We recently had the chance to connect with Kevin Saunders and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kevin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I think if I were asked this question in my youth, I’d easily say intelligence would be my number one choice. With intelligence, you can achieve a deeper understanding of various subject matters, which ultimately can help lead you to your desired destination of success. However, with age, wisdom, and life experience, I have come to understand the true value of integrity in this life. It’s what leads us, drives us, and helps solidify our overall individual character. Integrity is the difference between what a person wants to do and what a person should do, and I feel many of us are challenged with these crossroads every day.
Having faced difficult decisions in my life, I’ve always tried to ensure that each decision was rooted in a foundation of justice. My upbringing and environment played a significant role in this, and as someone now in a position of leadership, I’m glad that integrity forms the foundation of my character. As I reflect on my life and day-to-day activities, energy and intelligence would be amazing assets to what I’m building. But if I am not proud of the man I see in the mirror at the end of the day, it’s not worth it. And that’s where integrity truly shines.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Born in Maryland, I began my acting journey just over a decade ago. I’ve landed roles in productions like Hysteria!, Juror #2, Cobra Kai, and Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier. My creative drive also led me to produce films, documentaries, and commercials. Some works earned acclaim in film festivals, establishing me as a versatile filmmaker.
Through my production company, Aristrolle’s Quest Productions, I strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals in the industry. I try my best to use my achievements to create opportunities for those often overlooked, judged, or unappreciated. My commitment to empowering others and breaking barriers defines my mission to tell impactful stories and foster a more inclusive creative space.
Although I’ve taken a sabbatical for the remainder of this year, the plan for 2026 is to continue my acting/filmmaking journey. I’m so pleased and excited for our upcoming projects this year, and how my team and I can use what we’ve built thus far to support others with their creative endeavors!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was fortunate to have a vivid imagination and to dream big as a child. This mindset shaped my success, rooted in the belief that anything is possible.
However, there was a time in my youth when I lost sight of this belief. Negativity, doubt, and criticism fueled my fear of pursuing what some call the ‘impossible’. I questioned how someone like me could succeed as an actor. Much of the doubt came from within, making success feel distant—yet my ambition never faded. In college, where I truly discovered myself and the joy acting brings me, I realized my life was my own. Nothing could stop me from this dream if I truly believed in myself.
It was at this point in my life that the young dreamer in me returned. I embraced once more the belief that if I truly want something and put in the effort, I can achieve it. I kept betting on myself, even when doubts, criticisms, and negativity resurfaced. I am living proof of this journey, and I hope my story inspires others to do the same. Claiming this personal liberation brings a sense of purpose and peace that no one can take away.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has shown me that life is finite. Success, with its joys and changes, can’t teach what struggle can.
Earlier this year, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare cancer called AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). It swept into my life during a routine eye exam and turned everything upside down. The severity was such that I was unaware I was hours away from kidney failure; had I not gone to the hospital, the risk of my passing was very high. At that moment, I was scheduled to be on the set of a highly anticipated project the next week, so my first thought was to get into the hospital, do what I needed, and return quickly to my goals and dreams. I often recall being in a hospital bed, on the phone with my agents, trying to reschedule my filming dates—unaware of what the future held. But that focus was what I knew: to keep pushing through pain, hurt, and suffering to move toward where I wanted to be. Success was such a vivid goal that it blinded me from the reality of the situation.
Now, a few months out of the hospital and in remission, my perspective is different. This transition, from battling for my life to slowly recovering, brought a new awareness. What I experienced was unlike anything before and made me think deeply about what matters. Suffering through this process helped me appreciate the simple things—being in traffic, going to a job one may not like, and simply being here—all gave me new purpose and understanding. I now value the little things more, as well as my journey, and what success truly means. I have never been, and will never be, a victim of anything I’ve gone through. But through these experiences, I have embraced how they’ve been used to shape me into the man I am today. And for that, I will forever be grateful.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Being a good person and always showing respect to one another. Or better yet, empathy.
At the core, I believe we should lead with empathy and understanding, though it’s easy to lose sight of this in daily life. While some argue that selfishness is inherent, I think many people just want to be understood. Often, we are caught up in our own struggles and forget that others face their own challenges. Though I’m not perfect, I strive to keep this perspective, especially as I see compassion waning in our society.
Most disagreements arise because we want others to understand us. People are rarely combative without reason; usually, disagreement is just two perspectives seeking common ground. I’ve learned to intentionally practice empathy, even when it feels challenging. If everyone worked toward this, even a little bit each day, the world would be more joyful.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Having faced recent life constraints myself, I’ll keep this very simple:
– Stressing
– Letting negativity bother me
– Wasting time on things that don’t matter
– Not being present in the moment
We should strive to enjoy our lives as much as we can. We only get one life, we deserve to enjoy every bit of it!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevo_theactor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.n.saunders
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AristrollesQuestProductions
Image Credits
Jazz Walker
Jack Strong
NBC’s Peacock
Amazon Prime TV
Warner Bros.
