Conversations with KJ Alfrey

Today we’d like to introduce you to KJ Alfrey.

Hi KJ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always played it safe growing up. I was a chronic people-pleaser with my family and friends. This was my go-to survival technique. I didn’t understand how everyone was so okay with life, and I just wasn’t.

When I found dancing, singing, and theater as a kid, I had found my safe and fun space. It was the only thing that made sense to me in a world that was extremely confusing and scary for me.

I wanted to move straight into Los Angeles after graduating high school, but I went to college instead and graduated, majoring in Theatre and Literature.

When I finally made it to Los Angeles, I had so much doubt and everyone else’s voices in my head that I couldn’t and shouldn’t try to be an actor. I was so consumed by what everyone else thought and so scared that I never even went on one audition when I first moved to LA.

I settled for working behind the scenes and in post-production and it was a wonderful safety net for me. I had a great career working at a lot of studios and producing, editing, marketing and working posts for all of my favorite TV shows and films.

But I still felt empty and not fulfilled. I came very close to killing myself with alcohol. It got really, really bad over time and it was my only source of comforter to get me through life.

I was able to find support, help and an easier, softer way however. Instead of death by alcohol, I was able to ask for help and choose life. Because I had no choice – it came down to death or living in a way that mattered to me, where I was okay.

It’s taken a lot of work, and there’s still more work to be done. But because of taking that leap of faith to get my own house in order and concentrate on my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being, I’ve been able to cultivate a life that I love today.

I’ve become SAG. I’d gotten an agent and representation. I’ve been a part of productions in such beautiful, creative ways. All in less than two years. I am forever humbled and grateful.

I’ve been acting in this industry in tv and films like I have always wanted to do. The people I have had the honor of meeting and working with have made all of the difference.

Because of learning how to accept myself and the world around me – I have been able to tap into amazing creative resources I have always had within me and share that with others.

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?
The biggest struggles have been myself getting in my own way. I have to make a real effort not to fall into the trap of compare and despair with others.

Getting and staying sober was the start of me being able to move forward on my creative path and pursue acting. I work on my mental, emotional, and spiritual health daily so that I can live in a way that is useful today and share my creativity.

Having created a strong and healthy foundation of taking care of myself and helping others has made all of the difference.

I find when I focus on what I’m bringing to the table and collaborating with others, magic happens. I get to act today, write today, and create stories with others, and that fills my soul in a way that encourages me not to fall back into self-harm or self-sabotage.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist and creative today. I have been in tv shows like ‘Love, Victor’ on Disney+ and Hulu, as well as “The After Party” on Apple TV.

I had the privilege of being in “Body Count: Vindication”, which was a dream of mine, finally being in an indie horror. I also am grateful that I got to break new emotional depth and heights in the dramatic thriller, “Goodnight Darling”.

I still take classes with Sandra De Sousa at Bernard Hiller Studio, Sal Landi at The Actorhood, Improv at The Groundlings, and Comedy at Flappers Comedy Club.

I recently have embarked on doing stand-up comedy and that is something I never dreamed I would be doing. But today I have faith and show up and allow my creativity to take me wherever it wants to go. I am so excited to see what is in store next for me and the people I get to work with creating and telling stories!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just go for it. Try not to let anyone get in your head. Listen to your own voice and heart. A lot of people out there have a lot of opinions. The freedom found in just being yourself and taking your own path made all the difference for me.

There is no one right way to do things. There is no set scheme or plan to get you to wherever. Everyone’s path and experience is all unique.

Immerse yourself in the creative community. Take classes, join writer’s groups, talk to other creatives, and listen to their stories. Connecting with other creatives has been the cornerstone of my acting career.

The main Magic lives simple in the powerful act of just showing up.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.kjalfrey.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kjalfrey?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.alfrey?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyalfrey/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kjalfrey/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/aUKXTv1U8sg
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14431532/

Image Credits
Jennifer Nangle Jennifer Nangle Chad Smart Devyn Knowles Jassie Headshots Getty Images Jassie Headshots