We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Kellogg-Darrin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?

The best indicator for me to keep going – or to give up – is whether I love who I am in the doing of it. There has to be passion! I can be as dogged and determined as the next person, often to a fault. But love generates its own excitement + curiosity + courage — and those are the things that make the going worthwhile.

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.
I tell stories that reveal the rich narratives of women of all ages. They’re stories of hard-earned wisdom and profound purpose. We’ve heard plenty of men-as-the-driving-force themes. It’s long past the time to diversify — in ALL ways.

I came to acting in my 40’s – a second career – so I’ve never been the ingenue. I’ve been free to be more complex. What interests me is when men and women live with their desires in a constant state of bubbling over — and what they’ll do to protect that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m old school here: the best way to introduce a city is to join friends around the table with a home cooked meal. But first, you start early with a trip to one of our neighborhood farmers’ markets in ANY corner of town. Let the local flavors and scents do the seducing.

The next morning I’d go for a late breakfast at Sycamore Kitchen followed by hours exploring LACMA — indoors and out. During summer the museum’s outdoor concerts are sublime. After that art inspiration, Yuko Kitchen near the museum is great for Japanese-fusion scrumptiousness.

Grand Central Market downtown is another must, any time of day. For nighttime downtown bustle I love seeing theatre — a play at the Taper is a great jumpstart to all sorts of intriguing existential discussions. Ditto for the Hollywood Bowl (bring a Mozza2Go pizza picnic!)

I also like walking the Palisades Park bluffs in Santa Monica. At the northern end on Wilshire & 3rd is a hidden little coffee spot called Demitasse where you can sit outside, undisturbed, and share their freshly baked yummies.
Slightly further north, Santa Monica Canyon has a cluster of wonderful restaurant/cafes, including the Golden Bull with its hanging lights and potted palm outdoor patio. The best part: strolling that endless stretch of beach nearby. Go ahead and jump in. I do.

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?
When I act I become intimate with strangers in order for us to tell a story together. It’s profound how quickly a stranger becomes a partner. My favorite directors have drawn out parts of me I might not see otherwise — which is both scary and exhilarating. Nicholas Bateman, Lynn Shelton, Ariel Heller, Maria Alice Arida …. I’m indebted to you.

I’m also continually inspired by my brilliant teachers: Diana Castle at The Imagined Life; and Tony Greco. And by the rigorous actors within those rooms.
My final shoutout is to my fellow actor and classmate Jordan Monaghan who championed me for the sent-from-heaven role of Moira in “The Wanting Mare” a labor of love which has become so much more …. and has earned me my strongest reviews yet.

Website: www.christinekelloggdarrin.com

Instagram: @insta_xtine

Image Credits
Chad Kotz, Rosita Lama Muvdi

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