Rising Star Andre Boyer On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
Just be yourself — accepting that you are enough takes a long time to process. But after some growth, I slowly leaned into that more and have become a better artist.
As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Andre Boyer.
Originally from Iwakuni, Japan, Andre Boyer is not only an actor and writer but also an accomplished chef. His on screen credits have included Apple’s “For All Mankind,” “The Rookie” and “Animal Kingdom” to name a few. Most recently he guest starred on “911” and next up he stars as the lead in the short film series “Before Marriage” which is being released digitally on November 17th.
Andre lived overseas for most of his childhood due to his military family. He has called San Diego home since he landed there in his early teen years but is currently based in LA. As far as cooking is concerned, he worked on a show for Tastemade “Make this Tonight” where he taught an audience how to make 30 minute meals and every dish came with a cocktail since he has an extensive mixology background.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in a military household. Very structured and planned out for most of my childhood. Everything was scheduled to keep my sister and I occupied while we lived overseas in Japan.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
After moving around as a kid into my teenage years, we settled in San Diego. Stu Segall productions as well as other companies held castings for young talent. I didn’t know having an agent was necessary to work in this business, I thought you just looked in the local paper for casting calls. So I went to one of those small cattle calls to be “discovered”, which led me to my first agent in San Diego. Soon after I was auditioning and being seen for local projects in San Diego, and booked my first job around 16 years old.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Oh Jeez just one? When I began my career, I did a lot of extra work to gain experience and maybe get my SAG card or my AFTRA card since they were separate unions back then. I recall being an extra in a movie where we were “streakers” for a comedy scene. I came back to where all of our stuff was being held and where we “rested”. After sitting down I come to find a majority of my items were stolen from my bag….Including my wallet, money. I talked to the wrangler on set and made a huge uproar that I got kicked off, and was told “I’d never make it”…. Interesting right?
It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I think one of the funniest mistakes I had was submitting for every job I could find. I later learned Craigslist isnt a casting service lol.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
One project I am excited about is called “Before Marriage” I play Colin who just proposed to his fiance and we wake up the next day finding out there are a lot of conversations that need to be had before we actually take the next step.
As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?
I think having the right people around you…Meaning having a strong partner, therapist, or acting coach. I stay motivated by doing other things that have nothing to do with this business. It makes you a more well rounded individual. For example, culinary arts and mixology is an industry that I’ve had a lot of experience in and I keep studying that part of the craft to hone my artistry.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I feel without diversity there wouldn’t be a correct representation of stories to be told. Having someone who looks like me on the screen gives hope to those that feel like they can’t. I feel being represented in this industry is just a foot in the door. I think we need to be heard and understood…not just seen. This is what our culture is made of, a melting pot of people from different backgrounds coming together and realizing that we aren’t that different from one another…we all have a need/will to live, express ourselves and want more than just to survive.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 There is no right path to start. — When I was a kid, although this didn’t really exist I wish I started making my own projects like youtubers. I think the learning curve would have been a little easier.
2 It’s ok if things don’t happen right away — This doesn’t mean I was doing something wrong. I just had to learn timing, patience and myself.
3 Stay in class — I found myself getting a little ego in my younger years where I thought I didn’t need to study, boy was I wrong. Studying keeps you sharp.
4 Pay your parking tickets/Feed the meter. — going to auditions and not paying the meter because I thought I’d be in and out. Lessons learned after I had a boot on my tire coming out of a casting. Plus over 2k in fines when paying my registration.
5 Just be yourself — accepting that you are enough takes a long time to process. But after some growth, I slowly leaned into that more and have become a better artist.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Take a vacation, day trip or time away from your city. It helps to take a breath of fresh air somewhere new to explore your surroundings. It doesn’t have to be long. Just make it purposeful.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I would definitely say my coach Phil. I met him through an Instagram ad believe it or not. I had a few tv credits at that point but he pushed me to a whole other level. He taught me how the story needs to be told from a director’s perspective. He won’t let me put out bad work and calls me out when I’m not listening in my scene work. He is someone I can call anytime (literally even at 3am). The most selfless person I have come across in LA.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
People are always going to judge you no matter what. So if there is something you want to do with your life. DO IT.
I was laughed at by people since I was a teenager about “making it” in this business and was told I do not have the understanding on how to survive. But I went out of my comfort zone and found what I believed to be true. To be an Actor, an Artist and a full human being.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Hmm, just one? I’ll name a few and see what happens. Antoine Fuqua, Seth Rogan, Patty Jenkins, Aaron Sorkin, Ryan Coogler and Ava Duvernay. And why you ask? Each one of them has made some of the best films or produced content that inspires me to stay in the business.
How can our readers follow you online?
I’m mainly on Instagram @TheAndreBoyer
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
