Shawn Christian Interview – October 2016
Well known for his role as the dreamy Dr. Jonas on Days of Our Lives, Shawn Christian is synonymous with handsome on-screen gem. He has graced the screen of TVs everywhere. We had the chance to sit down with this charismatic guy for an exclusive interview. We talk about his mid-west roots, his “love” of technology, how he got into the business and his Entourage-like newest project with a special Disney alum. Take a look and learn more about the one-and-only Shawn Christian. Plus find out about the special message he has for our readers of Feeling the Vibe Magazine!
With the homie Jake chillin @jakeadriano
For teens and young adults, what type of life advice would you give them that you wish you knew?The biggest thing I always say is to follow your heart. Everyone has something very unique and special about themselves. To be able to hear that voice and follow that voice. We all reach hardships but to continue on that path with dignity and integrity. Everyone is faced with choices. Life is not easy. Listen to your own voice and follow through, even when it’s hard. When you reach a crisis and something gets difficult, what are you made of? What choice are you going to make? You could be having a great time when you’re getting along. That’s easy, but when things get really hard you may feel like you don’t have a friend in the world. Know that you do by the way and your sense of self worth will take you so many places. Don’t let anyone define you but yourself.
What was your first acting job?Aside from commercials, it was “As the World Turns.” It was one of the greatest learning experiences for me. I had to figure out the production and technical part but also how to handle the press and celebrity with grace. It definitely helped me to get where I’m at right now.
Where and how did you learn to act?Just living my life! I say all the time, don’t just be myopic and focused on “I want to be an actor.” You have to live and have something to draw from. That really was my life growing up. I wrote little plays and loved to perform in school plays. That’s really how I learned. I will continue to always push myself and learn. I’ll take my weaknesses and go ok that’s not very good and learn from it. It’s very beneficial to work with all different producers and single camera productions, 3 camera comedy, drama, feature films from a variety of different directors. We have had a new director for every episode on “Famous in Love.” I’ve learned something not only about myself but what I have to offer. For me, I never stop learning. I just love it.
We hear you’re part of a new show, “Famous in Love” coming up on Freeform. Tell us a little about the premise of the show.I just finished filming the first season. It’s a blessing for sure. “Famous in Love” is like Entourage but with more women and culturally diverse. It’s a look inside the power, the fame and highs and lows of the Hollywood Business. My character essentially owns what is “Warner Brothers” in the show.
Do you play a tough owner on the show?I’m irreverent. It’s a wonderful tone that they allow me to play with. The producers are amazing. There’s a lot of good energy.
What is it like to work with Bella Thorne?She plays Paige who is thrust into this lifestyle. She does an amazing job with this character and portrays what it would be like to experience fame from just one in the crowd. Its a very complex journey for her and she works it so great.
Filmed late into the night with this class act. #Famousinlovetv #Glamour&Grit #talentedcast #hardworkingcrew A photo posted by Shawn Christian (@shawnchristian5150) on
When will Famous in Love air?Spring 2017. It’s scheduled to air after the Pretty Little Liars season finale.
What is a typical day on set like for you?If we are in Hollywood, we will go out to the beach or Rodeo Drive since it’s a reflection of Hollywood culture. I love to shoot on location, especially in Malibu. If we are out in Malibu it’s a good day! Otherwise we are on the Warner Brothers lot. It’s a wonderful pace. They give us the time to bring our own voice to the character. I’m very fortunate that I have time to really dive into this show and character. They are very talented, they do their homework.
How would you say working on this show is different from your work on a soap opera like “Days of Our Lives” where you played Dr. Daniel Jonas?The huge difference between a primetime show and a soap opera is definitely the pace. A primetime show has about 8-10 pages a day you have to memorize and you have to shoot on the spot. With a soap opera, it’s essentially just one take and sometimes we don’t even get a rehearsal. With a primetime show, they take the time to turn the camera around and shoot again. You have to be very plausible with storylines that are outside of the box on soaps. You have to pull it all together, make it truthful to yourself and relatable to your audience. It is the closest thing to live theater that you can get.
How do you feel about social media?It’s sort of a love/hate for me. I’m more of a private person. If I know you intimately or personally, I’ll tell you anything. I do use Twitter and Instagram. On the “Famous in Love” set, all the young adults are so savvy. Bella blows it up! She knows how it works. I’m kind of learning from them. In this industry, I can see the advantage of it. You can get your message out there to the public.
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Please follow Shawn Christian on Instagram and visit his website to keep up with his upcoming projects!Editor of Feeling the Vibe Magazine. We have all the scoop on the latest celeb news, makeup tutorials, and so much more.