Rising Star Chris Dukes: “In this industry make sure your drive isn’t focused in just one area”

To make it in this industry, you need to have drive. More importantly, however, you want to make sure your drive isn’t focused in one area. As an actor or entertainer, you need to keep varied interests in life because 90% of the time, acting will not be a full-time career for you. The adage for me is, “the more highways you give yourself, the more destinations you can arrive at”. Be sure you have a backup plan or other sources of income for those times between gigs.

Actor and stuntman Christopher M. Dukes hails from Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating with a degree in Speech Communications from the University of Nebraska, Dukes moved to Los Angeles and hit the ground running in the film industry. He earned his SAG card on an HBO movie of the month alongside Tom Berenger. Throughout the next decade, he kicked and punched his way in the stunt world, performing in live shows, television and films. His proudest stunt credit is from G.I. Joe: the Rise of Cobra.

Up next, Dukes can be seen in the Suzanne DeLaurentiis film, “There Will Always Be Christmas,” where he stars alongside Eileen Davidson and Micheal Paré. Christopher has a small, yet powerfully supporting role as Mr. Masterson, a father forced to protect his son in a life and death situation.

In addition to his screen roles, Dukes is also a successful business owner and father of two. With determination, passion, and stamina, he is carving out a long-standing career in the entertainment industry and there is no stopping him yet!

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

During my freshman year in high school, I answered an ad in the newspaper from an agent looking for new talent. I had always been interested in entertainment and had been in a few plays. I sent my picture in and got a call saying they were interested in meeting with me. A week later I had my first audition and the next month, I booked my first regional commercial. I’ve been on this journey ever since!

Can you share your story of Grit and Success? First, can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey?

About 3 months after I moved to LA in 1995, I had run through all my savings and was running the risk of not being able to pay my rent. My grandfather had an insurance policy that we found out had some cash value. It was around $3000 at that time but felt like a million. He was nice enough to cash it out and send me the funds. To this day, I owe my continual success in LA to my Grandpa and his generosity.

Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?

I have always had the drive to succeed. From when I was a young age and selling knives from Cutco to auditioning in my later years, my drive to succeed has always remained strong. During my first few years in LA, I had to work three jobs at a time to keep the bills paid. Times like that certainly make you thankful for years when the residual checks give you nice unexpected bonuses.

What are you currently working on?

I just finished stunt coordinating a movie called “18 1/2” for Dan Mirvish, the co-founder of the Slamdance film festival. Prior to that, I had a co-starring role in a movie called “There Will Always be Christmas” directed by Dale Fabrigar and produced by Suzanne DeLaurentiis.

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 was auditioning for a major television show and handed over my resume. At the callback, there were a large number of people in the room. One of them happened to be on my resume from another project. He gently let me know that his name was spelled wrong and I that should probably get that fixed. Always remember to spell check or IMDB check!

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

To make it in this industry, you need to have drive. More importantly, however, you want to make sure you drive isn’t focused in one area. As an actor or entertainer, you need to keep varied interests in life because 90% of the time, acting will not be a full-time career for you. The adage for me is, “the more highways you give yourself, the more destinations you can arrive at”. Be sure you have a backup plan or other sources of income for those times between gigs.

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?

My mother has always been my biggest supporter. From the day I asked if I could move to LA and pursue my career, she has always been a rock-solid supporter of mine. She is close to a “momager” and still gives me tips and insights as I navigate Hollywood and its related craziness.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me before I started”and why:

Here they are:
1) Have some funds saved for those lean times!
2) Remember, that rejection is a part of this game
3) Don’t take things personally.
4) Sometimes, no matter how good you are, you just aren’t right for the part.
5) Stay positive no matter what!

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Imdb: www.imdb.me/christophermdukes
instagram: @the_real_Christopher_Dukes