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

Hi Darren, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over time, a creative will have to be creative when it comes to doing what you love and paying rent. That sometimes means working on an artistic project that you believe in for free. Or doing a favor for someone that you also believe in. All the while, receiving an income that can support your life while you pursue your passions. There will be a lot of pressure from family and peers on the decisions you make. Friends will buy houses, parents will suggest different paths that pay more money, acquaintances will judge how you live. All that doesn’t matter. Even if you never reach your aspirations, at least you can look everyone in the eye and say, “At least I didn’t give up.” I’ve had over 30 jobs since moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. And each month that my rent got paid, I didn’t care as long as I got to go to auditions. I started my production company as a product of working any job I could find that financially launched the company. The best thing about it is; I’m still an actor and now a producer still striving to buy a house, but happy without it. I just spent a day with a friend I met doing theater 30 years ago, he has four kids and a house in Iowa. He repeated over and over, “I envy you.” Follow your passions, not a “norm” your surrounds are always preaching. Work that graveyard shift. Take that temp job. Cater a rich person’s Christmas Party. Just don’t settle.

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’ve dedicated my writing and producing to showcase that larger men can be romantic leads, too. John Candy in Only the Lonely, Jack Black in The Holiday, and Billy Gardel in Mike and Molly are terrific examples of what I try to convey with my production company. The multi-award winning short, “The Whole Person”, can be watched for free on YouTube which supports this ideal. Two more movies are being released in 2022 with this format. The challenges that face independent film makers are too many to list here. The best way to overcome those challenges are with the help of peers. You find yourself a tight tribe, problems are easier to solve. In a world that is screaming diversity every day, colors are being cast but not different sizes. I’m hoping to change that, leading by example.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a big man, I love to eat so I’ll list my top 7 places to get something to eat: Salsa and Beer in North Hollywood is the best Mexican food in LA! Malibu Seafood has amazing, fresh fish and a beachside sunset. Corner Cottage in Burbank will blow your mind with their breakfast burritos. JAR on Beverly in Los Angeles is the best fine dining in the city. Rance’s Pizza in Costa Mesa has the best Chicago Style Stuffed Pizza in SoCal. Portillo’s in Buena Park is the go-to place for Chicago Dogs and Italian Beefs. And the west coast staple, In-n-Out.

The Farmer’s Market in Studio City and Hollywood are great places to walk around. The beach behind Gladstones in Malibu isn’t packed and beautiful . The coasters at Magic Mountain are second to none. The multiple waterfall hikes in Los Angeles are totally worth it early Spring just as the mountain thaws start. Disneyland is NOT CLICHE and should be attended every visit!!!

Halloween in WeHo is a circus that should be attended at least once.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Timber Lake Playhouse, in Mt. Carroll, Illinois was an invaluable place to learn the craft at a youthful age. David Simkins, current show runner and writer of the movie, “Adventures in Babysitting” who got me excited about LA.
Jim Blanchette and Lisa Wyatt, the most supportive friends in the entertainment world.
The Jewel Box Theater which started a group of young actors on their paths to success.
Darla Marasco Management and her unrivaled knowledge of the entertainment world.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1902919/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Instagram: @darrenmangler

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC-F7dJEn0mK518siU1sgg

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