Meet AJ Troup | Actor & Writer

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

Hi AJ, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
To be realistic. If I did that I’d be working in a cubicle in a 9-5 job where I wasn’t happy. Iv always had big dreams and admirations. So my thoughts have never been quote on quote realistic.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Growing up in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, I grew up playing football. Ended up walking on at Michigan State University to later earning a scholarship. It was there where I feel in love with acting. I had always admired entertainment and the arts, but at Michigan state is where I took my first acting class, and I knew that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Being an athlete I knew what hard work looked like. And I use my same mindset and apply it to the craft of acting. Athletics taught me adversity, patience, and hard work. Iv been in LA now for six and a half years and apply those values I leaned in football still daily. Whether it’s challenges in football where it’s injury’s or playing time to the business of acting in constantly fighting for something you desire and being told no. These are challenges and Iv learned that’s what life is all about. Overcoming these challenges equals growth. Everyone overcomes in a different manner. You have to experience the three ACL injury’s before you ever touch the field to catch a touchdown to understand that growth. You have to be told no for four years without ever booking a tv job before you are on a Emmy award winning show. If I had to offer anyone advice seeking to be an actor in this business I’d say your journey is yours and no one else’s. Can’t compare yourself or place your value on a yes or a no. You want it bad enough and you stick around long enough and work your ass off. Anything… and I mean anything is possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week in LA. We are eating a lot! The griddle for breakfast on sunset, then lunch at howling rays in china town, then a nice trending dinner spot in catch steak. In between the food comas we of course would have to drive up the PCH and have a beach day in Malibu. Drinks on a rooftop in West Hollywood are also a must. A hike at Runyon canyon is also a must to get the beautiful scenic views of all LA.

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?
My family. Without them believing in me it would have been hard to form the dreams and love for what I do. Through their support and encouragement Iv always felt as if I could succeed in this tough business. Specifically my wife and mother. My two biggest cheerleaders.

Website: https://www.ajtroup.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajtroup19?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==