Meet Gregg Binkley | Actor, Acting Coach, Author

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

Hi Gregg, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been fortunate enough to have quite a few successes as an actor and eventually I reached one of my main goals – to be a series regular on a national network show. After the show (“Raising Hope” on Fox) was cancelled, I went through a period where my motivation slowed down and my career stalled. I decided if I helped others become successful, maybe it could jumpstart my career as well. I looked back at the steps I had taken in my career (some good, some not so good) and decided to start a class called The Working Actors Workshop. The class is devoted to making sure the actors are prepared to work and pursuing work. I also wanted to show how acting lessons could apply to every day life, and I have loved seeing how the actors in my classes have grown in their craft and also in their careers. By applying acting lessons in their lives they have been able to find more fulfillment outside the industry as well.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I moved from Kansas to be an actor, I wanted to prove that I could be successful long term in an industry that is one of the most difficult businesses to pursue. I have experienced many highs and lows, but I always recognized that no one would believe in me unless I believed in myself. One of the turning points for me as an actor was when I discovered that I could find all the characters I play inside of me. I didn’t need to act like someone different, but instead access the part of me that could truthfully connect to the roles I was playing. Once I did that, it gave me great freedom to express myself as an artist, and it also took away much of the pressure I had felt. When I connect truthfully to the material, I know that my work is authentic. Stephen Sondheim wrote a lyric that said, “Anything you do, let it come from you. Then it will be new.” This concept opened my mind to new possibilities, and this approach is what I encourage the actors I coach to embrace as well. All artists have a desire to express themselves, and when they stop trying to please others and instead share their own truth, that’s when they find their joy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many great places to visit in Los Angeles, but nothing tops the Hollywood Bowl. I would get my friend’s a box at the Bowl and we would bring our own food and wine and enjoy listening to incredible music under the stars. In addition, I’d take them to Hermosa Beach, and while we were down there we’d eat at Good Stuff. It’s located right on The Strand and has great casual food with a view of the ocean. I’d also take them to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to experience the history of Hollywood. You won’t see anything like that anywhere else. I’m a big sports fan, so I’d take them to Dodger Stadium to watch baseball at the iconic setting of Chavez Ravine. I’d also find a way to get my friends into The Magic Castle. You need a membership for that, but it’s definitely one of the gems of Los Angeles. There are so many fun in restaurants to visit, and one we have enjoyed lately is Castaway in Burbank. We live in the Valley and we love going to the top of the mountain to enjoy the food and drinks at Castaway with an amazing view of the city lights.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Greg Garcia definitely comes to mind. He created many hit shows including “Yes, Dear”, “My Name is Earl”, and “Raising Hope”. He gave me many great opportunities in my career, and he also demonstrated that you can be a good guy and be successful at the same time. I also have been influenced by Bryan Cranston. I was able to work with him a few times, and he is a great role model of what hard work and being a good guy can lead to. I recently published a book available on Amazon, “Get Your Act Together: Finding Success in Acting and Life” and was very happy that both Greg and Bryan wrote wonderful endorsements.

Website: https://www.greggbinkley.com

Instagram: greggbinkley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-binkleyworkingactorsworkshop

Youtube: @dinkydogtv6855

Image Credits
Headshot photo: Jeff LaPensee