Robert Kim as ‘Lt. Lee Van Minh’ in the MGM motion picture, “ Steele Justice”
Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Kim.
Challenge and diversity might best describe this self-made professional.
You could say that his say that Robert Kim’s life has more twists and turns than a Shakespearean play. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he is a fourth generation Korean American, his grandparents being honored by the South Korean government as the very first American pioneers. Proud of his family’s groundbreaking accomplishments, Robert’s grandfather served in World War One with the US Army, and his father, Dr. Yin Kim, was a decorated US Army World War Two veteran, the first Korean American to graduate from The University of Southern California. Robert’s uncle, Senator Alfred Song, was the first Korean American to be elected to the California legislature and the first Asian circuit court judge, the Western Avenue station of the Los Angeles Metro Rail memorialized with his name. But while his family pursued more mainstream professional careers, Robert’s life took a decidedly different path.
Robert made his motion picture debut as a child actor with Rock Hudson, continuing to act until his late teens. He is also an accomplished musician, leaving Los Angeles High School to tour with the solid gold recording group, “Climax.” After touring extensively as a rock musician, he eventually returned to acting, joining Mel Gibson in the feature film “Payback,” a small but memorable part in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” recurring roles in all three top Hollywood soap operas, a recent a stint in two episodes of “Law & Order,” and too many film and TV roles for him to easily remember. No stranger to performing, Robert recently tried out for “America’s Got Talent” in Atlanta, beating out over 3,500 contestants, even at three times their age. After winning Chuck Barris’ iconic “Gong Show” in the eighties, he was requested by producer Will Arnett to compete again in 2017 to perform his one-of-a-kind “Asian Elvis” routine, the only competitor in Gong Show history to be invited back, twice. In the vernacular of the business, Robert Kim has “done it all.” But his first love has always been photography.
In Los Angeles, Robert opened his first studio and quickly became “Back Stage” magazine’s pre-imminent headshot photographer for ten consecutive years, his work forming the basis of what has been called “The LA Look” in headshot photography. Since then, he has opened two more studios in Chicago and New York City, specializing in actor’s headshots and launching the careers of some of Hollywood’s most well-known celebrities, including an unknown teenager with stars in her eyes by the name of Angelina Jolie. A guest contributor to nearly every “How to Succeed” acting book in existence today, Robert’s participation in “An Actors Guide: Making It In New York” by Glenn Alterman, helped make it the number one best seller ever on Random House. Robert has worked in virtually all areas of film and television, serving with distinction for four years on the Screen Actors Guild Minorities Board, the first committee formed with the goal of creating better roles for minority actors. He is a recipient of the Southern California Motion Picture Council’s Golden Halo Award for his many contributions to the entertainment industry.
A guest contributor to nearly every “How to Succeed” acting book in existence today, Robert has become the most published headshot photographer in the history of the industry, and a sought-after keynote speaker. But Robert has no intention of slowing down, having recently opened his fourth headshot studio in Midtown Atlanta. He hopes to bring his years of Hollywood experience to this rapidly growing destination for actors, films, and television productions the world over. In Robert’s own words, “I want to help the new baby grow.” Ironically, his new Atlanta studio will be in the Midtown neighborhood of Atlanta, the same part of New York he once occupied. Combining his experience on both sides of the camera, Robert has always advised actors to always review the work of as many photographers as possible before making a final choice. In an ambitious, decades-long project, he created his exclusive “Before & After” portfolios, providing the performing artist with an unprecedented look at the work of the top 1,000 headshot photographers in the business, a feat never before equaled or duplicated. Robert believes that only through a direct, side-by-side comparison can the actor make a truly informed decision. Thousands of happy actors apparently agree.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road of the performing artist has always been difficult (who hasn’t heard the term, “starving actor”?). But as an Asian American, it was even tougher. Many of my friends and family told me that I would never succeed. But I have always enjoyed a challenge, so overcoming the odds seemed to make the many obstacles just another interesting part of the journey. I believe in simply following your passion, and letting the chips fall as they may.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Robert Kim Photography story. Tell us more about the business.
Photography, like acting, is a highly competitive business. You not only have be good, but you must bring something new to the table. I believe that taking effective photos for actors entails two things: Having an eye for selectivity, and understanding the specific needs of the actor. What sets me apart is my experience in all four major US markets, on both sides of the camera. But I think my proudest accomplishment is my longevity. After over 30-years, I’m still at the top of my game, and I have no desire to quit anytime soon. I love what I do. They say that, “If you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I’ve been extremely blessed.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in “luck,” good or bad. I believe you create your OWN luck. Everything important in life must be earned. There are no “accidents,” everything happens for a reason.
.Contact Info:
- Address: Robert Kim Photography
855 W. Peachtree Street NE
Unit 1615, Atlanta, GA 30308 - Website: www.robertkim.com
- Phone: (212) 645-5788
- Email: headshots@robertkim.com
Image Credit:
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