Hello Beautiful People,
Freddie Kimmel is one of the most thoughtful and wise people I’ve ever met. He has been seen in numerous Broadway Workshops, National Tours, and concerts, including SuperFly, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, On The Town, Annie Get Your Gun, Broadway Bares XX, Broadway Backwards, JUNK: A Rock Opera, and has been seen onstage in multiple regional theaters from coast to coast. Freddie is an accomplished singer, dancer, and actor, but perhaps his most important role has been cancer survivor. Five years ago he was diagnosed with testicular cancer his life changed – and Freddie will tell you himself that it was for the better. For it’s made him strong. It’s made him wise beyond his years. It’s made him appreciate the simple pleasures in life – the everyday choices that we all too often take for granted he now cherishes.
I’m so pleased to be able to share this interview with you all.
Ladies and Gents, meet Freddie Kimmel…
MM: Did you always want to be an actor and a singer?
FK: I had no idea what I wanted to do, and I always enjoyed the social aspect of theater. I enjoyed the extended family – it was like a club and a second family all rolled into one. I never thought in a million years that I’d make a living at it. I got a job in theater right after college, and there were all these kids from these intense theater schools, NYU, Michigan, Catholic University – and they said they were going to New York to do this for life, and told me that I should I give it a shot. I hadn’t thought about doing it for a career at that point, but it was the only thing that made sense.
MM: When you look back on the trajectory of your career, what roles/experiences are most memorable to you?
FK: Billy Elliot was profound. I’ll never forget that. The first day I walked into the building, (I was a replacement), and then watching the show – I just cried my eyes out. Every single show I was excited to be there. Never bored. Every single show was just perfection, and that changed me a lot. Another incredible summer job was working with Transcendence Theatre Company – check out their website, this company is a game changer and the model of theater they are creating is going to blow minds!
MM: Just for fun, what sound do you hate and what sound do you love?
FK: Hate is such a strong word, but I hate it when people slam doors. It’s abrasive to my soul. I love the sound of rain on a tent, or rain on a window.
MM: What books are currently on your bookshelf?
FK: The Swiss Detox, The pH Miracle, Primal Mind/Primal Body, The Spooky Old Tree, and International Sports Science Training Manual.
MM: If you were stranded on a desert island, what movies and television shows would you want available to you?
FK: Walking Dead. Family Guy. The Wonder Years. Move wise – Groundhog Day, Tommy Boy, Happy Gilmore, High Fidelity, the first three Star Wars movies.
MM: What’s next for Freddie Kimmel?
FK: Next is Broadway Backwards 2014, which happens on March 24th! After that…the sky is the limit. Looking forward to where I’ll land this summer.
MM: If you had to give one piece of advice to students in high school and/or college who wish to pursue a career in theater, what would you tell them?
FK: I would say, never stop studying. Never think you’re done. Even if you’re not a singer, you should be taking voice lessons. Even if you’re not a dancer, you should still be taking dance class. Always keep working and always focus on the work itself, rather than the idea of making it or being on Broadway. Try and find joy in your job as a storyteller, and the art of those story telling techniques. You’ll be happier.
MM: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician and/or school board for preserving the arts?
FK: The greatest jumps forward in innovation as far as math and science are concerned are linked with creativity and arts – Ancient Greece, the Renaissance period – these are all great jumps forward, direct correlation It’s the juice of life worth living for – so you have money and a one bedroom and health insurance – what do you do on the weekends if you have no entertainment? Funny that my idea of making it is a one bedroom….haha.
MM: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
FK: Dan Burke, love him. He was our biology teacher, but he also directed and set up all of the musicals. He’s a great guy, kind, sweet, and he made theater fun. The shows were always innovative; he showed me the joy that could be found in theater. He led by example.
Thank you, Freddie!
Live, Love, Learn,