Meet Chrissy Bergeron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissy Bergeron.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Native to Boston, MA, I grew up an aspiring dancer. I graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York then earned my BA in Theater Arts from The University of Massachusetts. I shuttled between New York and Boston stages in productions of “The Women”, “The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie”and “Joey & Maria’s Wedding” which have won highlights in Arts & Leisure, The Chronicle and New York Magazine.

Some friends and I migrated west for the summer. When we landed in San Diego, we were in paradise with the palm trees and beautiful beaches. Eventually, my friends got homesick, but I had just signed with a talent agent. Soon I was cast as Chrissie in the production of “Dancing at Lughnasa”. Not only did the name suit me, but the role required extensive dance experience and learning to master the Irish Brogue. This was right up my alley so I decided to stay indefinitely. I eventually moved to Los Angeles to co-star with Kavi Raz in the feature film “A Storm in The Afternoon”.

Being on stage reaps the rewards of a live audience, but being on screen narrates the story in a permanent way. It goes out in the world and stays long after the filmmakers and actors are gone. That’s what inspires me everyday working in film and tv.

The vibe of Los Angeles is like no other, and I am proud to call it my home. I met my husband here and we are blessed to have a beautiful girl. I often recruit my family for virtual auditions. We have actually booked print and commercial work. I guess one silver lining that 2020 has brought is having more quality time with family at home.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been struggles both emotionally and physically on my journey. The first few years living in Los Angeles wasn’t all sunshine. Being from the east coast, I was used to my daily walk to Dunkin’ Donuts on my way to the public transportation in the weather of four seasons. It was challenging getting used to having to drive in traffic for hours while getting lost. It was tough to find survival jobs that would supplement my expenses. It took a long time to find sincere, genuine friends. I’m sure most people coming to Hollywood will find it difficult. Staying focussed on your goals and surrounding yourself with team players, and eventually, you find your people. I have amazing friends now who have also uprooted from their homes. We watch our kids grow up together and celebrate holidays. I call them my “Westie Besties”.

In my earlier life, when my parents went through a divorce, my siblings and I got separated and my life changed dramatically. My dream of being a dancer was crushed and I had no focus. As I got older, my dad encouraged me to go back to dance. He would leave work early so he could drive me to my classes every week. It was a win-win for me. I was thrilled to see my dad on a weekday while I got to go back to dance classes. I continued classes until I was an adult.

My dance career was interrupted once again when I was diagnosed with a spinal disorder called Spondylolisthesis. I avoided surgery for years by minimizing all physical activity and wearing a cumbersome back brace. When it didn’t seem to improve, the orthopedic surgeon warned me opting for surgery, there would be a 50/50 chance of never walking again. Because the pain was so bad, I took the risk of a spinal fusion. Thanks to great physical rehabilitation, avid yoga classes and deep self reflections, I made a full recovery. Eventually my focus went to professional acting roles. I still keep one foot in the dance world with various projects. Although I am no longer considered a “Triple Threat” I can still dance the night away!

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I embrace playing complex characters like the mother fighting for her daughter, a victim of a sex trafficker in “The Determined Heart”, or the quirky Judy Potwin, who uses wacky ways to keep the peace between her conservative husband, played by Kevin Sorbo, and his progressive father, played by Barry Bostwick in the series “The World According to Billy Potwin”.

I am co-producing “The Stooge” written by Christopher Priest. On the heels of his film “The Prestige”. Robert Picardo stars in the film. Look for my tap dance cameo in “The Stooge” (Now streaming on ShortsTV or Direct TV Channel 573).

I also produce independent films about the underserved. The film “808” exposes the effects of corporate corruption on a small Hawaiian community (Winner -Best Suspense, Marina DelRey Film Festival, 2020). The film “Lupita” reveals the impact of a child who gets separated from from her immigrant mother. (Winner-Best Indie Film LACA, 2020). I penned and produced “A Work Of Heart’ about a girl who befriends a homeless woman and formulates a plan to get her off the streets. I earned a Best Director nomination (Out of the Can International Film Festival 2019).

What were you like growing up?
I was quiet as a kid. I started dance and acrobats at age six. I liked imitating dialects and accents at a young age (very annoying to family and friends). Growing up in a working class neighborhood, I was surrounded by a wealth of eclectic characters. For example, my neighbor, Clara, was about fifty years old and would sit outside on her stoop, seven days a week, rain or shine, with a piping hot black cup of coffee in one hand and a pack of Virginia Slims in the other. She was the neighbor who took an inventory of everything about everyone, and when they walked away, she would spill it all to the rest of us. So if a breakdown calls for a nosey neighbor, I tap into Clara on that stoop.

I was instantly drawn to all aspects of the stage. I have worked backstage in costumes, set dressing and stage management but eventually focused on acting. I learned from my acting teachers that using real people create authentic characters; rather than stereotypes. I still use life studies for my character development in each role. Lookout, you might be my next life study.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” – Albert Einstein.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ChrissyBergeron.com

Image Credit:
Robert Kazandjian Photography

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