Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Lam.
Hi Kenny, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was originally born in Hong Kong in 1989 before it was given back to China. My family immigrated over to Buffalo NY 1996; I basically grew up there till I graduated high school in 2007. Joined the Army fresh out of high school and served from 2007 to 2009 where I was Honorably Discharged. From there I sorta went from job to job not really knowing what I wanted to do for a career. I ended up getting suckered into ITT back in 2013, where I spent three years learning Criminology and Forensic Technology, but before I could graduate the school closed down, and I went back to hoping from job to job for the next two years. In 2018 I decided to attend Buffalo State College where I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information System with a minor in Theater. It was during my time at Buffalo State College that I rediscovered my love for Acting. I was convinced by one of my Acting professors to audition for URTA’s (University Resident Theater Association) where I got a call back from Oklahoma City University (OCU) and was accepted into their new MFA program in Screen Acting. I packed my things up and moved out to Los Angeles, where OCU”s new campus is located. I’ve had such a wonderful experience out in LA from meeting working professionals in the industry to gaining experience working on professional sets. I’ve now appeared as a featured actor in over 12 different TV shows. Unfortunately, after this past Spring, I became homeless and had to couch surf for about a few months until I was housed in a motel temporarily thanks to the Veterans Affairs. Still haven’t found a place to settle down in LA but I had to leave LA behind for now as I have been studying to finish my graduate degree in London since this past fall. London is such a beautiful place and I’ve gained a lot of insight as well as experiences exploring London as well as going to British Film Festivals out here. I was lucky enough to see the premiere of “Living” starring Bill Nighy as well as Aimee Lou Wood and other wonderful actors and actresses. I am fortunate enough to be out here in London and have been slowly working on creating my first short film which will begin filming in the Spring. I look forward to what the industry holds for me after I graduate, and I’m also excited for the new adventures awaiting me down the road.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I was hopping between jobs for many years before deciding on a career path I wanted. Even then I ended up changing my mind twice, from Criminology to Computer Information Systems to finally being extremely happy with choosing the TV and Film Industry as my Career path. I also struggled with homelessness for a few months before moving out to London to finish my graduate degree.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right now, I am a full-time student here in London. While I was in Los Angeles, I was fortunate to gain professional set experience as a featured Actor. I specialize in acting in TV and Film as well as commercials and voiceovers. I am currently known for appearing in short films as The General in “Treason” and Triad Boss Mr. Weng in “A Distant Land”.
I am most proud of both short films as well as working on 12 different TV sets. What sets me apart from others is the training I have received and am currently receiving. OCU’s MFA program in screen acting isn’t just focused on Acting alone. I have also learned to write and create/produce my own content through the classes offered by OCU as well as the many opportunities given to us by meeting working professionals in the industry who have shared their own experiences as well as give us their insights to the industry itself.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are many mentors who have helped me get to where I am currently, but the one person that deserves the most credit is my undergrad professor, Drew Kahn. If he did not convince me to audition for URTA’s, then I don’t think I would end up where I am today as well as the opportunity to meet other mentors and supporters that have helped shaped my career in the industry. I want to thank Timothy Davis-Reed, Mel O’Neil, Jesse Murphy, Ricardo De La Cruz, Rick Wasserman, as well as Bob Shryock and Murray Woodfield who have all contributed plenty to my education and continuing to believe in me <3.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricepaddies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenny.y.lam.1/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ricepaddies1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ricepaddies2788
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/ricepaddies
