Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Klasnic
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Andrew Klasnic. I am a 32 year old actor, author, father, and husband located in Charleston, SC! I was born in Tallahassee,FL and grew up in Columbia, SC. I have been acting since I was 4 years old starting in theater and local short films. I lead a couple plays in high school, including being Romeo in “Romeo & Juliet” for my honors drama program. After high school, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my career as an actor. I landed a few roles in my 7 years there, appearing on Nickelodeon, Disney, ABC, and TruTV. I met my wife while working at a fancy restaurant in West Hollywood. We moved to Atlanta for a few years, and eventually in 2020, ended up in Charleston,SC to get married. We have now been here for 4.5 years and we love it! We have a beautiful baby girl, and life is good! We also wrote a children’s book together called WHY NOT ME? (Find it on Amazon!). I’ve connected with a bunch of great local creators here in the low-country, and have really found my groove. I am represented by Millie Lewis Charleston for my acting here.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If anyone tells you their journey was easy, they are either lying, or they chose to forget some things. Over the years as an actor, there are a variety of struggles. Rejection is the big one. You audition hundreds, even thousands of times over your career just to get a handful of roles if you are lucky! It really shows you that you have to take things into your own hands to make progress in this industry. On top of that, I went through a battle with eczema, psoriasis, and acne from head to toe. That is not something you want to deal with when your face is part of your industry! There is always a silver lining, as it taught me to take care of myself, and allowed me to author my first book, ALL IN SKIN, to help others get through their healing journeys and connect me with thousands of amazing people. Also, we all had to deal with the COVID years. My wife and I just happened to have a wedding planned for 2020 in Atlanta when that all happened. Long story short, we picked up and moved to Charleston, and re planned a wedding that ended up happening in Folly Beach instead (Could be worse I assure you)! All while having no clue what life was going to look like in a new place. Luckily we found our footing, and we enjoy where we are now!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor and author. My passion is acting for TV/FILM. I have been professionally pursuing this since 2011. I used to think I just wanted to do comedy, but now as a father/husband, I realize that there are a lot more emotions that just laughing. I think on this journey I am most proud of not giving up. This line of work can be so much fun, and so depressing sometimes. The rejection, losses, and not knowing when your next gig is can take a toll on you. I can honestly say I almost quit back in 2020/21. I was dejected. Most people probably were struggling mentally, and I was right there. I even wrote a song about it. (I am not a musician, just a rookie guitar player.) I prayed on it, and thought long and hard about what was my next pursuit. No joke, I get an audition that week that I end up booking and being one of my most fun and prominent gigs to date. It ended up being for “The Re-Education of Molly Singer” that ended up on Amazon Prime! I got to work on a LIONSGATE film! What a dream come true. That job definitely re invigorated me to keep going. And I am glad it did! Since then I have worked on a variety of other films, and met a lot of amazing creators along the way!
I think what sets me apart from others is having my “WHY” that drives me to keep going. I have a beautiful wife and daughter, and everything I do is for them! They are first priority, but having them also makes me want to do the best I can in everything I do. I also know that this career pursuit is a journey, and taking it day by day has helped.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I have had some great teachers and mentors along the way. We also have an abundance of access to so many things these days with the technology to film our own stuff, youtube for learning anything, and social media to connect with others on this journey.
I think what has worked for me was just getting out there and meeting others. Attending events can, taking classes, going to new places, can help you meet others in your industry. You never know what can happen just by showing up.
I went to a networking event in Charleston for creators a little while back at Edmunds Oast. Initially, I really didn’t want to go, so I dragged one of my lifelong friends with me, and we got in the car and went. It ended up being so much fun. We met a bunch of people, and had a good time. Right at the end as I was walking out, I started talking to a nice gentlemen that I hadn’t got to connect with. It ended up being Adrian Roman, who is now one of my good friends, and has had me in one of his films!
Just show up, be your authentic self, and the rest will work out!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @KLAZZACT
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/andrewklasnic
- Twitter: @klazzact
- Youtube: @AKlasnic
