Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Rector.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started working as a Tour Guide at Universal Studios when my family first moved to California from Michigan. I was in Play Production in High School and competed in drama competitions graduating from Taft High School in Woodland Hills. I then went to Valley College and eventually graduated from Moorpark College with a degree in Speech and Telecommunications.
I was starring in the school plays, writing, directing and producing my own projects and I was recruited by the Moorpark Speech Team where I became a State and National Speech Champion. After graduation, I got an agent and started out modeling and doing commercials. I then started getting television and film work. Then I started writing, directing and producing my own award-winning films. I currently have over 150 roles in television and motion pictures. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside such stars as Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Michael Douglas, Tom Cruise, Richard Gere, Patrick Stewart, Daryl Hannah and Jean-Claude Van Damme to name a few. I currently have a science fiction film with Tom Arnold (“True Lies”) coming out this year along with a Christmas movie with Sean Astin (“Lord of the Rings”). I’m also executive producing, writing and directing a Christian Project with actor/director Kevin Sorbo called “L.I.G.H.T. (Living In God’s Hands Today). You can see all of my credits on my IMDB Page. https://www.imdb.com/
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A career in Hollywood certainly has its ups and downs. Some years are a lot better than others, but it evens out over time if you stick with it. Advice to other actors out there, keep some money put away for a rainy day. When I was younger, my twin brother and I got a ton of work as identical twins. Unfortunately, if it wasn’t a twin job, we’d sometimes have to actually compete against each other for a single job. I used to joke, “That’s all I need in Hollywood is another actor that looks like me!” Other challenges can include when any part of the industry goes on strike, Hollywood basically grinds to a halt and it’s hard on everybody. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen too often. But no matter what the struggle, no matter what the obstacles are in your path, you have to steer around them and keep moving forward. You have to have continued persistence and perseverance above all else. That’s what it takes to make it. My favorite quote is, “You can do and be anything you want in this world. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a hyphenate, I’m fortunate to be able to do a lot of things creatively including stand-up comedy. Whether you’re an actor, dancer, singer, comedian or filmmaker, we’re all artists. My newest creative title is best-selling author. My book, “I was a Playboy Rabbit and other Adventures” chronicles the five-year period I lived in New York City and worked for Hugh Hefner and Playboy Enterprises. I was hired as a “Rabbit”, the male version of a Playboy Bunny. Sure, it was a glorified waiter’s job, but the NYC Playboy Empire Club was THE PLACE TO WORK. I was a celebrity overnight and was in Playboy Magazine, Newsweek, People Magazine and many others. We were basically payed to party every night and I also got invited to the iconic Playboy Mansion. The book also covers my time working with Charlie Sheen in Oliver Stone’s film “Wall Street” and Tom Cruise in Roger Donalsdon’s film, “Cocktail”. I then moved back to California and that’s when my career really took off. It’s a really fun read, with a lot of inspirational tips and guidance about making it in Hollywood. You can get my book here. https://www.amazon.com/
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Performing makes me happy. Whether it’s for a live crowd on stage as an actor or a comedian. I love the gratification of entertaining people. I always have. I also love being at a screening or premiere of one of my movies and listening and watching the audience’s response. It’s then that I know I did my job right. Some actors that I know hate to watch themselves on screen or on television. I don’t get it. I thought that’s why we do what we do. Not only for the audience but for ourselves. I also love playing the guitar and singing karaoke. There is also a rock star in me that needs to get out once in a while and belt out songs from Journey to Elton John to Pink Floyd. I’m doing what I love, I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. I also like to play tennis, golf and snow ski. My final advice. Follow your dreams! Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them!” Good luck and God Bless.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeffrector.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.rector/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvPOLHf8b4aXnSzff8ml4vA
