Meet Christopher Prinsloo | British/Kenyan Actor & Aspiring Director

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

Hi Christopher, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
That’s a tough question to answer. I was pushed to succeed in whatever I did growing up and for one reason or another, I developed a deep drive and need for success. However, not knowing what success meant to me, I chased a life that would make me the most money. I went to University in the UK, changing majors from Chemistry to Neuropsychology and searching for direction. During my time at University, my drinking and drug use got to a point where it was no longer controllable and I landed myself in rehab. A couple of failed attempts at sobriety and a couple more trips to rehab later and I got sober in my final year of University. This was the best thing that could have happened to me as it gave me a new perspective on life. I realised that for me to live a fulfilling life, I had to do what I loved, as for me, success is defined by an internal state of being, such as purpose and happiness, instead of external factors such as what car I drive or how big my house is. I’ve always loved acting and acted throughout my upbringing however, this change of perspective showed me that life is way too short to waste time chasing a paycheck in the hope of finding happiness, I needed to do what I love, so I stopped compulsively applying to investment banking jobs and moved to LA and can honestly say, have no regrets. I truly hope to be the best actor I can be and to be able to one day have those external things as a result of this career, but, whether that happens or not, simply being able to do the thing I love and get paid for it is incredible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Whatever your passion is, I don’t think it is ever an easy walk in the park to pursue it and make it a career. Mine took me halfway across the world alone to chase it. It’s been far from easy but, how I handle it is quite simple. When I have tough days where I question my abilities to succeed, I remember why I started. I love acting, that will never change. What is tough is the other stuff that comes with it to do with the business and the industry. If navigating the industry and having stress-filled days is what it takes to continue to do what I love, then I’m okay with that.

As for what sets me apart from others, I don’t know if there’s a direct answer to that. I think the combination of growing up in Tanzania and Uganda, as well as my journey with addiction and recovery, gives me a unique perspective on life. One that grants me a different way of viewing and connecting to the characters I play. I think it’s hard to compare yourself to others in this industry as that can be a slippery slope however, I will always work to outwork anyone I’m around as I’ll be damned if I’m not the most prepared!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much in LA so just picking a few things is tricky. We’d have to do a full day at Universal, head to Griffiths Observatory in the late afternoon one day, hike up the trail and watch the sunset from the top. To scratch that consumerism itch I’d take them to the Grove and maybe hit up Rodeo Drive because, why not. Then a day trip to Malibu, hit up Santa Monica and go out there one night. In terms of food, I don’t actually have a tonne of suggestions but a must is L’Antica Pizzeria on N McCadden Pl. Another go to which is great for my version of comfort food is Egg Tuck.

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?
For starters, I’d like to thank everyone who has been in my life, the good, the bad and the in-between, as everyone has played a role in making me the person I am today which is, I’m glad to say, someone I quite like. I want to thank my family for all their support, even when my life decisions haven’t seemed like the wisest to them. I also want to take a moment to thank the acting school I was fortunate enough to attend in LA: The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Without the guidance of the incredible teachers at that place, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to the actor I am today. Recently, we were made aware that the LA campus of the school is set to be shut down. I can’t stress how big of a mistake this would be so, if you would like to support the fight to keep the school open, please follow @fightforaadala on Instagram to find out how you can help.

Website: https://imdb.me/Christopher.I.Prinsloo

Instagram: prinsloo22

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/chris-prinsloo-112b84200

Image Credits
Tina Vonn
Jeremy David
Justin Wilson