Today we’d like to introduce you to Freddie Kuguru.
Hi Freddie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sure thing. To start, I believe that we are all weird. I think that art is a powerful form of expression that connects people. When I put on a movie or TV show, and I see quirky characters, it lifts my spirits because I feel like I can relate to those characters. That is why I am an actor, to create art that other weird and quirky people can connect to, and to remind them that they are not alone.
My first acting role was in grade school when I played a “cow” in a Christmas musical. Years later, as an adult, I started doing commercial work and eventually landed a role in an independent feature film. While shooting that indie feature, I was invited to audition for a role in a TV series. I booked the role, and that was my first network TV credit.
Since then, I’ve continued working on my craft and have met many wonderful and talented creatives along the way. I’m excited to see where this life journey takes me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As many others would attest, pursuing anything of worth is hardly ever a smooth road. If I may, I’d like to focus on the lessons that I learned from the struggles as opposed to focusing on the struggles themselves.
The lessons that I’ve learned include: developing resiliency and a stronger sense of self (since it is common to hear a lot of “no’s” in the industry) and finding a way to achieve financial stability (since the industry can be “feast or famine”, and it may be challenging to pursue our craft if we can’t put food on the table or a roof over our heads).
Another lesson that I’ve learned is the value of perseverance. I once watched a video of Denzel Washington, in which he said, “if you hang around the barber shop long enough, sooner or later, you are going to get a haircut.” I think that sums it up perfectly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor and an entrepreneur.
As an entrepreneur, I’m very proud of my side business because it has shown me that I am capable of creating something that brings value to the marketplace and helps to improve people’s lives. More specifically, my company helps small businesses (like mom-and-pop shops and family-owned establishments) increase their revenue and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, thrive.
It warms my heart when my small business clients share their success stories with me: like how they were able to afford a better education for their kids or pay off their mortgage. Such stories put a smile on my face because it helps me feel like I am making a small difference in our community.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my life. For example, I’m lucky …
1. To be alive at a time when the internet exists.
2. To have been born to parents who worked very hard to give my siblings and me the best opportunities in life.
3. To have a few good friends who inspire me to be a better person.
4. To have met my mentors, who’ve been gracious enough to share their wisdom and experience with me (seriously, the way I met one of my mentors is so random that it still amuses me to this day).
5. To have met my manager and agents, and am extremely grateful to them for believing in me and guiding me in my career.
6. That the great Momofuku Ando created ramen noodles. That man is a genius. Ramen noodles has played such a big role in my life. It’s delicious!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freddiekuguru.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freddiekuguru/
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/freddiekuguru
