Meet Kent Burns | Producer, Actor, Model, & More

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

Hi Kent, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I love a good quote. Though there are too many to choose from, one of my favorite quotes that I always go back to comes from the original 4Kids dub of the Winx Club animated series, “We are the sum of all our experiences: the friends we make, the people we love, even people who didn’t understand you – all of these things make us who we are. What’s inside you can never be taken from you. What’s in your heart: that can never be taken. ” I love this. It was the first time a quote ever really stuck with me, because it was so profound and so simple. I love acknowledging the complexity of ourselves by viewing ourselves as the amalgamation of our experiences. Then going one step beyond and acknowledging, but not giving a massive weight to all the darker and/or negative experiences in our lives, by just saying “the people who didn’t understand us”. We don’t need to linger on the darker parts of our lives or give it enough power to blot out the light. I also love this quote because it allows you to extend this mentality to others. It gives insight into why people are the way they are, and it immediately brings you to a place of empathic understanding. We all may not see eye to eye, but we can recognize that everyone has lived a life full of experiences that only that individual intimately knows; so, I can respect them no matter where they come from. And what makes this more quote more magical is then it can become a call to action. Because, if people do not understand you, you then have the opportunity to give them a new and enlightening experience. And because it dovetails nicely into another quote, I have to sneak in a bonus quote from Steven Universe that talks about this exact thing, “I don’t need you to respect. I respect me. I don’t need you to love me. I love me. But I want you to know, you could know me. If you change your mind. Change your mind.”

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 am an all-around artist, meaning art is infused into everything I do. Whether it be behind the scenes as a producer, writer, creative executive, or doing marketing and media – it is in service of the art. It takes the same level of artistry being in front of the scenes as an actor, a singer, and a model; because, there is always a story to tell.

What sets me apart is that there’s an intangible magic in what I create because I create from a genuine place of love, curiosity, and self. As a young, non-binary entertainment professional, my passion for entertainment and creation knows no bounds! Being the child of a military captain and a dancer, I grew up all around the U.S. but always found a home in storytelling wherever I ended up. From Pacific Repertory Theatre to voice lessons with acclaimed vocal coach Robert Edwards, to Royal Academy of Dance Training, entertaining and performing was forged in the foundations of who I am today.

I knew I wanted to be in entertainment from a very young age, but getting here was not easy. It still is not easy, and I do not know if it ever will be; because life is not easy. Even on your best days in this industry, something will go wrong. There is so much I want to accomplish and in so many arenas it seems very daunting at times, but there is a quote that I love that says “Tend the part of the garden you can reach.” You have to take every day as it comes and then onto the next.

As I came to align with my true non-binary self, I realized the stories I saw around me in theatre, film, and television did not look like me. So, I took charge and started on my path to be the change I wanted to see in the world. I went back to school at UCLA Extension and earned my Certificate of Business and Management of Entertainment with Distinction. A crucial lesson I’ve learned is that your “next” is what is meant for you. As you strive forward in your career, make sure it is “your” career. Strive for the stars – if the stars are what your dreams look like. Everyone’s dreams are valid, so define them for yourself. My ultimate goals are to be showrunning and starring in my own IP-based projects and I work everyday to get closer to those goals. At the same time, I believe, those goals are working their way towards me too.

I have worked with independent television and film companies since moving to Los Angeles for good in 2020, but most recently I have been an integral part of Mr Warburton Media. From independent producing and writing the 1st annual Gurus Awards now streaming on KNEKTTV, helping spearhead the #30Voices30Days Pride initiative in partnership with GLAAD, and even helping run Hollywood premieres at iconic venues like the TCL Chinese Theatre with fabulous PR partners like that of Morgan Publicity for events like the Lifetime Network’s new season premiere of Dr. Pimple Popper’s latest show — it has been a whirlwind in the best way possible.

In my producing, writing, and now directing work, it is always my aim to amplify underrepresented voices on and off screen. So, speaking of, it fills my heart to currently be in production for my next major short film, “Riders & Roses,” featuring a powerhouse team including 3 time Emmy Award winning makeup & hair by Glen Alen, Emmy Nominated Costume Designer, Kristin Dangl, and guest starring Golden Globe Nominee, Joely Fisher. This queer positive period piece follows the entangled lives of high society families where every desirous glance, every forgotten letter, and every buried secret could spell ruin at every turn.

I’m also producing and starring in “That’s the Gift,” a beautiful short film currently being fundraised for about processing grief through the lens of a girl going to a magical surrealist ball. Anyone can support this project at https://www.thatsthegiftfilm.com/. Which is so serendipitous, because I made my network television on BravoTV’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” this past season, which opened with fan-favorite, Sutton Stracke’s, Surrealist Ball party. Though, I am officially in the episode focusing on Sutton’s iconic fashion show, if you pay close attention and squint during the opening two episodes of the season, you might just see me at this surreal soiree 😉

What I want the world to know about my brand is this: as a producer, I have found true strength resides in the turn of phrase “clear is kind.” In an industry where trust is the most prized currency and connection is the highest reward, I have a proven track record of building collaborative teams that create impactful works. Art is not just what I do – it’s who I am, and I’m committed to using that artistry to tell stories that need to be told.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is such a wonderfully dynamic city — if I have someone visiting me — it all depends on context. If it is their first time to LA, I love going to touristy places. We’re going to Disneyland. We’re going to Hollywood & Highland with the Walk of Fame stars and the TCL Chinese Theatre plus California Pizza Kitchen that’s upstairs at Ovation after. Especially for first time visitors, there is a wonder to these places that we totally take for granted as locals. I like reliving that childlike reverence for places like Santa Monica Pier. It’s charming. I mean we all know it’s there, but how often do we take a beat to go see those things? Rarely ever.

Now, the conversation changes if the person coming to town is a seasoned visitor, because now we are diving in. Hands down, we are going to Playclothes Vintage in Burbank then having dinner at Pinocchio’s after and people watching on the patio. It’s the hometown experience that I adore. Then I would check the venues we have in town, because so much is going on all the time, I like to go to direct to the source of the performances. Places like the Greek Theatre and the Bourbon Room, and of course, just go to the main strip in West Hollywood at night and you’ll find something. Truly, on a Monday we happened to be at Schmitty’s and all of a sudden drag queen, Tiffany Vogue, just walks in dawning a mirror covered jumpsuit and starts doing musical bingo. What a treat! Another personal favorite of mine would have to be Comedy Pole Show, put on by Miss Christina Calph. It is absolutely brilliant. Amazing comedians and jaw dropping pole performers – it is a resounding yes from me.

Although, no matter who’s coming to town, I firmly believe everyone should visit Huntington Gardens. In terms of the greater Los Angeles Area, Huntington is truly one of the few places on this planet that I walk out of and feel refreshed. There is something for every person at every age. Plus, I was fortunate enough to shoot there — and know I will get the opportunity again one day — so I can vehemently say the staff is incredible. From the museums to the Japanese Gardens to the Mansion — I have yet to find a better place to spend an entire day.

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?
Honestly, I have to give it up for the she’s, they’s, and gay’s. As much as I joke – it is absolutely true. Throughout my life – both professionally and personally – women and queer folks have always championed me through kindness, respect, and providing unmatched support. I have been blessed with so many powerful women in my life who have fought to live a life of joy. Of course, starting with my mom without whom I would not be here today. Quite literally. She has always supported me in every way she can. She made sure we grew up in our own agency. That unwavering love in our own potential has vitally shaped who I am today. Other strong women who changed my life for good would have to include my ballet master Carol Richmond, who showed me what grace personified looked like; Kristin Dangl, who showed me how to lead with my heart; Jennifer Holcombe, for showing me how to set goals and achieve them joyously; and, Joely Fisher, for showing me how to be a goddess warrior by simply getting up everyday and choosing to sing in life’s face.

Then of course, there is my beloved community, the LGBTQ+ community. Being non-binary and pansexual is a journey and no one in this world walks a journey completely alone. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is such an honor and a sacred thing to me. We are so special, fun, entirely individual, and that is magic. There is a communal joy in figuring our way through life’s challenges. Especially when the world gets dark, and it absolutely feels even darker for all marginalized communities right now; but, we have to remember that second word, “community”. We are a community. Queer people have existed since the beginning of time, they are existing now, and they will exist long after tomorrow. Someone somewhere has gone through what you’re going through. It will be okay. This also applies to our allies. Minorities can not gain power without consent of the majority. We need our allies to support us and vice versa. So, to my community I want to say thank you for every part of it. For every win and every lesson. I could not be more grateful for every member of my chosen family.

Website: https://www.redpearlprince.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kent-burns/

Image Credits
Lead Photo – Photographer: Matt Kallish, Make Up & Hair: Kristine Lieberman

Kent Burns @ The Alexis Project Fundraiser Gala – Photographer: Robin L Marshall – Courtesy of Getty Images

Kent Burns singing @ TTG Fundraiser Cabaret – Photographer: Dan Burns

3/4 Photo with archival Dylanlex Jewelry – Photographer: Matt Kallish, Make Up & Hair: Kristine Lieberman

Headshot – Photographer: Matt Kallish, Make Up & Hair: Kristine Lieberman