Today we’d like to introduce you to Kian Kavousi.
Hi Kian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I am an actor born in a town south of Germany. As a child, I was initially trained in piano and violin. My first steps into acting, however, came a few years later when I was enrolled in local theater classes.
In high school, auditions were held for the annual theater production. Curious, I decided to sign up for it and to audition and ended up being cast. It was a very pivotal moment for me. Seeing the audience laugh and cry and how they reacted over the three-night run made me realize the impact and fulfillment I could have through acting. It quickly gave me a sense of direction and affirmed my purpose in life. I knew that acting was what I truly desired to do.
I attended the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York. While deepening my acting knowledge, I jumped on every audition opportunity that I could. I began making the rounds and went from one casting office to the next through the cold, snowy streets of the city. I knocked on every door and submitted for any possible part. My commitment and continuous pursuit for outstanding results motivated me to keep going. Over time, I landed roles in films that were accepted into reputable film festivals. Building on the momentum of those achievements, I was thrilled when I was additionally cast in major theater and Off-Broadway productions.
I received a call that I booked a role for a project filming in Los Angeles. So, I made a bold choice and moved out overnight and flew to LA. As I booked more demanding roles, I realized that my extensive training had prepared me well to build those challenging characters. I found true joy in embracing every stretch. Soon, it led me to book a role on the globally acclaimed TV series “The Chosen,“ which became a sensation and built a devoted and passionate fanbase.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In life, there are aspects we cannot influence or control, yet we often blame outside circumstances for the obstacles in our way. However, over time, I realized that many of my obstacles stemmed from my own limiting beliefs and mindset. Once I understood that my contributions and what I had to offer held value, I immediately began to shift my perspective entirely.
For instance, early on, I learned that auditions didn’t define me as a person. Once I stopped trying to please but instead tried to help the casting directors by bringing my own perspective to a role, things began to change. I took bigger risks and listened carefully to adjustments. Usually at this point, what happens next is out of control, but I always tried or knew I had given my best.
Obstacles can be seen as new opportunities rather than an end to a situation or a path. I realized that where I was in life reflected the effort I had put in. So, I knew I had to keep improving and moving and being ready for the right moments. You want to be prepared and not miss chances that come your way. There’s no formula for success, but you can make your own luck by creating opportunities through hard work. What matters most is persevering through discomfort and not losing hope – that’s part of the process. Without pushing into the uncomfortable, there is no forward movement or growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Acting has been a central part of who I am. I’ve had the chance to embark on many exciting and new journeys that have led me to grow in profound ways. They gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other talented and well-known actors and directors. Over the course of my career, I’ve been honored and privileged to work on successful projects in theater, film and television. A number of those projects were selected for film festivals worldwide and went on to win awards across various categories.
Some of the theater and Off-Broadway productions I starred in were “The Defendant Maurice Chevalier,” “Professionals” and “Art.” In film, I was cast in “Sarah Is Not Her Name,” “The Big Apple,” “The Last Chance,” and “1st Born,” which are a few of the films I was cast in and worked on. Another projects that I am very proud of is the TV series “The Chosen,” now streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up was an adventure. According to my parents, I was very stubborn when it was time for bed. I would secretly sneak out to play instead. At some point, I discovered the VHS recorder and got my hands on different tapes. Nearly every night, I would put in a different movie, not knowing what it was. They offered an adventurous escape, and I used them as a getaway to different realities. In the following days, these stories and ideas would influence me, making me wonder if I, too, could create and do something similar. So, my friends and I began meeting regularly to make little film projects with a handheld camera, asking our parents for money to buy more film and storage cards.
Later in life, I decided to traveled a lot. I was always curious about the unknown and everything I haven’t seen yet. All the impressions I gained, and lessons I encountered ultimately shaped me as a human and were invaluable for my future path as an actor. I enjoyed observing and learning from people, as every individual is fascinating in their own way. I also decided to complete a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science degree.
Having grown up inspired by so many memorable characters and scenes, I felt the desire to pursue the craft of acting and decided I would have to go down that path. So, I fully dedicated myself, driven to achieve something as great as the performers I admired.
The real joy in my life comes from the close relationships I share with my family and friends, and I fuel my creativity by collaborating with other great actors and filmmakers.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kian.kavousi
