Conversations with Aaron Kuban

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Kuban.

Hi Aaron, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Grew up in Geneseo, IL and attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Studied at iO West and with various acting coaches throughout the city. Started working in shorts and commercials while developing my skills as a handyperson and studying finance. Larger gigs came such as Jobs, CSI and The Purge. Met my wife and have been happily married for over seven years and blessed with two boys. Used my older boys walk to school to spark my green initiative, Clean Canoga, which helps tidy up the sidewalks and streets in Canoga Park. Currently have three feature films in post production: Spinescam, God is Good and A Good Fight. Currently in the process of starting my own production company.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think many roads are smooth, specifically for those who choose or have been chosen for entertainment. I remember I used to live in a small studio that didn’t allow tenants to have A/C and portable units didn’t work cause they would trip the breakers. My apartment would regularly reach over 100 degrees in the summer months. Not easy to sleep in that. That said, I don’t think it’s best to focus or dwell on such things cause that’ll wear someone down quickly. I did have a rough go about it, when I had both boys in diapers and both under two years old. I don’t think I got a solid night of sleep for years. To this day, most of my auditions are done once my boys go to sleep for the night. You figure it out. Challenges are nothing more than good stories to tell later on, as demonstrated right now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In terms of specializing, I’m cautious about it. I sometimes see that as being restrictive and putting yourself in a box. I love doing tri-cam comedies in front of a live audience where I can feel the energy of the laughs. At the same time, there’s nothing better than a small indie set, where everyone’s heart and soul is going into the project. I’ve also hosted and done voiceover jobs that are extremely fulfilling. I was the voice of Ren in Oxenfree and it was amazing. I also did a short called, “Guide,” which centers around a blind man who has to come to terms with putting down his seeing eye dog of eight years. Pretty gut wrenching. The differences in gigs I’ve done and have been a part of is really the best part of my career. Really, any job I’ve done where someone approaches me and discusses how it effected them or why is great, I’m proud of that. I mean that’s what it’s all about, right? A Good Fight will be something I’m probably remembered for, I think that comes out next year. I flew myself to New York for that audition. I guess that would set me apart from other actors, the willingness to do something like that and invest and risk for a project before you know much about it. I’d read the script though and knew I was the best person for it. So for me I didn’t see it as something risky. I guess when I set out to accomplish something I just stick with it, and do whatever I can to make it happen.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Oh, I like this one. I’ve got several for you. One, I’m a pretty avid motorcylist and have been since I was a child. I’ve currently got a Kawasaki Vulcan and take it northwest of the city, out into citrus country. It’s so beautiful out there. I get to be alone with my thoughts when I’m riding. It’s my therapy. I’m also decent at the mechanics of it, having gotten a motorcycle of my fathers up and running in my teenage years. And the friendships I’ve made just by being a biker are some of the most fulfilling and longest I’ve had in my life.
Two, I lived in Malta for six months in my early twenties. I place it in the top five life changing events that has happened to me. The ability to experience being a half a world away for that long that young, it just seems like I had won the lottery. I learned so much about myself and I credit that journey to shaping and solidifying who and what I wanted to be and do with my life.
Three, I adore making apple pie. We have a Beverly apple tree in our yard and it just so happens to have the absolute best combination of sweet and sour that’s perfect for pies. I use very little sugar because it all starts with your apples. I think my record is around fifteen or eighteen pies in a season. My wife and kids love them which is great they give the stamp of approval, but friends and family look forward to them now, which is just so heart warming. It’s that time of year so look out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3329680/
• Instagram: aaronkuban
• Facebook: Aaron Kuban