For our first ever Actor interview since opening our acting division this year, we decided to ask the lovely Kyle Abdullah some industry questions and find out why he loves what he does so much – plus some helpful tips and tricks! 

Let’s start with something fun to set the scene! What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?

When I was 10 years old I wanted to be a WWE (WWF) wrestler and be in the movies like Superman……. (Yep I jumped off a roof once fully believing I could fly)

Is there a specific moment in time that made you realise “yes! I want to be an actor/actress!” 

I’d say more ‘moments’ over my life getting laughs for things I did and then taking the comedy further, seeing the laughter build. Which made me see I could create on the spot.

What was your first gig? What have been some of the more memorable ones since then?

First gig was being wishy-washy in the school’s Aladdin panto. My most memorable are probably from last year with my two most recent projects. A commercial with the Spice Girls where I spent 5 hours in an elevator set with them (only finding out 45 mins before hitting set)… Second is a show called ‘Man who fell to earth’ which aired in April.

What did it feel like the first time you saw yourself on TV/Film? 

The first time I saw myself, it was a very cool feeling. It made me realise that thought to action along with belief really does mean it’s possible.

Do you still get stage fright going on stage? Any tips to help with nerves?

I would hope I never lose that feeling before stepping into a project to film or onto a stage as its energy, and it shows me I care……

A tip is to look with a different perspective and through the lens of self-curiosity. What I mean is when I’m nervous my palms are sweaty, I’ve got those butterflies in my chest, I might need to pee 600 times!  One we associate with negativity and the other with positivity, so I ask myself what if you just shift the label Kyle, how would that make you feel?…. The answer.. More in control and grounded in joy for it to come.

If you could be on screen or on stage with any actor/actress, who would it be and why?

I would very much like to share the screen with The Rock in something action packed because that would nail to my child dreams of a wrestler connection and movies.

I would also like to share the screen with Bryan Cranson as I feel during the whole process I would absorb the teachings of a lifetime.

What are you up to presently?

Presently I am back into a nice audition flow, excited to see this project come out next month and set to get new headshots in a couple weeks. I am also an online health and fitness coach which is another passion of mine. I have in the last couple of years built it to something I am very proud of, helping many people, and always with the same mentality.. “it’s not ‘plan B’ but always a support system to ‘plan A’” (My happy successful life where I tell stories through play).

If you weren’t acting, what else do you think you’d be doing for a career?

The above?…And where I would love and serve myself greater so I could love and serve others the same.

Have you had any notable mentors in the industry? 

I’ve got a few close friends in the industry who have been valuable support. But ones I don’t know personally are Will Smith, Bryan Cranson, Uta Hargan, Michael Cane, Tom Hanks.           

Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the acting industry?

1. Believe in yourself without needing others to validate your belief. It’s your dream, own it! And if another doesn’t believe in you that doesn’t stop it from being real.
2. Watch ‘actors roundtable’ on YouTube to absorb amazing free advice and also get a look into the truth that we are all just people spinning on a rock in space, we all suck and we are all wonderful. A-listers to you and I have the same experiences.
3. Read the script (or sides) multiple times without trying to act them, just get a feel of the scene. Then incorporate it into your vision with trust on your choices. Finally look at this process as the rehearsal, nail it here to then relax on the screen or stage.

And now…onto the more serious questions!

If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose, and why?

Well as an actor I think I’d be lying if I didn’t want to be seen. What better way to be seen then FLYING WEARING A RED CAPE WITH AN S ON MY CHEST!!  (Ok the little kid in me added the outfit but yes.. Flying)

If you got to choose a song that would play every time you entered a room, what song would you pick?

Bob Marley 3 little birds

And finally….If you were a brand, what would your slogan be?

‘Winning streak lifestyle, Flow State Kyle’