Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Rodstrom.
Hi Rick, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I got my start in television as a stunt double for Sonny Bono, with the help of my sister and brother-in-law; doing fancy basketball stunts on the fifth season premiere of “Fantasy Island”. This opportunity made me change my educational direction to the performing arts. After that role, I attended San Diego State University; performing at the Don Powell Theatre in the play “The Indictment”. That production was directed by the famous television, film, and stage producer: Paul Gregory; and I had other acting opportunities in other productions at that time as well.
During that time, I met commercial photographer Greg Smith; where I became Mr. Smith’s studio representative and later studio manager. Together, we produced several popular exotic car posters and calendars featuring models from Los Angeles. Then, I started modeling in Mr. Smith’s projects. I was signed with one talent agent, but I wanted more representation.
In a short period of time, I was fortunate to have signed with five talent agencies in San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs, Palos Verdes, and Los Angeles for jobs in print, ramp, commercials, television, and film.
I received my Screen Actors Guild (SAG) / American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) card in Hollywood. This is the union all professional actors and actresses must join to be considered for acting and broadcasting roles in film, television, and radio.
I continued to study; taking film and commercial acting classes for over two and a half years. My method of film acting is the Sanford Meisner technique. I auditioned for soap operas in Hollywood, including “Knots Landing”. I was very close to being cast in the lead role on “General Hospital”, replacing actor/rock star Rick Springfield after he left that soap.
The lead role also consisted of a thirteen-city tour, performing with a band. I had my own garage band, at the time, called: “KAOS”. The band was named after the “Get Smart” television shows’ evil nemesis organization. Our drummer, Kris Lettow, and myself formed the band after high school and co-wrote the song: “La Mesa Growin’ Up”; about our hometown, which made the airwaves.
The talent agents really helped me obtain work as an actor in Southern California. My additional acting credits include the TV series’ Rescue 911 and America’s Most Wanted. Film: A Time of Destiny with Timothy Hutton and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. I have lead roles in Dinner in the Round and Norjack, both now making the film festival circuit. Also, I’ve performed in the music video “Wipe Out”, with the Beach Boys (Lorimar Productions).
My resume includes industrial films for Honda and other fine corporations.
For fashion credits; I have worked with: Jack in the Box, the U.S. Navy, J.C. Penny, Toshiba, Red Lion Hotels, and many other great companies.
My agents continued booking me for local and national campaigns representing car dealerships, manufacturers, and healthcare organizations.
I decided to have a family and put my career on hold. I was married and have two beautiful children. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing) degree at National University and graduated cum laude.
I divorced in 2013, unfortunately. When my children were older, I continued my career in acting and modeling. In 2017, my long-time friend, Leonard Simpson (Celebrity TV Host and Gala Event Producer) asked me, on the red carpet, at the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival (LJIFFF); would I like to be in his next fashion show. Surprised that he would ask, I agreed and I have had the privilege to be in all of Mr. Simpson’s popular charity and gala events. I credit Leonard with jump-starting my modeling and acting career, for which I am forever grateful.
While volunteering at a charity event, I met director and videographer Howell Kickliter. Since then, I have performed in Mr. Kickliter’s award-nominated short film: “Love in a Lifetime”. Most recently, staring in Mr. Kickliter’s latest film: “Dinner in the Round’; where filming has been completed. An Avant-Garde short film, much in the style of Salvador Dali. Mr. Kickliter tragically passed in 2021. I also have a starring role in the movie “Norjack”, which debuted at the Court Metrage of the Festival De Cannes in France this year.
I met “Norjack” Director Walter Perez at the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival, and he felt I would be a good fit for his character, FBI Agent Hogan; in the film. His script was very exciting; based on a true story. I jumped at the opportunity. I am honored and so appreciative that Walt believed in me and offered me this amazing role. It was a surreal evening watching “Norjack” on the IMAX big screen, with the lovely Heather Hughes, at the TCL Chinese theatre; Hollywood premiere recently.
I have enjoyed working with publisher and producer Yana Sanakina. First, I escorted beauty pageant contestants to the stage in her 2018 and 2019 Miss Russian San Diego Beauty Pageants. Then, I was invited to be the Co-Master of Ceremonies for her wonderful Mrs. Russian California 2020 Beauty Pageant in Redondo Beach, California. In April 2021, I was Co-Master of Ceremonies for her event; Miss Bikini & Mister Fit Competition in beautiful La Jolla, California.
I was also Co-MC of the Miss Europe Continental California 2019 Beauty Pageant in Beverly Hills with celebrity fashionista and dear friend Sonya Berg. I am constantly pursuing my many passions, with the goal of becoming the Master of Ceremonies of the Miss USA and/ or Miss Universe beauty pageants.
I am in the beginning stages of writing, singing, recording, and playing guitar on my first rock album. I will be forming a band and writing original songs for airplay and film scores.
I have goals of becoming the next: James Bond, replacing Daniel Craig’s replacement as well as winning an Academy Award for “Best Actor”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, and that is part of “learning the ropes” of the industry. Persistence and hard work has helped me overcome the struggles I have endured. Finances were a struggle for a while and like many actors and actresses; I obtained a job as a waiter along with other side jobs, to help pay for my film acting classes, head-shots, composite cards, and travel to the many auditions I have been on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As mentioned and described earlier, I have many passions and interests that I am pursuing at this time. I am most proud of my lead role performance in Walter Perez’ “Norjack” film. I believe that what sets me apart from other actors is the reality and emotions I bring to the characters I play. My goal is for the audience to feel something from my performance based on the character I play.
What makes you happy?
What makes me most happy is pursuing my goals and dreams. Nothing and no one will stop me from my pursuit. Many times individuals get wrapped up in their relationships and look for happiness from another person. At times, that person will let them down and with that, they lose control of THEIR path and goals because they are so fixated on that person.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/richard.rodstrom
- Facebook: Rick Rodstrom
- Youtube: @rickrodstromdemoreels
Image Credits
Photographers: Bao Phan Laura Paulson Nolan Dean Soren Odom
