Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Lin.
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?
I was born in San Diego to an immigrant Taiwanese mother and American father, though I was raised only by my mother who worked extremely hard and had multiple jobs to put me through school. We spoke both Mandarin and English at home, and I’m thankful to be close to my Taiwanese heritage. I moved to Los Angeles to both attend college and compete in the hip hop crew scene here. It was hard balancing my pre-med Psychology and Neuroscience major while also being on the renowned GRV Dance Crew. We won tons of titles but the hardcore schedule I was on took a toll on my body, and during one of my practices, I severely injured my back. After being briefly paralyzed but then able to make a full recovery, I finished getting my degree and realized I needed to make a shift in my life. I turned away from med school after admitting to myself that I would be a useless doctor (I love helping people, but don’t put ANY needles around me), and I felt an overwhelming need to express myself creatively. So, I found acting, and then eventually, voice acting.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I could sing praises to what I’ve been able to accomplish, but I think it’s important to first acknowledge that being an artist is HARD. I juggled babysitting, tutoring, bartending, being a personal assistant, teaching dance classes privately and in schools, going to UCLA grad school for acting for the camera, and a bunch of other odd jobs to have the funds I needed to pursue the career of an artist until I was able to start supporting myself on my acting, VO work, and dance gigs alone. Not to mention having some semblance of a social life, adequate sleep, and self-care because I’m still human and your career cannot be your entire existence. As anyone who is in the business knows, there are many expenses required of us and we just have to make it work. I have so much respect for all the other artists out there who are putting in the time and dedication everyday to make it happen for them. I’ve gotten jobs and lost them. I’ve been told cruel things by other people who work in the industry about my looks and talent. I’ve had people try to and succeed in taking advantage of me, my talent, and my trust. I’ve had opportunities dangled in front of me only to be taken away and planted seeds that never came to fruition. But honestly, that’s all a part of this journey. I always stay true to myself, and I acknowledge it’s okay to make mistakes. You can’t take anything too personally. If you have positivity, resilience, and a great support system, you can really make it through anything. It’s true what they say – when one door closes another opens. And you have to have the guts to run to those openings!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a VO artist, an actor, and a dance teacher. I know these things span a bit, but at the root of it all is creativity. I love to creatively express myself, share that expression with others, and help others find their own expressions in their creativity. If I can make you laugh or cry in a session, or make you feel connected to something, then I accomplished what I set out to do. As far as my VO career goes, career highlights include commercials for CoveredCa, the Government of CA, Coors, and BarkThins, video games such as Secret Life of Manna, Shadowverse and Ortega, and some animation shows that have not been released yet, but I am so excited to announce as they come out in the next year. I am also the host of a few Nickelodeon YouTube segments (Ship it Or Sink, Tier List), and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with some organizations I care about including Friends of Children. Last year, The Barefoot Spirit, an audiobook I played several characters in was nominated at the 2020 Audie Finals. Also, a feature film trailer I dubbed CEMACEMAS is in the process of being fully produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Taiwan.
For on camera work, I’ve been in several commercials (including Xbox, Amp Energy), web series, and TV shows (My Crazy Ex, Snapped! She Made Me Do It). I produce short films on occasion as well. I’ve been able to dance in several music videos (Lowes Moore III, Viennie V) and dance in commercials for Target and Career Builder. I also teach privately throughout the Los Angeles area. You can view more of my work on my website www.thecourtneylin.com. I’ve had the opportunity to train under the most incredible people owe a lot of my success to what others have taught me over the years. And in all that I’ve been able to learn from others, I also like to give back as well. Having a core community around you and spreading love is what is going to keep the artist community strong. Also, many thanks to my mother, who has been with me through it all.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Outside of my career, I love to box and kickbox and had the opportunity to fight in a local competition a couple of years ago. I’m excited to go back to that once the pandemic is less crazy. Also, I’m an elite reviewer on Yelp. I love eating out and making restaurant recommendations to people. Food is a huge passion of mine! Who doesn’t like to eat?
Contact Info:
- Email: bookme@thecourtneylin.com
- Website: www.thecourtneylin.com
- Instagram: @thecourtneylin
- Twitter: @thecourtneylin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=n0-UByYRadThzgBtB1a6eQ
Image Credits:
Vanie Poyey Photography Alejandra Mendez Designs
