Meet Luke Charles Stafford | Actor, Singer/Songwriter, Musician, & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luke Charles Stafford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luke, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
This is a great question! At the heart of it, I think many of us may painfully go through life never fully throwing our ‘whole weight’ at anything. I believe one can never truly know what they can do, become, or the difference they can make, unless they give something all that they possess. And at that point, I think risk becomes necessary. It becomes worthwhile. In my own life, I have only found myself either improving in failure, or, stumbling into success with more humility, and a deeper desire to be truly great at what I practice. Taking risk has also forced me in my hardest moments to rely on God, focus on my craft, and fall deeper in love with why I chose this path.

Why did you pursue an artistic/creative career?

I chose this path, because I was once the kid we’ve all heard of before who was bullied, overweight, and mistreated in some form or fashion. But, I was inspired back then by the overwhelming stories of the underdog in film, music, and the majestry of story-telling in both. I fell in love with the craft of it all, on both sides of the camera, and the microphone. How a film or a song could change a life. Make us feel, or inspire us in a language none of us can speak, but all of us can understand. However, I was told at very young age that I wouldn’t accomplish this path. That it was unreliable, and unsafe. That I simply wasn’t good enough. So, I picked up a saxophone in middle school, and started playing. For a time, I poured myself into that (becoming quite proficient might I add), until I became a worship leader, started singing professionally, and playing piano. Shortly after, I started acting classes in college, and signed with my first few agencies during that time. Over the years, I’ve experienced some incredible moments of success, but I am far more thankful for the countless many more failures I’ve had than the wins. But, the heart of how this work can inspire or change a life, has remained at the core of my love for this path. My prayer, is that whatever I lay my hand to, I may do so with excellence, so that I might honor God, and in doing so, do the same for another.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Over the past 6 years, I’ve performed on Broadway’s “Home for the Holidays,” in NYC, played Tom Hawkins in Apple TV’s “East of Middle West”, as well as Paramount+’s “Megalodon Rising, and most-recently made my lead debut in Hulu/Lifetime’s “Road Trip Hostage” and “Secret Society of Lies”.

I also recently released my debut single “Still Missin You” along with a Christmas EP which collectively has amounted over 120k streams in the past year.

But, my most personally meaningful experience, has been getting in the running for the role of Clark Kent/Superman in DC/Warner Bros reboot, “Superman: Legacy” this past year.

Superman inspired me as early as 3 years old on what kind of man and individual I wanted to grow up to be. So, after a 6-month process of chasing that down, you can imagine getting an audition was an experience I’ll forever be grateful of. Something I believe words of gratitude can’t express quite enough.

So, throughout this journey, I’ve found myself homeless in NYC, while simultaneously performing in a Broadway show (a story for another time), to leaving a life behind in Indiana only to catch myself working multiple jobs to afford acting class and vocal lessons while sleeping in my car, to losing close relationships along the way, and even letting fear get the best of me on American Idol. These are just a few examples of how I whole-heartedly believe that nothing truly worthwhile will ever be close friends with “easy”. But, I think that’s what has made the race truly meaningful so far. And, I know as a result, that anything is truly possible with three things: hands willing to work hard for a very long time, a refusal to throw in the towel, and God.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooooooof. This list could be 18386 items long. But I’d say:

Dockweiler Beach (Good for sunsets!)
Salsa and Beer (Get the bean dip. Trust me.)
A motorcycle/car ride up PCH to Malibu (I usually take my Harley.)
A trip to Universal Studios or Disneyland.
Any comedy show you can get your hands on at “Groundlings Theatre”.
Walking around Santa Monica at day or night never disappoints.
Sunset at Griffith Observatory, You won’t regret it.
A glass of scotch and a fine cigar at “The Cigar Bar” in downtown Beverly Hills. (Might not be your cup of tea, but it is mine!)
“The Bigg Chill” Frozen Yogurt for Dessert is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh gosh. It would be impossible to name all who I wish to and deserve to be said. But first, my parents. I am always in debt to how you raised us, and taught us to prioritize our character and our faith before anything else. The many mentors, fathers, brothers, and men in my life who have encouraged me through every step so far, and pushed me in my weakest moments. My managers, agents, producers, engineers, coaches, clients, and teachers, as well as Mike, Eric AKA “Pops”, Matthew, Glen, and of course Simmi. I love you all. P.S. – I would also like to shoutout the book “Wild at Heart”, as well as the characters of Superman, The Lion King, and Rocky for inspiring the kid I once was. 🙂

Website: lukecharlesstafford.net

Instagram: @lukecharlesstafford

Twitter: @thelcsofficial

Facebook: @lukecharlesstafford

Youtube: Luke Charles Stafford

Other: TikTok: @lukecharlesstafford

Image Credits
Blushpix, LLC David Barnett Adie Gatley