Meet Canaan Dewey | Actor & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Canaan, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because, as a 20-something, I never felt at home in more corporate fields, despite having held many jobs. In my community, many opt for government positions, delivery services, or jobs that demand conformity. However, I’ve always felt out of place with such expectations. My inclination to stand out, rather than blend in, naturally steered me toward the arts. I revel in expressing myself through my clothing, hairstyles, lifestyle, self-care routines, and personal content creation. This joy underpins my desire for a career that allows for artistic or creative expression.

I see acting as a creative avenue. It wasn’t until college, when I enrolled in an Acting 101 elective, that I realized it was a viable path for me. That course set me on a journey to pursue what brings me the greatest joy. I’ve found that jobs and hobbies allowing for creativity offer the most satisfaction. Routine and repetition quickly bore me, especially in professional settings. Thus, following my intuition and striving for a life and career that reflect my true self, despite the challenges, is paramount to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to this point has been a blend of high points and challenges, shaped significantly by the fact that I’ve often strayed from the conventional path. In a world that seems to prefer categorizing people quickly, those of us who don’t fit neatly into predefined boxes can find it harder to navigate certain spaces, especially professionally. This difficulty stems partly from others’ tendencies to make snap judgments or misunderstand the unique contributions we can offer. Despite these obstacles, I don’t aim to completely reinvent the wheel. While respecting the legacy and groundwork laid by those before me, I believe there’s ample room for individual interpretation and the unique perspectives brought about by one’s personal experiences. Success, to me, means achieving your goals without compromising your identity.

My journey is far from over. There are still many paths and opportunities to explore. While I have a sense of where I’d like my professional life to lead, I remain open to the unfolding of future events. Embracing life’s journey, I am committed to discovering what I can contribute professionally, with a keen understanding that perseverance is key. Although it’s often easier said than done, sticking with something through its initial challenges can lead to unexpected and fulfilling results. This persistence is a lesson I’ve come to value deeply.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I identify as an actor and creative entrepreneur. My creative pursuits have seen me start several businesses, engage in clothing and stationery design, act, write books, and immerse myself in random hobbies like ice skating, archery and pole dancing. These activities, along with my studies at the Upright Citizens Brigade, have bolstered my confidence and helped shape my identity. I’ve come to realize that engaging in interests not only brings us closer to the person we aspire to be but also plays a crucial role in crafting the world we wish to live in. Contrary to the notion of a predetermined destiny, I believe we are the architects of our futures, shaping our worlds through our actions, interests, and the choices we make. This perspective encourages me to embrace new opportunities, fostering growth towards the ideal version of myself.

In essence, life is about enjoying the journey—embracing experiences, opportunities, and the continuous exploration of our passions. This approach leads to a fulfilling existence, surrounded by enjoyable activities, people, and work. Ultimately, the goal is to pursue what brings joy, transitioning away from what doesn’t, in a continuous quest for personal fulfillment and happiness.

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?
One common misconception about Los Angeles is the ease with which one can explore its vastness over a short weekend. LA’s expansive layout means that trying to visit every notable tourist destination in just two or three days can be overly ambitious. A more practical approach, as I’ve learned from hosting family and friends, is to concentrate activities within a specific neighborhood.

Living near UCLA on the Westside, I’ve curated a local experience that captures the essence of the area. A day might start with breakfast at Good People, a cozy coffee shop near my home, followed by lunch at Citizen Public Market in Culver City. For dinner, options could include sushi from the California Roll Factory or Kura, or authentic Mexican cuisine at The Talpa on Pico Blvd. Focusing on Westside dining ensures a taste of our regular haunts without the rush.

Adding to the unique LA experience, I also make it a point to check out one of the limited-time pop-up experiences that frequently occur in and around Los Angeles. Favorites from the past include Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy (2023/24), the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum (2024), and Immersed in Wonderland (2018). These temporary attractions offer a fresh and often immersive glimpse into the creative pulse of the city.

When it comes to exploring, Venice Beach offers a unique slice of Californian culture, from its vibrant boardwalk to the picturesque Venice Canals. For those inclined to more active pursuits, a hike in Los Leones Trail in Pacific Palisades provides breathtaking views. Alternatively, the Getty Museum offers a free art-viewing experience. For a touch of high-brow culture, a half-day trip to the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino or the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures are excellent choices.

The day could conclude with an improv show at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Hollywood, showcasing LA’s brightest comedic talents, or with live music and cocktails at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. This approach not only eases the pressure of trying to see everything but also allows for a deeper appreciation of LA’s diverse offerings within a specific area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my life, I’ve been significantly shaped by male influences. My father, a dedicated police officer in our town, set a strong example for me. When he was unavailable, my uncle Guy stepped in, introducing me to hobbies like playing with remote control cars and fishing, enriching my childhood beyond my immediate family circle. Another pivotal figure was Joe Pepe, a mentor who imparted crucial life lessons and insights into adulthood.

In more recent years, my husband has been my greatest source of support. His encouragement empowers me to tackle challenges that would otherwise intimidate me. The fear of failure is a common obstacle, but it’s the support from those closest to us that often propels us forward. My husband plays this crucial role for me, especially when doubts and imposter syndrome creep in. His perspective—asking “what’s the worst that can happen?”—motivates me to pursue my creative ambitions, even when the path is uncertain.

His unwavering belief in my potential not only boosts my confidence but also emboldens me to persevere in my endeavors. For his indispensable support and faith in me, he deserves immense gratitude.

Website: www.canaandewey.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/canaandewey

Other: imdb.me/canaandewey