Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Aileen Strahan.
Cynthia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I want to begin by saying, “Thank you,” to whoever feels compelled to hear my story. We each have our own journey, and I personally adore hearing why or how people end up where they are— whether it be by accident, luck, talent, or pure hard work, determination and persistence. Sometimes, it’s all of the above simultaneously. Cheers to that.
I like to call myself a “thespian.” In Greece, actors are called “thespians” in honor of Thespis, a Greek playwright and performer. Around 535 B.C., Thespis added a new dimension to drama by stepping out of the Greek chorus during a performance and reciting portions of the text alone- becoming the first actor.
I never knew I would be pursuing acting as a career. I didn’t focus on it in school, nor had dreams of it as a child. I am aware now, however, that I am meant to echo the human experience on screen because not only do I get to face my own wants, needs, demons, passions, and secrets— I have the chance to inspire everyone that watches my characters to find these truths in themselves and not be afraid to face them. This is what I personally believe helps bring humans closer together in empathy and connectedness.
Fun fact: “Cynthia” was one of the names of the mythological moon goddess, Artemis, referring to her birth on Mount Cynthus, a mountain on the Isle of Delos in Ancient Greece. It’s funny because I keep talking about Greece, but I’m not Greek. My father is Chinese, and my mother is European. Though, I don’t think it is an accident they named me Cynthia. I often look to the moon to reconnect to my higher self.
I grew up all around the Bay Area in California, and pride myself knowing Oakland raised me. Growing up, I was alone a lot of the time even though I had a sister and a brother. Because my sister is thirteen years older than me, and my brother is nine years older than me, they were out of the house most of my childhood. Being on my own catapulted me to start using my imagination. My parents had divorced when I was three, and I remember a lot of incessant arguing, so I would create fantasy worlds in which I was never where I physically was. I was bullied throughout elementary school and looking back now, I am extremely grateful for the experience because it molded me into who I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing or a person I’ve encountered along the way.
I was embarrassingly shy growing up and hated being in front of any camera or the focus of any attention. I remember I invited my whole class to my birthday party in 1st grade and spent the entire time on my mom’s back with my head buried in her shoulder while she entertained every kid in class with games like Musical Chairs and Pin the Tail on the Donkey. I couldn’t bear to look at anyone or have anyone look at me. I made it a point to blend in and stay quiet, which is ironic because today, I truly feel at home in front of the camera. I think it’s because I get to play someone else and live in their authentic truths. This is where the work and the character take over—almost an out-of-body experience. I lose myself (even though I’m still myself) and tell that story with all I have because I know it’s a story that needs to be told. As actors, we get to live the best and worst parts of life over and over. As I get older, there is something about that that is rare and beautiful, and only the courageous can endure it.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life took on a whole new trajectory after my very best friend Grace Eunhae Kim was killed in the Oikos school shooting in Oakland, California on April 2, 2012. She and six other students were murdered that day because their former classmate was angry about overpriced tuition. The gunman recently died in prison, and I never got to visit him and look him in the eye. I didn’t need to say anything to him. I just wanted him to stare back at me and see the pain he caused me, her friends, her family, and her loved ones.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t hear her annoying laugh. She died at 24 years old and didn’t get to live the life she was meant for. It was noticeably difficult the first year or so after her passing. I didn’t know how to continue life. I moved back in with my mom and was numb and bitter for a while. But there was one morning I woke up and knew I could not give up on what life could offer. I quit my full-time job in hospitality in San Francisco and pursued something I was newly intrigued by which was acting. All of a sudden, there was no plan B. There still is no plan B. It’s strangely bittersweet, but in her passing she gave me the greatest gift. I am living for the both of us and refuse to let her down. I love you, soul sister. This one’s for you.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Being an actor, you are your own business. After I learned to stop taking rejection so personally, I have been able to thrive and just enjoy the journey as a whole. Because one person got the part over you does NOT negate your talents—your role is out there waiting for you. The universe is just going to throw a lot of curveballs at you to ensure you’re sharpening your tool along the way.
I have really gotten to understand the business aspect of being an actor by approaching filmmaking from a different perspective. I started producing and creating my own content and thus generating my own opportunities. I encourage every actor out there to do the same. It’s not only about having the talent and waiting for the right thing to come along. It’s about executing original ideas you have a passion for because there will be an audience for your visions in the vast realm of social media. Those that are meant to find your work, will.
Most recently, I have been writing and acting in comedic sketches that are not only exhilarating and fun but exactly what I need to dilute any self-doubt that inevitably occurs with being an actor. I heard an interview with Zoe Kravitz where her mother used to tell her that “rejection is protection.” When one door closes, there is always another door…or even an entirely new hallway.
I am also on the team at La Artista Productions with my insanely talented business partner and founder, Kaylah Pantaleón. It is our mission to provide quality opportunities in front and behind the camera for creatives of color who dream of bettering the world by telling their stories. I invite anyone who would like to hear more to please reach out.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have lived in Los Angeles for four years. I think that is a feat in itself. A lot of dreamers end up not being able to withstand the pressure and rejection of this gilded town. I’ve seen friends move back home and it breaks my heart, but there is something about this city that makes me feel so close to where I know I’m supposed to be.
It’s hard to name just one moment I’m most proud of because there have been numerous wins for me (along with many losses, of course). “People who avoid failure also avoid success.” I love this quote because it’s in the risk, pure determination and strong will that you may find the definition of success. Success I find is actually very subjective. Sometimes success is just being able to get out of bed in the morning.
Ok, so I’ll finally answer the question now (lol). My proudest moment was when my entire family came to my first red carpet premiere of a feature film I played a supporting role in titled, Art of the Dead. This was the moment I realized they actually might see me as an actor— heck, I think it might have even been when I believed I was an actor! (Ever heard of the imposter syndrome)? Finally, my work was out in the world on a bigger scale than I was used to at the time. All of the auditions and training had amounted to something. This was it. I’m an actor, and it doesn’t stop here. That taste of what I defined as success made me hungry for more.
I now have four feature films under my belt, a co-starring role on ABC’s The Rookie, numerous national commercials, a stunt driver certification, Groundlings Improv school training, and an executive position at La Artista Productions. This is just the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/cynthiastrahan
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyn_esthesia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cyn_esthesia
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.
com/channel/ UCFumhL47b0OYXhpa6vbN5cw
Image Credit:
Randy Shropshire, Alvin Cho, San Aihara, Michael Tullberg, Jiseok
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