Meet Kristina Denton | Actress, Writer & Producer

According to my mother, I told her I wanted to be an actress when I was two years old. What I knew about being an actor at that age remains a hilarious mystery to me. What I do remember was a few distinct periods in my childhood and adolescence of feeling very alone. Whether it was from being bullied at school or just feeling generally misunderstood, I didn’t feel like I belonged. And then came movies and television. I have vivid memories of finding a deep connection with the characters and their struggles. It was so profound for me to find belonging in their stories. I even remember one day, sitting on the floor in our family room by myself when a wave of truth washed over me that said, “I want to be a part of this. I want to help people feel less alone.” I’ve made my best effort to incorporate healing into storytelling. Whether I am creating stories that evoke laugher (the best medicine) or empathy, I am always seeking to help people more connected to themselves and each other.

What makes me unique? Well, this isn’t something I’m sure I have a grasp of entirely, but I’ll say what I enjoy creating the most tends to be stories about people finding themselves in absolutely ridiculous circumstances that they have zero skills for. It’s hilarious and so relatable. I enjoy finding humanity in our mistakes and the complications of life and, most importantly, breaking down societal stigma that leave us so disconnected. The beauty and truth lie in vulnerability. Whether it’s in comedy or drama, I love capturing the rawest pieces of us to facilitate connection. I think the best thing I’ve ever done for my creativity is getting to know myself and I mean really digging down and examining every piece of my character. As an actor, you’re forced to examine yourself from all angles in order to know what kind of instrument you are, meaning your “type”. I have learned that it’s impossible to know what you have to say until you know who you are. The most challenging aspect of self-awareness as an artist for me came from listening to the loud voices of others telling me who they thought I was. I spent a lot of years extremely susceptible to the conditioning of others because I considered them the experts in the industry and didn’t trust my own instincts. I think this confused my messaging and didn’t allow the right people to know how to help me. I worked on projects that didn’t serve me because I was so excited to be doing what I always wanted to do, that I silenced myself. Only recently, have I learned the power of putting out work that I believe in regardless of what others think. The secret, for me, lies in how much fun I’m having working on it. I think that’s the only barometer that never fails me. Now, I’m putting my twisted, dark, and zany sense of humor into everything I do and it’s the most fun I’ve ever had.

Not Hollywood. Never Hollywood. Haha. No, I would certainly take them to any/all tourist spots if they begged me, but ideally, I would avoid them. There are so many different experiences to have in LA. You can really find anything you’re looking for, depending on your mood. For a beach day, I’d probably take them to Malibu for a lunch on the pier at Malibu Farmer Pier Cafe. We’d go bike riding on the Santa Monica boardwalk and then have a lovely dinner at a place like Cafe Gratitude in Venice. I’d get them out to walk Descanso Gardens, hiking in mountains to a waterfall, like Eaton Canyon, and maybe some shopping in Larchmont Village. For evening outings, we could eat at places like Fresh on Sunset or Mercado in Studio City. We could go downtown to Pershing Square for a live band and dancing outdoors or even a Karaoke Bar in Korea Town. I love live improv shows at UCB, the Greek Theater for concerts or something as simple as evening walks on the beach.

I feel so much gratitude for so many people that have supported me along my journey, but something about this question made me feel a surge of love and respect for all of my fellow artists. My very reason for being here is due to all the artists that came before me and those that continue to inspire me every day. It takes a special kind of courage to stand in your truth and dare to do something that may never provide financial security. Of course, if you’re in it for the money, you’re probably not really an artist, right? On my first day of acting school, my teacher D.W. Brown said, “If you can see yourself doing anything else, go do it.” I remember feeling this deep level of discomfort and recognition at the same time. That was the first time I realized that my path wouldn’t be easy, but it was worth it because it was my truth. Finding the courage to continue the journey has only come from the support of my peers. I am grateful for all of them.