Meet Sean Bolger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Bolger.

Sean, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story began very much by accident. I was living in Chicago working in finance. At the time, the plan was to go on to law school in a few years.

On weekends I would go out in search of entertainment. Chicago being the hotbed of theatre and improv that it is, I started seeing a lot of shows. Through this I ended up falling backwards into an audition for, of all things, a musical. I figured, why not, what’s the worse that could happen?

A few weeks later, I was in my first rehearsal. During the run of my first show, I had a moment where I felt I had stumbled into what I was made to do. Halfway through the run, I was asked to audition for a different show. Again, I booked the job. This is how it started. I went from show to show to show, and the trajectory of my life changed. It felt like this was what I was supposed to be doing.

After a few years of straddling both finance and theatre, I took the leap and began pursuing acting in earnest. When you choose this path, you inevitably think of two destinations – New York or Los Angeles. I chose LA. My decision was based mostly on my love of film, but was also influenced by my love of the outdoors and all that LA has to offer in both of these venues.

What got me to this point was persistence and the support of a lot of people. I could say I made a goal and moved toward it, letting nothing get in my way. But that wouldn’t be totally true. Friends and family have been with me every step, supporting me in what I am doing. Without them, I would not still be here. Period. And I have been fortunate enough to make new friends and allies along the way. Not least of which is my Manager, Maritza Cabrera, who submitted my name for my “Inspiring Story”.

Anyone who is reading this and has the thought “this is the thing I am made to do” – whatever that is – do it! Don’t put it off. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t squelch that voice. Just do it. It may not work out, and it definitely won’t work out the way you think it will. But it will be the best decision you have ever made in your life. At least, that’s how it’s played out for me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes – smooth roads and struggles in equal proportion. When I started acting, I booked my first half dozen auditions. Same thing happened when I moved to Los Angles. Smooth. But then came the stretches of time when I couldn’t buy an audition. Struggles.

When I moved to LA, I came out with a day job and a place to stay. Smooth. Within in six months of moving both of those things went away and I had to start from scratch. Struggles. But that’s the deal, and not just with acting. That’s life.

I will say the biggest struggle I faced was getting situated in Los Angeles. I spent my entire life in Chicago. I had no idea how deep my roots ran until I cut them and tried to set down new roots in la-la. Moving here has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced. But it has also been the most rewarding.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Since landing in LA, I have booked dozens of jobs and it’s hard to pick out what I am most proud of. I am proud of them all in one way or another. A couple stand-out jobs would be my NBC show that just aired, The InBetween, and working with David Lynch on Twin Peaks.

I had been a fan of David’s work my entire life. To actually sit with him on set while he blocks and lights a scene? Being able to watch it all happen and be part of the process? It was a bit of a dream come true.

And with The InBetween, I had more screen time and opportunity to work than anything I had done before. I got do everything an actor wants: monologues, scene work, even an origin story episode. It was an amazing run.

What I am currently focused on is the next thing, the next job. As an actor, this is always what you return to.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I feel success is a moving target. Once you take down one success milestone, there will be another beyond it. But am I holding myself to higher standards over time and maintaining them? Am I accomplishing goals I have set, personal, professional and otherwise? Am I truly living the life I want? These things to me define true success.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sjbolger.com
• Instagram: @theseanbolger
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sean.bolger.54
• Twitter: @Sean_Bolger5
• Other: imdb.me/seanbolger

Image Credit:
Kane Lieu – photo of me in red and blue checked shirt.

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