Meet Tristan Spohn | Actor & Acting Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tristan Spohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tristan, how do you think about risk?
It’s interesting because the biggest lesson I learned as an actor is to never take a risk for the sake of being interesting or different. It always feels inauthentic and over-indulgent.

Take the risks that honor the story or happen naturally, not something forced to try to please or impress someone.

I often take that to life. I only take risks that honor what I want, not what I believe others want of me. And the spontaneous ones that feel right, I trust myself enough to roll with them.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I tend to play the young tortured antagonist or innocent boy-next-door types of characters, although I’ve only really shown the first in my career so far.

My girlfriend would probably say my eyes hold so much weight because my Mars is in Scorpio. But, I’m really good at letting my eyes hold all of my emotional baggage, while embracing contrast. And my ability to find empathy in the darkest of characters without any fear of being hated allows me to fully invest without a lot of the subconscious distancing tactics other actors can make when playing the darker characters.

I’ve also gotten to a place where I’ve had enough repetitions of the more technical aspects of the craft, that it’s become muscle memory, even in normal day-to-day conversation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My buddy, Nicholas Homsher, has all the cool spots down pat. I’m a bit lame at making plans, because my ideal night is a Mafia Party at the house.

I love Arbor Hills Nature Preserve…it’s one of those places I know like the back of my hand, literally. I used to go for hours every day.

Cidercade is just a whole vibe. Nothing like classic arcade games and Guitar Hero.

Mexican Sugar is probably my favorite restaurant in Irving. Their Salsa is the best I’ve ever had and their Salmon is always perfect.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, for always challenging my beliefs to make sure they come from the right intent, instead of running on thoughtless autopilot. When I came back to Texas, I twiddled my thumbs, waiting for an acting job to find me. She helped me realize if I truly loved it, I wouldn’t keep placing limitations on where and when I can act, I’d just go do it.

My agent, Leigh, for somehow discovering me in the very moment I was ready to give up, and being the biggest cheerleader, knowing I was capable before even I did.

My girlfriend, Samara, for reminding me of self-grace and compassion. Creating the safest space for me to be vulnerable and reminding me constantly that it’s the love we share with others that will always matter more than the productive days at work.

My cousin, Lynda, for making me feel at home when I moved to California from Texas, and being the brightest light during the darkest phase of my life.

Glenn Morshower, who made me 103720% better of an actor, and taught me how to truly live and be happy in the process.

My Dad, for teaching me calm, while being one of my biggest supporters. Always checking in to make sure I’m okay and know he’s thinking about me.

There’s truly so so so many people it’s impossible to write less than a novel if I named all of them.

Website: www.tristanspohn.com/links

Instagram: @tristanspohn

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TristanSpohnAKASpiderman

Image Credits
Final Photo: Tatyana Bessmertnaya