We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsey Hewlett. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kelsey, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Marriage! I married my husband in beautiful Topanga Canyon just under two years ago. I never could have anticipated the joy and safety I feel in having a partner for all of life’s adventures. I grew up as an only child, and I’ve always been stubbornly independent. Allowing myself to fully trust this wonderful, silly, smart, gentle, and faithful person (who somehow adores me) is the best thing I’ve ever done.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actor in Los Angeles, and I moved here from Oklahoma about fifteen years ago. I studied at the Groundlings Theatre and started my work in film, television, and commercial performances. In 2015, I also began working as a stand-up comedian with performances at The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The Ice House, and Flappers Comedy Club. I have found that everything I have learned about acting has made me a better comedian, and everything I have learned about comedy has made me a better actor. I am so grateful for this career path because no matter how much the world changes or how much technology evolves, the world will always need artists to remind us of our humanity.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
One of the most valuable experiences I have had as an actor was an internship with Oklahoma’s leading casting director during my senior year of college. Learning how perspectives and opinions are formed about auditioning actors from the other side of the camera really changed my approach to my work. There are some basic things an actor can do that matter a lot– like being on time and being prepared, for example. But there is so much more to the audition than that. Your audition begins the moment you walk in the room, not once you start your line reading. Being fully present and responsive to the line reader, even if their delivery isn’t what you expected, is pivotal. Graciously accepting feedback and allowing your second reading to be influenced by redirection rather than doggedly adhering to exactly what you prepared can make or break your audition. Further, sometimes an actor will deliver a performance that is truly captivating, but that actor is simply not the right fit for the part. This is why it’s so important to always have a goal of “booking the room” rather than just booking the role: deliver a performance so thoughtful and moving that the casting director will bring you back to audition over and over again.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I have always carried anxiety to some degree. It’s typically low-grade and manageable, but depending on the situation, I can really start spiraling. I like to be in the driver’s seat, but there are so many things that are simply not mine to control. The best advice I ever received is “do the next appropriate thing.” I won’t always be able to plan ten steps ahead as I would like, but staying frozen in fear is never the right choice. There will always be a “next appropriate thing,” and taking one step at a time is the best that I can do.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think the entertainment industry as a whole incentivizes dehumanizing itself. Art has become “content” and the essence of who you are as a person has become your “brand.” Both of these industry terms are a huge ick for me. And if talent and training won’t get you opportunities, a huge social media following will. While these trends are discouraging, the most productive thing I can do is to recenter myself and focus on why I chose this career path from the beginning– I am deeply interested in human behavior, empathy, and collaborative storytelling. This is what feeds my soul, and I will continue to do it for as long as I am able.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As a person of faith, I believe all of our biggest joys await us in heaven. I’m not particularly concerned about any particular legacy on earth. I guess the best I can hope for is that when I’m gone, people will say, “Kelsey was kind, and she made me believe I am worthy, capable, and loved.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kelseyhewlett.com
- Other: https://imdb.me/kelsey.hewlett
Image Credits
Dana Patrick
James DePietro
Joanna DeGeneres
Karl Verkade
