Today, we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Rhyder.
Hi Daniel, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a native of Los Angeles, CA, raised in Santa Monica and the Valley. I knew I wanted to act from a very young age, and even though I was painfully shy, my awesome parents found me classes that were supportive and helped me come out of my shell.
After all of these years, it’s still something I love and will continue to pursue as long as I feel called to it. Writing has also been a great love of mine since I was a teenager, so that has been a wonderful creative outlet for me through the years.
If I’m not creating SOMETHING, whether it’s good or not (and trust me, a lot is NOT), then I feel stuck, and my frenetic energy doesn’t handle stuck very well. My partner and I split time between L.A. and New Orleans, LA.
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?
In my experience, creative career paths (which are really ALL paths) tend to have their difficulties, especially when you are talking about the arts because of their subjectivity to what is perceived as “good” or “worthy.”
I have been blessed with the most incredible support system, starting with my family and growing into the most generous, uplifting, inspiring group of friends and extended family anyone could ask for. So, on those yucky days when it feels hopeless and not worth it, I have these humans I can turn to straighten me out and kick me in the butt.
My prayer life is probably the most significant piece of inner work I can do to stay happy and sane. Without that higher power belief, I truly don’t know where I would be.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I’ve gotten older and moved past the desire for fame or whatever form of validation that I was seeking as a younger person, I’ve really been leaning into using my artistic endeavors for a greater purpose and/ or mission.
And that has nothing to do with ego; I am my biggest critic; it’s more about authentic expression without expectation. I just think there is room for all of us to create and have voices because we are all unique, and everyone has a story to tell. And ALL of the stories deserve to be heard because you never know who needs to hear what you are sharing. My goal right now is to tell stories that matter and that invoke some feeling, whether that be as an actor, writer, producer, or through whatever other medium comes my way.
That’s why I am so open to collaborating with other artists.
And I am especially passionate about LGBTQ+ stories and all humans who feel marginalized or seeking more visibility. I also practice reiki, a form of energy work, and I’ve been doing private sessions for those who are seeking it for a few years, although I think I was instinctively doing a version of it prior to getting certified. I am open to new partnerships if the energy feels right.
I also paint and draw pop art for fun, usually with my nieces when we are in New Orleans. Watching them create brings an immeasurable amount of joy to me.
What’s next?
This year, I have attempted to focus intently and improve upon my spiritual practices: praying, meditation (sometimes our dog Dixie joins me!), chanting, praying, journaling, praying, and lots of praying. Currently,
I’m reading a great book series called “Project 3 6 9” by David Kasneci, which also has meditation and journaling exercises, and I just picked up a copy of “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen, which I’m excited to dive into. Professionally, I’m co-producing and starring in a feature film in Germany at the end of the summer, which I’m very excited about. It’s called “A Perfect Stranger,” and more pre-production info can be found on IMDB.
The past few years have been so strange with the pandemic, writer and actor strikes, etc., so it’s nice to have a project to look forward to. A beautiful short proof of concept film I have a supporting role in, “Come As You Are,” written and directed by LaQuan Lewis, is just beginning the festival circuit this month, and I look forward to the places it will go.
I’m always open to new collaborations as well, with other writers, actors, and creative types looking to make things that matter. I’m pitching my children’s book about animal rescue inspired by our rescue dog, Dixie Rose, and I am currently working on a collection of short stories heavily LGBTQ+ influenced.
Change is inevitable, so I’m choosing to, at least in theory, Go with the FLOW. Have faith in God and continue to look for inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danielrhyder.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielrhyder/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneOrientation
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1285222/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
