Meet Kyle Colton: Actor & Storyteller

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

Hi Kyle, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be…that I never compromised my integrity. That I was a part of different projects because they intrigued me and the adventure of playing those characters made people feel something

I want to be remembered for the characters I played, not whether I ticked off the checklist items on society’s list

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an actor for over 20 years. As a child doing plays in school, it began simply as a way for me to break out of my shell. But as the shyness melted away, I realized that performing was what I wanted to do for a career. Once strangers that were not obligated to complement started doing so, I knew it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. I was good at it.

Through my aunt’s influence, I’ve become a student of classic film (close friends refer to me as an encyclopedia). At 16, I acted in my first film and that’s when I knew I had to work in that medium.

Over 10 years living in Los Angeles, and over 60 credits on my resume, I’ve learned many great lessons:

If it were easy, everyone would do it. Most people quit because success doesn’t come fast enough for them, or they can’t see the top of the mountain through the clouds. Climb anyway; it’s called having faith.

If you know in your heart that you’re meant to do something bold and meaningful, then do it with all of your being…not paying any mind to how you’ll be perceived or taking heed of anyone else’s fears; that’s their journey, not yours.

There have been rough times: maxing out credit cards, not being able to pay the rent. Not speaking to family for a couple years because they didn’t understand what I was going through. Numerous humbling experiences in the quest to get rid of the ego.

But one of the biggest pieces of advice I could impart on the generation coming behind me: embrace the fact that you’ve chosen an industry with very little to no control. Stop comparing yourself to others; you don’t know their journey. And do ANYTHING because you enjoy it…not because you think you have to.

What sets me apart in my acting is that I’m not afraid to make bold choices. I don’t think about how it’s going to be perceived before I do it.

I think the world would be more interesting with more people like that

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?
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, this little restaurant in East LA called El Tepeyac has the biggest burritos in LA; delicious too!

Mandarette is a delicious Chinese restaurant near Orlando & 3rd by the Beverly Center. Their strawberry shrimp is delicious!

I’m not a big bar person, but when I do go out, I love Good Times at Davey Wayne’s in Hollywood. I’m a big fan of the 1970s music and decor. It feels more like a house party vibe than a bar

Runyon is the touristy hiking spot, but I prefer the walk up to Griffith Park in Los Feliz; ends with an Observatory lookout over the entire city.

I love taking a stroll through LACMA every now and again, if I’m in the mood for a good museum

I live right near Hollywood Forever Cemetery. And during a non-pandemic year, the Cinespia movie screenings outside on the lawn near the mausoleums are an interesting movie watching experience

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My brother Eric Colton, who is also an actor, has been my most supportive family member in my journey as an actor. He always included me in his adventures and his positivity is infectious.

Our mutual mentor, Emanuel Millar, has been our biggest support within the film industry. He’s worked with titans like Tarantino, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, James Cameron, Michael Mann and Johnny Depp…just to name a few (and there are many more)

Through his guidance and patience, my brother and I have transformed into artists, and not simply actors trying to be seen

My favorite quote of Emanuel’s: “there are a lot of pretty horses running around; strive to be a thoroughbred.”

Website: IMDb.me/KyleColton 

Instagram: @kyle_colton89

Twitter: @kyle_colton89

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.colton.9

Image Credits
Bogdan Predko, Aidan Walters, Scrappy Productions, Hollywood Holiday Productions,