Get to Know a Shining Star Considered One of the ‘Top 30 Lesser-Known Actors’
By K. Busch
Cristyn Chandler, who made the list of “Top 30 Lesser-Known Actors” according to IMDb, is a film actress best known for her work on Terriers (2010), The Test (2012) and Isabel (2018), for which she won Best Supporting Actress at the San Diego Film Awards.
She’s also appeared in numerous other titles including Estranged, Panic at Parq, Buried in
the Backyard, Motherly Advice, and Kathy, among many others.
Heart Of Hollywood reached out to some of her fans and gathered some questions for Cristyn. These are her responses.
What made you decide to become an actress?
When I was young, my mom and I had a standing date every summer to go to the theater in Manchester, New Hampshire. We picked out the shows we wanted to see and had tea and cheesecake after each one and talked about what we just saw. On opening night of one of the shows, the lead broke her shoe. The actors gathered around her nonchalantly to fix it and she got a standing ovation for continuing. During curtain call, she received roses and another standing ovation. I loved it. I loved the teamwork that happened, I loved the attention she warranted, and I wanted to be up there bowing with her.
At what age did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in acting?
I guess I decided around the time I was in high school, but I didn’t really start until I was in my thirties. I took my first class at the Old Globe in San Diego and from then on, I never stopped. I loved it!
Do you have a favorite actor or actress?
My favorites are indie actors like Kathryn Hahn, Sarah Paulson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Kate Mara. I love anyone that breaks my heart when I’m watching them on the screen.
Do you have a favorite movie?
There are so many. The ones I’ll watch over and over are Blue Jay and Grosse Pointe Blank. Movies on the opposite ends of the spectrum!
Out of the roles you have played, which one was your favorite?
The role that made me know that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was in Just a Man. It was a short film for the 48 Hour Film Project, where I played Mary Todd Lincoln right after her husband was shot. It pulled so much emotion out of me. I wanted to do this all the time.
Do you have a favorite hobby?
I love to hike in the mountains. Especially snowy mountains!
Would you ever consider dating a fan?
Sure-- I’m single!
What are your current goals or ambitions?
I have a weird fantasy of working with the Duplass brothers in any capacity. I would love to
be opposite Mark Duplass, or I have a vision of him directing me. If this comes true, I will
officially be a psychic!
What’s something that would be important for other aspiring actors to know?
There is so much to it. There is practicing acting and taking classes, yes, but also a business
side. Do your research every day to learn how everything works, so you aren’t surprised or let
down.
What’s something that you have rarely told anyone about yourself?
I can’t clean my fridge out. Old food in the refrigerator makes me gag! So dramatic!
What’s your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is the business side of acting. I keep my headshots up to date, I update
my website, do research on casting directors, work with my manager, etcetera.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Where I’m the weakest is standing up and practicing acting daily. Isn’t that odd? I want to
be an actress, but it’s a challenge to practice daily.
Do you have a favorite band or musician?
Pearl Jam. Full stop.
Describe the perfect day, how would the weather be and what would you be doing?
My perfect day would consist of all my favorite things, acting on set, coffee, and rain. And she loves spending time with her family.
Do you have any travel destinations that you would like to visit?
I would love to go back to Ireland and explore more, but currently I’m dreaming of hiking
at Lake Tahoe.
What’s your favorite food or drink?
I’m not much of a foodie. I eat to survive. But as for my favorite drink-- send whiskey!
What’s your favorite season? Why?
Fall. Although California doesn’t really have seasons, I miss the New Hampshire fall
Weather.
Have you ever binge-watched a series? Which one?
Search Party. A friend recommended it and I couldn’t get enough. The acting is phenomenal.
Additional information: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/203268-429157
Courtesy photo: Cristyn Chandler
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Sounds like a fun person
Like the Q&
I would love to sit and chat, wouldn't mind a date either. I'm single, a fan and I love Pearl Jam! Let's have tea ❤ 🤲
Nice to get know this young actress. Will have to look into watching some of these movies. Good article
Enjoyed learning about this actress, and I'll more than likely check her work out because of this interview. She is probably a much more tolerable person than some of the Hollywood big wigs. Great questions! They really drew out a lesser known side to this lesser known talent.
Great interview. she seems like someone you would love to have as a friend and down to earth.