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

Hi Daniel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am by nature not really a risk taker, however being drawn to a life of creativity, and specifically acting and writing, I didn’t really have a choice to NOT become a risk taker. My career is a risk itself!
I just finished a film, Perfect Stranger, that we shot in Warburg, Germany. It’s a very grounded, indie feature about a relationship on the brink of … life after being together for a number of years. The original story is by Andre Schneider, who plays my partner, and a stranger, played by Sten Jacobs, adapted by our director Phillip Xia.
It’s intimate, real, and takes place the day of our 16th anniversary. It was a creative collective coming together to do good work…stay tuned! Shoutout to Vanessa Payri, Guy Dowsett, Nele Neugebauer, Bjorn Kuhn and Angelo Russo. Amazing cast and crew.

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 was bitten by the acting bug very early in life and it has always felt like a true calling for me. I actually started my acting career at the age of 12 doing background work for T.V . and movies. It was incredible “on the job” training learning about everything technical that goes into a production. I can’t stress enough the importance of background performers in our industry. Imagine movies like “Saving Private Ryan”, or “The Lord of the Rings” without a sea of performers filling in the “empty” spaces, bringing it to life for the audience. Often overlooked, these actors are the backbone of so many productions. It is how I was able to become a member of SAG-AFTRA, our unions, without having to book a principal role. It’s not the norm, but you are able to acquire vouchers when you work union jobs and after a certain number you are eligible to join. Central Casting is the go to company to sign up with who will provide direction to become a background artist. I was able to continue booking union jobs, get stronger representation and pursue my career as a Union professional.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Two spots – L.A., New Orleans
The French Quarter is an incredible part of the city with so much history, amazing architecture, and most importantly good old fashioned southern hospitality. I like to start my day with a walk along the Mississippi River and then get a coffee at my favorite spot Twelfth Night Coffee on Rampart. The Jazz Heritage Museum is always doing cool events with local artists and one of my go to dinner locations is Irene’s. Another must do activity is getting biegnets at Cafe Du Monde, a perfect way to end the day with a sweet treat! Then stroll over to Frenchmen Street and listen to live music from local artists.

In Los Angeles the beach is a must see for visitors and locals alike. A drive up the coast to Malibu immediately puts me in a zen mode and the lagoon is an off the beaten path stretch of the beach frequented by local surfers and its a great spot to bring a packed lunch and watch the tide come in and out. On my way back to Santa Monica I like to visit the Self Realization Foundation Lake Shrine. Reservations are free on their website and it gives you access to the beautiful grounds for up to three hours. Perfect place to reflect and get centered. And then I love to end the day with one of the many guided meditations offered at Unlplug on Wilshire. From sound baths to restorative yoga they have world renowned instructors who will help you get into a wonderful headspace.

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 number one shoutout is to my family, my mother in particular. She drove me to ALL of the auditions, and rehearsals, and acting classes. etc. And enrolled me in extracurricular art classes that really helped me develop my artistic abilities.
And also to my publicist, Chris Delhomme, who happens to also be my partner. We just celebrated our 21st anniversary, ( Yes) and he just started his own firm, Delhomme Communications. He’s a born promoter and I feel blessed to have him in my corner.

Website: https://danielrhyder.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-rhyder-9430a75/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneOrientation

Image Credits
Headshot – Barry McDaniel/New Faces LA
BTS production shots – “A Perfect Stranger” Film set
Mom and Me – Sears portrait studio/selfie

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