8 Questions with……..Irish actor Christopher Toretto

It is 6:02 pm

Welcome to another edition of “8 Questions with…..”

So after I posted my latest interview with Amy Kinder in a few acting groups,I also posted that I would be happy to interview anyone who cared to chat with me. I got a message from Christopher,who shared with me a little of his background.
His story is an incredible,overcoming some seriously brutal challenges in life but also overcoming them in order to chase a acting career and whatever else may come his way.
Someone asked me how I define a “rising star”…I look at how hard one works to improve their craft…..be it a writer,actor,crew,blue collar worker on the docks. Anyone who is willing to put in the work the right way is a rising star in my book.
Christopher fits the bill…..maybe more then anyone I have yet interviewed but I’ll you make up your own mind. But for now,grab a seat and come meet Christopher Toretto as he answers 8 Questions…….

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself What was it like growing up in your town?

Hi. My name is Christopher Torretto,I am a twenty nine years old actor from Northern Ireland living in the UK. I grew up in  small town near the capital of Northern Ireland. It was rough-with quite a bit of trouble from shootings,bombings and riots.
But my home life was much more difficult. I grew up in a very abusive home with a lot of verbal, mental and physical abuse.  This left me a very secluded quiet child. This also led to me being homeless in my teens where I lived rough on the streets. I also slept on park benches abandoned buildings and coach surfed where possible.
When I finally got on my feet and got myself a home and work,I was attacked,robbed and left for dead. This affected me more mentally than physically. I suffered agoraphobia and that led to depression. But I beat it and came out the other side stronger. Now I’m acting with a great career ahead of me and an amazing family.

What has been your biggest obstacle in life so far and how did you overcome it?

Biggest obstacle in life.. hmm. Honestly, probably the attack where I was robbed. That truly traumatised me and I honestly don’t think I could have beaten it without my partner. It left me in a very vulnerable place. But my partner was not having it!! (LOL). She pushed me and made me beat it. We took it head on together,she was my rock and I can never thank her enough. Sometimes in life it will feel like there is no way out – like your all alone with no one to understand, but that’s when those that love you and even your own mentality becomes stronger. You learn to fight these feelings and become stronger for it.

How did you decide to become a performer? What was your first job in the acting field?

This is a funny story, I almost just sort of fell into acting (LOL). I always loved films-I loved watching behind the scenes and always had a feeling like “Wow,I want to do that!!” But it just never seemed to come around. Then I met the amazing late Richard Hatch and he told me I had something and that something was shining and I had to use it. So I did. I was on Facebook,saw a man advertising for actors and I just applied. He asked for a self tape,I told him “No problem” but the minute I sent the email agreeing,I started wondering to myself “Oh boy,what’s a self tape??” (LOL). I looked online and used the instructions given.I did my self tape and was offered a lead role in my first ever film. I have just not stopped working since.

Walk us through your first film role,how nervous were you the first day on set?

I’ll never forget my first day on set. That was a terrifying but terrific time. I remember being so nervous I never slept the whole night before the shoot. I woke up properly at 4 am. I didn’t need to be on set until 9 am so I walked round the house nervously telling myself, “Okay you’re a gangster today!! You need to be tough! You know your lines, you’re ready for this.” Left the house, arrived on set half hour early and forgot everything! (LOL). The nerves where literally making me feel sick!! But the moment we started recording,I was told I was a natural and just had an amazing presence on camera. So that was an absolutely amazing experience and made me just want my next film  straight away.

 

You have been incredibly busy with 23 films completed in just over a year,what has been the five most important lessons learned from this experience?

Yes,I have completed twenty three films in thirteen months. Five lessons I’ve learned by being so busy.
Lesson one- If you want it bad enough you have to be willing to find the work.
Lesson two -Always be better than you where on your last film.
Lesson three- While the process can get very tiring and will leave one drained working so much. But if you want it bad enough,just keep pushing.
Lesson 4 -Network!! Always network as much as possible to get your work seen and open more opportunities.
Lesson 5 – Stay humble no matter how many films you’ve done. You always still be learning.

Tell us a little about your new show,”Emergency: L.A.”. What role will you be playing and how did you land your part?

I will be playing the role of police officer Daniel Flynn in Emergency:LA . I got the role after Len (Davies) watched my work and we just spoke from there. I love his inspiration,his passion and the amount of knowledge he has in the industry. He really is an amazing talent in the business and a friend. I cannot wait to take on my role!! I never in my life after all I’ve been through could even imagine going to L.A. much less being cast in a TV series there!! It has been surreal to me. Sometimes I have to keep looking at my IMdb to make sure it’s real. I’ve dreamed of seeing America but that’s all it ever was. A dream. But now I’ve the chance to go there and do what I love and I thank Len and the team for the opportunity.

How do you balance such a heavy workload with having a young family?

This is the hardest part . Trying to get as much work as possible and get my work seen and my name known in the industry but also spend time with family. But this is where I am lucky. I have an amazing partner that stands by me,supports me and understands I am doing this for a better life for us all. Anytime I am not on set,I spend every minute I can with my family. They are my motivation to keep working and to always stand out in the crowd and be the beat I can be.

 

What three things would you tell a new actor/actress just starting out in the business?

Honestly the most important thing to know is yes,it will be difficult. It may seem like you’re never getting anywhere and sometimes it can be so tough. But remember,this is what you want,this is who you are. Tell yourself you will succeed and work as hard as you can. Believe in yourself enough that others will believe in you. Help others in the industry as someone will come along to help you and karma is amazing. Never give up,never let anyone tell you you can’t do it . If I listened to that I’d never of done anything. Most importantly be yourself and not only enjoy what you do but love it cherish it and that makes it worth while.

If you could improve three things about the British film industry,what would they be and how would you improve them?

Mmmm. It’s not really improving but just making changes. Maybe it could be counted as improving,I am not sure. But give new upcoming actors a shot, they may surprise you instead of always using the same actors because of their name on social media. Am not really sure if I’d change anything else as I’ve worked with amazing people. I’ve met some of the most talented people in the industry and I’ve made such great friends. Honestly,I am just happy to be apart of the British acting and film industry as I am constantly surrounded by inspiration and talent . Without a doubt the best career I could have the honour of being apart of.

 

Thank you so much for having me .

You can look at Christopher’s IMDb page here.

Spotlight https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/8614-3497-9127

My thanks to Christopher for doing this interview. Please feel free to drop a comment below and if you want a chance to sit and answer 8 Questions,leave me a comment below or go to my Contact Page.