Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Millan.
Christopher, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started this long career as a young kid. When I fell in love with the first movie that would shape my life. This movie was Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. I fell in love with this story because it taught me how to act and behave like a man. At least, that’s how I viewed it. To this day, it’s still my favorite movie. I was raised by a single mother. She is also obsessed with cinema. She used to take me out of school early just so we can go watch movies all day at AMC. You know the trick, pay for one movie and slide into the next one. This was the foundation where my love for Acting had begun.
I took drama in high school but was focused more on sports. Sports were year-round with football, soccer and volleyball. After graduating high school, I enrolled in acting classes at The Miami Acting Studio and was there for about two years before I realized I needed to further my studies at the place I always dreamed about. New York City. I remember taking the drive up to Orlando to audition for a conservatory that was touring the United States. A few weeks later, I get the call saying I was admitted into the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and with several scholarships based on my audition.
I moved up north, soaked up all the inspiration and knowledge I possibly could and graduated top of my class. This was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever lived through. I returned to Miami because I had my first child, Milena in NYC. We returned and I kept hitting the audition circuits here trying to land any acting jobs. In between all of this time frame, I already had experience with music videos and student films and being an extra on set but I was looking for lead roles. I was hungry and ready. After about a year of receiving countless rejections and so many callbacks but never any bookings, I get a call one evening from my manager. He tells me I had just been booked for a project I had auditioned for about five months prior. I had auditioned for a character who only had 1 scene but this was still great news! The real kicker was when he told me; it’s not going to the same role. They have just booked you for one of the main lead roles! This was the project that catapulted my career throughout Latin America and continues to make its way around the world. This project was Mariposa De Barrio, based on the legendary singer Jenni Rivera and I played “Fernie” the great love of her life.
I then went on to book another tv-series with Telemundo called “Al Otro Lado Del Muro” as one of their leads. Following that, I went to Mexico to film a TV series. Then the year after that, I was booked on a Romanian movie and had the opportunity to travel to Bucharest for the grand premiere. This career is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs and twists and turns. It’s quite an adventure but it also takes a lot of commitment, tenacity, discipline and passion for those moments where “nothing” is happening. But I believe something is always happening. Whether you’re studying or creating content, or working out or eating healthy, everything you do on a daily basis is either pushing the meter towards your goals or away from them.
I’m extremely blessed and fortunate to have found my passion. I’ve just put my head down and worked hard day by day ever since I was that kid watching Braveheart. I have my kids Milena and Logan, who are the best things to ever happen to me and the reason why quitting will never be an option. I’ve surrounded my self with people who support and help me along the way.
Recently I’ve taken on a new venture with a new podcast series I started called “The Millan Talk” on my YouTube Channel, where I talk about certain experiences that have happened to me in my career and I also plan to bring a lot of guests on the show. Especially a lot of people from Miami that are doing great things. Thank you to everyone who has ever helped me in my journey. As always, much love.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. I don’t think a lot of people really understand the struggles of an actor or any profession outside the norm. It comes with a heavy price sometimes. Countless rejections, a lot of moments where you doubt your own talent, no work for months or years, no money, depression due to not being able to express your creative passion, and the list goes on.
So yes, it has never been easy and it still easy. It comes with its sacrifices. Even with all of these obstacles and struggles, it’s all worth it. Like they say, nothing worthwhile comes easy and that’s the truth for everything in this world. Work for what you want. Study for what you want. You have to earn your place in this world. It’s not given to you.
Three mottos I live my life by: “Every man dies but not every man really lives.” “Time waits for no one.” “Day by Day.”
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
You know, as the years go by, and my “resume” continues to grow. I have to admit that success has greatly changed as I’ve gotten older. To me, success is simply doing what you love, getting paid for that, taking care of those around you and also making a positive impact in any way you can.
Also, remember to stop every now and then and take a deep breath and realize two things.
1) Wow, look how far I’ve gotten.
2) Wow, look at how much there is still to come.
Smile and then continue on your journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ChristopherMillans
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherMillans/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristopherMillan
Image Credit:
Drone Permission/Jorge Alvarez
LunaStudios/Alexander Luna
Main Street Players
Laura Bernal
Jorge Gonzalez
Telemundo
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
