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

Hi Che, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I think a lot about my upbringing. Especially having grown up in the eastern suburbs of Sydney which is an extremely finacialy wealthy part of the world.

My parents would often take us traveling to less Economically thriving areas growing up like Lao and Myanmar. It was hard as a kid being taken out of school for long periods of time, the longest being 4 months. And being put in places that felt like a different planet.

Places where your in a backpackers hostel with your parents and sisters and there’s lizards and spiders crawling on the walls and scorpions roaming around outside. As a 10 year old I was freaking out.

But I look back on those experience and just remember how much of an adventure it was. And how it developed my craving for adventure. How it made me realise adventure is what I live for, in all its forms.

Upon reflection traveling to those less finically rich countries made me realise that while money is important and to have lots of money is power and freedom. Some of the people I met on my travels didn’t have a lot of money yet they were so happy. There appreciation for life and their kindness and generosity towards me a stranger. It taught me to always be nice to people. Not because I completely believe in the idea of Karma or because I want something from someone but because it’s the right thing to do.

People may or may not remember you. But they will always remember the way you made them feel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been in the acting game for 7+ years now. And I’m just getting started.

I believe that one of the most important things in this world is freedom of self expression. Freedom to make the art you want to make and freedom to speak your opinion even if others don’t agree with it and even if others voice things and make art that you don’t agree with. Everyone has the right to a voice and to speak their mind.

I will and have made art that I’m proud of and art that not everyone will like. But I believe it’s important to make art and things that make you happy and if others enjoy it too, then that’s the goal. “Make them laugh, make them cry”.

I’m proud of my work ethic and my guts. I’ve moved city’s and countries multiple times chasing my acting dreams and have loved the journey and the learning lessons so far.

I’m excited for the future, I have belief in it. I know if I work hard and continue to create opportunities for myself, and continue to be gutsy the only direction is forwards.

I want the world to look at the art I make and the characters I take on and go WOW, if that guy can make something that wild, honest and unique and sometimes a little bit weird. Maybe I can too. I want the people watching my work to feel inspired and gutsy and Go chase after their dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recently moved to Vancouver and if my best friend came to visit, whilst I have only been here a month. I would take them to the mountains. We would go snowboarding or mountain biking depending on the season. We would drink beers and look at the incredible mountain view. We would hot tub like the movie Hot Tub Time Machine on a snowy mountain and hopefully spot a bear or two.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have many people who I’ve come across on my journey who I owe a big thank you too. But I’d like to thank one of my best friends Max Herscovics from Bondi Beach, Australia who I’ve know since I was six. His picked me up when I’m down multiple times. Even times when I’ve been in tears and didn’t think I could get back up. His always been there to pick me up and tell me to keep going on the adventure of life. I am immensely grateful for him in my life and with him by my side, I can accomplish anything.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11234328/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chejohnson002/

Other: Vimeo:

https://vimeo.com/chejohnson

Image Credits
Alex Vaughan for my Headshot.

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