Meet Greg Kriek | Actor and Producer

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

Hi Greg, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m reminded of one of Robin William’s quotes as John Keating in Dead Poets Society “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” Having faced a lot of difficult trials in my life as a child/young adult – combined with the precious gift of a few key people’s influence that had a major impact on me – it all unleashed the desire to want to impact the world in a positive way. My life has always been rich with a variety of experiences from around the world – that has taken from the harshest of places, to remote jungles, to the awe inspiring and to some of the peak experiences the global film industry has to offer. At the heart of it my journey has always been about people – from every walk of life – and one thing is abundantly clear- there is power that lies within words and ideas. It is what shapes us all -what we think and how we speak. That is what made me pursue an artistic path – to make the world a little bit better as an artist -harnessing being both a wordsmith and an ‘idea’ merchant and to continue to explore what it truly means to be human.

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.
Wow what a journey it has been- you have to know that where I come from and the circumstances where I started back in Africa -it’s an absolute miracle that I have the blessing of getting to do what I am doing today.

Along with the incredible ‘mountain peak’ experiences I’ve had in Hollywood – it has been a road paved with a lot of setbacks, tragedies, loss, rejection, disappointments and if there is one thing I am most proud of in my journey it is one word: BELIEVE. Everything is propelled and stems from there as an artist – you have to believe it is possible, that amazing things can and will happen, that something is out there for you.

You have to believe in yourself before you expect the world to, believe that you’ll get another chance, believe that all things will work out despite the evidence and what everyone says. That is your superpower as an artist – the combination of knowing exactly who you are, to keep discovering who you are and believing that you’re worthy of success, worthy of love, worthy to call yourself an artist and contribute to the world. Read that again.

Who are you when the chips are down? That “being” right there – who are you when nobody is watching-that’s where it starts. Don’t fool yourself. Build a life on truth- starting with the one looking back at you in the mirror.

There is so much one could say about how one gets to a point in your career professionally and as you know – no two people ever have the same journey but I have always followed the thought I just need to make the most of what life has put right in front of me. In other words make the most of what you have, with what you have in your hands wherever you are. You don’t have to be in Hollywood.

Sometimes we as actors wait for an opportunity to do our craft but I love any and every opportunity to give my best whether I’m number 1 on the call sheet or weirdo #73.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned in my artistic journey so far:

– Separate WHO you are from WHAT you do. Fill the WHO jar more that the WHAT jar with your time and energy.

– Always take care of your tribe. Don’t sacrifice them for the industry. The industry is fickle. Tribe remains.

– Be a CHILD at heart. Play baby play!

– Take the time to figure out your process as an artist and continue to evolve in the learning of what you need to show up as your fullest, best, honest, authentic self

– Listen to everyone’s advice but ultimately YOU should make your decisions. Nobody knows what you are capable of.

– Take your power back as an artist – you are not a puppet to everything outside of you- you choose who you are, how you show up and how you respond.

I guess I’ll always be the boy who dared to dream and found out that dreams can and do become real things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being a relative newbie to LA myself I’m still a sucker for all this place has to offer so if you’re going to roll with me and if I (like a true friend) rescue you from the ‘Mordor” that is LAX here is what is going to happen (depending on the time of day).

In no particular order : Hit the PCH with the top down towards Malibu, sneak in a quick little Solstice Canyon hike mission, wash those filthy toes in the Pacific Ocean afterwards. If you haven’t tried In and Out Burger yet – you’re welcome- it’s happening. If it’s good enough for Oscar winners it’s good enough for me.

When your food is settled – don’t care if you don’t do cardio – we are hitting the bikes from Santa Monica past Venice to Marina Del Rey. Catch the sunset.

At this point we’ve earned the right to drop the bags, change the fit and head on over to Hollywood- we will kick off with a snackeroo at the Farmers Market – stroll around The Grove- resist the temptation to buy another thing from the iStore and then head on over to Franklin Village.

Standing in line to head into the UCB Theater for some improv we will attempt to play it cool with all the celebs hanging out like it’s just another Tuesday. From there we are hitting the Strip – depends on your vibe but let’s catch a show at The Viper Room or let’s hit some rooftop drinks at Catch in BH and see where the rest of the night takes us. Hopefully not back to LAX.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my closest friends, my family, my fellow artists I’ve gotten to work with, anyone who has ever given me an opportunity, anyone I’ve ever been on set with, those who follow and support my journey and anyone who has ever shown me kindness in any form.

Website: www.imdb.me/gregkriek

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

Image Credits
RICHARD HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHY Bjoern Kommerell PHOTOGOGRAPHY GREG KRIEK