Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Hedins
Hi Krista, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Iceland and moved to Los Angeles in May 2021 to attend film school. I have loved performing pretty much since I was born, I remember putting up different shows and plays for my dad in the living room as a kid. He was probably tired of it but he never showed it.
I did some school plays and took some extra acting classes in school but I never really thought I’d be able to make it into an actual career living in Iceland. I had kind of just accepted the fact that I wouldn’t be able to do it and took a break to explore other options for my life. Unfortunately, I couldn’t think of anything else that truly resonated with me.
Then in early 2019 I decided to go backpacking around the world to try to find myself I guess. I backpacked for about three months and one of my last stops was Los Angeles. I remember being there and saying. that I could totally see myself living there but, like all vacations, this one had to come to an end and I returned home without a clear path. To keep pace with my friends who were in school I decided to start studying business at the University of Iceland.
Then, during my second semester, COVID-19 hit, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading me to realise my true passion for acting and how much I hated business school, so I quit.
I started looking up acting schools and film schools around the world and finally landed on a film school in Los Angeles. I decided I wanted to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film with an emphasis on acting.
I finally started film school in September 2020 but since the whole world was in lockdown I did my first year online from Iceland. Because of the time difference I was attending most of my classes at midnight which was pretty weird but totally worth it. Then in May 2021 I was allowed to move to LA and able to start in-person classes which was amazing.
As an international student you’re not allowed to work in the US unless you get a work authorisation and in February 2023 I finally received a work authorisation so I started acting part-time while I was in school. Then in May 2024 I graduated and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and have since been working full-time as an actress, a pursuit that I absolutely adore.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have definitely hit some roadblocks on the way and it has been anything but a smooth road haha.
When I moved here I had only been to LA once and I moved here completely alone and didn’t know anyone. Because I’m not from here I didn’t have a credit score or anyone to co-sign a lease for me so it was really hard to find a place to live when I first moved and student housing was way too expensive for me so I ended up living in a longterm hostel for the first five moths of living in LA, until I was able to sign a lease for an apartment with a friend that I met at the hostel.
School in the US is also very expensive so I had to take student loans from Iceland but unfortunately the student loans don’t always fully cover everything you need and getting by on just the loans without being able to work in the US was very hard sometimes. Thankfully I was granted a work authorisation in 2023 and was able to work part-time which helped tremendously.
Other struggles are also just being all alone in a new country where you don’t know anyone. It was hard in the beginning and I missed my family and friends a lot but I’m so happy to be here now and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I still miss my family and friends but I don’t really get homesick anymore because LA is my home now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actress primarily known for my work in film and television. My specialisation lies in character-driven performances, where I delve deeply into the emotional and psychological aspects of the roles I portray. I am particularly drawn to projects that challenge traditional narratives and explore complex themes, which allows me to create authentic and relatable characters.
I take immense pride in my ability to immerse myself in a role fully, bringing a unique perspective to each character I portray. One of my proudest achievements has been my recent performance in an independent action feature film that will be released in 2025. This project not only pushed me creatively but also reinforced my commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences on a personal level.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my diverse background and life experiences, which inform my acting choices. Having grown up in Iceland and then pursued my dreams in Los Angeles, I bring a blend of cultural influences and resilience to my work. Additionally, my dedication to continuous learning and my approach to collaboration on set contribute to a creative environment where innovative storytelling can thrive. I believe that every role is an opportunity to connect with audiences and spark meaningful conversations, and that drives my passion for acting
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I owe a great deal to my teachers and mentors in film school, mainly Julie and Napoleon. They not only provided me with valuable technical skills but also helped me cultivate my artistic voice. Their constructive feedback and guidance were instrumental in refining my craft and finding my unique style as an actress.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my mentors is the importance of vulnerability in performance. They taught me that to connect authentically with an audience, an actor must be willing to embrace their own emotions and experiences. This lesson has profoundly impacted my approach to acting, encouraging me to dig deeper into my own vulnerabilities and use them as a source of strength in my performances.
My mentors also emphasised the significance of perseverance in the face of challenges. They shared their own experiences of setbacks and failures, highlighting how resilience can lead to growth. This perspective has helped me navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry with a more positive mindset, reminding me that each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and evolve.
Their guidance instilled in me the understanding that success in acting is not just about talent, but also about authenticity, hard work, and the courage to be true to oneself. This lesson continues to shape my artistic journey, both on and off the screen.
Moreover, I have been fortunate to connect with talented peers and collaborators in the industry. My teammates in various productions have inspired me with their creativity and dedication, fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and exploration. Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in shaping my career, and I am truly grateful for their invaluable contributions.
My family, friends and partner have played an instrumental role in supporting my acting career in numerous ways. During times of self-doubt or uncertainty, they have offered invaluable guidance and perspective. They have reassured me that pursuing my passion is worthwhile, reminding me of my strengths and abilities when I needed it most. Their unwavering belief in me has been a source of motivation and a reminder of why I chose this path in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristahedins.godaddysites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristahedinsss/
