, that’s a powerful thing to have in your life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets me apart from others – in general, but especially in the field of acting – is my linguistic skillset. I speak four languages fluently, and I say this not to brag, it’s just the luck of the draw! My father is German, my mother is Spanish, but grew up (and then spent another good chunk of her life) in Mexico and the US, and I was raised in Brussels, Belgium. So from the get-go, I was raised bilingual – perhaps even trilingual -, and shortly after, another language was added to the mix. This has also helped me learn other languages and pick up accents quite easily, which is also helpful and will surely help me further down the road. Especially as an actor, I think this will be very valuable.

Other than that, I think I have optimism, belief, consistency, a growth mindset, and resilience that make me stand out. Brought together, these attributes will make me succeed in whatever I choose to focus my mind on, I’m sure of that. I pride myself in having those qualities because some – like optimism – can be innate, whilst others, like resilience or a growth mindset, have to be developed. And I’ve learned that you have to be resilient and consistent in life, as well as believing in yourself. It starts with you! If you don’t believe in yourself, who else will (except for your mom and dogs)? So that’s what I’d like the world to know. I’m coming and even if you don’t believe in me, I’ll be there and I’ll keep going and learning, no matter what.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’d have to take them to a cinema here. The cinemas here are just so different and I love it! The AMC signature seats… I don’t think I can go back to “normal” seats after that!
I’d also take them to Universal and the Universal Citywalk. I just love the place, how alive it feels, how exciting it is and how I just become a kid again when I’m there. Love that.
Then I’d take them on a trip along the beaches. Start by showing them Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu, and then ride all the way to Santa Barbara, taking little stops here and there. And I’d also love to go on a hike up Runyon canyon with them! I love exercising and what better way than going up and enjoying the morning or afternoon view from that hilltop?
For food, I’d have to take them a Coldstone Creamery. I know, it’s not exceptional, but god, that ice cream is good and when you see them making those delicious Sundays or ice cream creations in front of you… Mouthwatering. And I’d also want to take a walk along Sunset Blvd, show the bits and pieces of Beverly Hills, walk along Hollywood Blvd, till the very end, visit the Funko Pop store, and then go to the Scum and Villainy Cantina to just grab a bite, hang out and talk for hours on end.

So yeah, lots to do! And that’s just staying in L.A. (and going up the coast an hour and a half).

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?
Love this. And there are so many people who deserve a shoutout and recognition for helping me along my way! I have to start with my parents, my stepmother and father, my brother and stepbrothers (and one and only stepsister), great friends such as Kalojan Hoffmeister, Yann Schröder, Omar Afifi, Max Duerkop, Matteo Reiss, Luc Kaspereit, John Longhurst, Maxence Lefevre, Augustin Lacroix, Fanny Martinot Lagarde, Antoine Labeyrie, Alessia Russo, Quentin Goumy… And that’s just a few. Some other special people who have helped me massively along my way are Yash Raaj Singh, Renaud Favero, Jessica Flory, MJ Karmi, David Owen… Similarly to my friends, these are just a few; the list could go on for much longer. And an honorable mention goes out to my dogs, (some passed away, some still alive and kicking) Oskar, Maddy, Bobo, Leo, and Charley. They made/make life so much better and I wouldn’t want to go down this path without them. And lastly, for people, I want to give credit to a little someone by the name of Éline. She puts up with me a lot but is always there for me, so I appreciate that and know I wouldn’t be here without her.
All of the above provided me with mentorship, love, encouragement, constructive criticism, and support and I wouldn’t be here without them (and I’m sure there are many more that helped me that I haven’t listed).

When it comes to books, I like to tell people that the books I would recommend to any – and everyone are: ‘Think Like a Monk’ by Jay Shetty, ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear, and ‘Factfulness’ by Hans and Anna Rosling. These books changed my perspective, worldview, and approach to life and help me keep a open mindest and growth mindset, so they’ve been (and still are) essential to my evolution as a person. I’d even go as far as suggesting these books be added to school curricula – that’s how good I think they are.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cap291099/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-philipp-wengler-46636421a/

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16085518/?ref_=tt_cl_t_15

Image Credits
Maurice Jaccard
Wolf Marloh
Drew Bly
Karim Meg
David Owen