Meet Kathleen Duke | Actor

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

Hi Kathleen, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am not sure I ever had or understood a work-life balance before Covid. Being forced to stop work and have downtime with the pandemic allowed me to realize the importance of a work-life balance and avoid future burnout. I think I would always feel guilty if I focused too much on “life” activities. I would convince myself I wasn’t doing enough or that I wasn’t spending my time wisely and focusing solely on my career. Especially after moving to LA, I would compare my work ethic to others in the industry and in my field and that became overwhelming and exhausting. I don’t think that way of thinking is sustainable in such a competitive city, so I am thankful. for the time I had in quarantine to realize that this way of thinking was not beneficial. I am now in a phase of my life where I am still working on finding a balance and relaxing and enjoying life without feeling guilty about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actor living in LA. That said, I am learning to say yes to just about any creative project that comes my way. Whether it’s producing, assistant directing, writing, and other creative projects. I love any opportunity to express and grow my creativity. I moved to LA in September of 2019, and I am most proud that I survived a global pandemic in LA and have been able to keep a positive, enthusiastic outlook about the future. It was one of the most challenging times of my life and I have learned so much about myself and what I want in a career and a future. I came out to LA with a plan, notebooks filled with advice, and even a timeline of how I wanted my first year in LA to go. Obviously, that was torn down shortly after my move and it really hit me hard. Up until then I thought in order to be successful I needed a strong plan and to follow it closely. I have now learned and am continuing to learn that is not the case. I am thankful for this wakeup call so early in my career because it has opened doors for me that I might have said no to because those doors were not part of the plan. Currently I am at a point in my career where I am ready to be a part of as many creative things as I can. The pandemic also challenged me to ask myself is acting the direction I really want to go with my career and after a year without it I can truthfully say to myself it is. I am ready to be creative and express my creativity now more than ever.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it is evolving and growing. I am excited about learning, open to change, and ready to express my creativity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a lot of people to thank for the support and encouragement that led me to where I am today. I think specifically in my life now, I want to thank my friends that I have in LA. I have a group of friends that radiate positivity, kindness, and love and I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without them. I think its so important to surround yourself with likeminded people who share similar morals and values and I am lucky enough to say I have found a little community of friends who do just that and there are not enough words to share how grateful and appreciative I am of them.

Website: https://www.kathleendukeofficial.com/

Instagram: kathleenduke

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Byron J. Gamble Carlos Guevara Henry Moonrod Zack Spencer Joanna DeGeneres