Entertainer, Richmond Chandler is an actor, musician, writer, and all-around lover of the creative arts. In an industry that can often pressure artists to choose just one label to identify as, Richmond is confident and self-assured in his title of “entertainer” and doesn’t let others define him or place him in just one singular box.
A proud New Yorker, Richmond grew up in a musical household with parents who supported his love of entertainment from a young age when they bought him his first piano at the age of 8. He went on to study Drama and Musical Theater at the University of Southern California, but ultimately returned to the city he calls home and went on to perform in multiple lead and supporting roles on Broadway. Although Richmond has consistently worked in the entertainment industry throughout his life, he acknowledges that this career path is anything but easy. Often, he finds that you’re facing rejection 99.9% of the time which requires him to have a strong sense of self and to not take the No’s personally. Instead of letting rejection damage his self-worth as an artist, Richmond has learned to put a positive spin on things by seizing the opportunity to make a memorable impression, no matter the outcome.
RC: “When you walk into a room of 20 new people, that’s an opportunity to make 20 new friends.”
Not only is it important to have a strong mindset, but Richmond emphasizes the importance of community in creative or entrepreneurial fields. He believes that by staying involved, you are being of service to others and in turn, you know there is always someone out there supporting you. That support is especially important when it comes to experiencing the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. It is not uncommon for artists to fall into self-doubt or even depression while their career. When it comes to those difficult moments, Richmond Chandler had this to say:
RC: “Everyone experiences the highs and the lows…the important part to remember is that it’s only temporary. Everything is temporary… Whatever seems so bad to you today, it’s already tomorrow in Australia. Everything will get better; you just need to stay positive.”
2020 has proven to be an extraordinarily difficult year in which to stay positive, and Richmond acknowledges that there is no shortage of things to get you down. Yet he also believes that there are several things to keep you up. Richmond feels that the key to staying inspired during a time when many around the world are currently confined to their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, is to take small steps towards getting out of your own head. Whether that’s learning about a new subject, trying a different recipe, rearranging your furniture, or even dying your hair a wacky color, Richmond believes that creating a list of small creative tasks can help you to stay grounded and motivated.
RICHMOND CHANDLER: “Once you start making a couple of little changes, it’s really easy to then open yourself up again.”
More than anything, Richmond emphasizes the importance of being a well-rounded person rather than simply being just a well-rounded performer. Richmond is a firm believer in the power of gratitude, and he is a living example of how positivity can change lives. In addition to utilizing his own gratitude practice, he has passed along what he has learned to others. By coming up with 5 good things about each day every day, this practice ended up saving the life of a friend of his who had made the decision to end her life before engaging in this practice.
RC: “This profession forces you to feel more and express more and then makes it easier to help others express themselves too…You learn more about yourself as you get older… Through the arts, through music, through reading literature, I’ve actually discovered me and am [now] okay with me.”
For any up and coming artist who is considering a career in entertainment, Richmond has a wide range of experience and insight to share. One of his most important pieces of advice being, do it because you love it. He stresses the fact that fame or money cannot be what drives you because a creative career requires a lot of hard work, time and patience. If you can stay the course, and not let anybody tell you no, he believes that through a series of small steps, that you’ll eventually get to where you’re going.
RC: “Stay strong, stay positive. What you give out, you get back. Keep being positive, keep being happy, be kind.”
For more information or to further connect with Richmond, feel free to reach out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Check out his IMDB Page.
Written by Erin McCluskey
So Proud of you and so well deserved!
A handsome soul that brings Joy and kindness to others , an excellent example of how one should be .