Meet Moe Irvin | Actor

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

Hi Moe, how do you think about risk?
I think risk taking is essential at specific times in our lives. Taking risks is how we grow. It builds self confidence to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself or to challenge a belief system that is holding you back from your version of happiness or a goal. sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s the rub. But I do think the pros of taking the chance on yourself, even if it doesn’t work out as planned, outweigh standing still, never having believed enough in yourself to shake up the status quo.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve written and directed three short films. My style or brand is to write projects that are darkly humorous. It’s just my sense of humor. My first short was a fake trailer called Wacko Jacko, about a serial killer who stalks paparazzi dressed up like Michael Jackson. My latest short from 2022 is called Mad Chicken. It’s about a fast food mogul who gets kidnapped and turned into a half man half chicken. I’m proud of it and learned a lot making it. It was a risk. It didn’t land as well as I would have liked but I’m still really proud of it and it took me way out of my comfort zone. But mainly, I keep busy by continuing to train at the Actors Studio, I do plays and reads, I’m a member of The Road Theatre Company here in L.A and I try to get involved with projects that interest me as well as seeing live theatre. I learn so much by watching solid acting on stage.

Being an actor is seriously not for the faint at heart. It’s a grueling test of endurance. And the struggle is maintaining a sense of optimism and light in your life while dealing with constant rejection. It’s not normal to endure that amount of rejection. But it’s part of the job so you surround yourself with good people, family, take care of your body and mind. And keep your ego in check. The most important fact about this industry is that your talent is a minute part of success. Yes, you need to be skilled but the relationships you make and maintain far outweigh your talent. Relationships are everything. And that can be applied to any industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I’m a father of three so I’m out of the club scene, I couldn’t help you there. I’m busy shuttling kids to school, activities etc. But, I’d say Hollywood Blvd, Venice Beach, Universal Citywalk, Downtown arts District, Little Tokyo, Getty Center Museum, Driving on PCH, Santa Monica Pier. Abbot Kinney in Venice. I love Korean BBQ and one of my favorite spots is Chosun Galbi in K-town and Major Domo is also a winner for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
You know, there are so many people that have encouraged me along my acting journey. One person stands out though. His name is Joe Palese. He was my acting coach for eight years. And he really was a great mentor. He wasn’t one of the namey guru types but he gave me a great foundation in this craft and he schooled me on life lessons, pitfalls of the industry and how it would perceive me. And it’s happened in almost the exact way he spoke of. He’s passed away but he was a fantastic man. Ironically, he studied under Martin Landau, and when I became a member of the Actors Studio, I was also schooled by Martin Landau. I’d also like to shout out Sandra Evers-Manly who runs BHERC-The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. Sandra has been running this for 40 years and has championed countless black films, black women directors, black male directors and everything in between. Some of whom have gone on to become huge filmmakers including Gina Prince Bythewood. She also has the first weekend club which promotes black films on their opening weekends. A selfless, selfless woman and organization.

Instagram: @moetothemoon

Image Credits
parsons, Kenny Johnson, Venice Irvin