Chris Murray Regard Magazine

10 THINGS – Chris Murray

How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?

Well, I guess I got my start in elementary school by telling the jokes I found in my joke book, for the talent show with my brother. I grew up in Kentucky, so going out to pursue acting in NYC or Los Angeles was out of the question. It was never brought up. I was pretty much going to be a doctor or a lawyer. But, after college, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life, and being moved by art, I headed off to NYC for some actor training. I, eventually, landed some commercial agents and starting booking commercials and voice overs. Theater followed, and I guess I was on my winding path so to speak.

When did you realize that you had the “acting bug”?

In my senior year of college, I was cast as the lead, Alceste, in the Spring main stage production of Moliere’s “The Misanthrope.” I think one of my (male?) friends threw a pair of panties on stage instead of flowers. I was bit, hook line and sinker right there, holding those panties in my hands, taking a bow.

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Most of your work consists of film & commercials. Was this by design or just the luck of the draw?

Is anything really by design? No, I just got what work I could get and kept moving my feet forward. Commercials are an excellent way to work on comedic timing, because you need to convey a whole story in a wink of the eye or a facial expression. Now, I’m focusing on film and TV.

You’re in the upcoming film, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension. How did you first get introduced to the project?

Well, naturally, I auditioned for it. I had no idea it was a horror film because the project was coded. I did a lot of improv with Greg Plotkin (the director) in the initial auditions. He seemed to let me go in a more comedic direction. Then, I found out it was a horror film and was kind of surprised by it all. But, I was game.

In the film, you play the role of Ryan Fleege. What did you enjoy about playing this character?

Well, Ryan is a successful family man. He puts everything into his family and loves his daughter to death. In real life, I am not married and have no kids, so it was interesting to wear those shoes in the movie. It was also cool to play a camera geek. I geek out hard on this camera I find; had to find my inner camera nerd.

Chris Murray Regard Magazine

For the viewers that are not too scared to watch, what can we expect to see from Paranormal Activity’s final chapter?

Oh wow, it’s a ride. I think the audiences will fall in love with the family and really feel for them, and then, when things start to get scary, they’ll root for us. It’s really funny actually, and it’s got amazing special effects and just feels like a big, giant horror movie. The cast has great chemistry and it’s really well acted and we finally get to see what Toby looks like. Go see it in 3D for sure!

If you weren’t working on your career as an actor, what kind of job do you think you’d have?

I’d be a chef. I love to cook. It’s probably the NYC influence. I worked in lots of restaurants and picked up some great things from amazing chefs along the way. But, cooking also gives me profound pleasure. I love teaching others how to cook, inspiring them to get in the kitchen.

When you’re not on set working on your craft, what do you typically do on a day off or just to relax?

I usually go for a swim or surf in the ocean. And, do something physical, like trail running or a quick gym work out. I also play a lot of golf. Ahem. Misunderstood game by most, I think. There’s a lot of zen to it, a “walk in the woods spoiled.” It can be frustrating if you don’t play well, like money spent and time wasted to get yourself frustrated, but I’m still out in nature. Something about nailing a tiny ball really far relieves stress.

Chris Murray Regard Magazine

Give us a sneak peek into your wardrobe closet. Who are some of your favorite fashion designers and styles?

Oh man. I love fashion, but I don’t LOVE fashion. I like combining thrift store pieces with more designer options. My girlfriend, Nicole, works at Fendi, so she’s gotten me some pretty incredible pieces of late. I recently bought some vintage overalls, a wool poncho and a cowboy hat. I like to keep it seriously-funky-hippie-chic. I like Micah Cohen Shades of Grey, Alternative apparel t-shirts, Saturdays, Generic Surplus, Black Denim, Acne, and most anything that is on sale!

Congrats on the film. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?

Thanks! Well, I wish I could list a bunch of films I was starring in here, but I’m working hard everyday on the next opportunity! I’ve got some writing projects in the pipeline that I’ll get to when things get a little less paranormal! And I guess you could say, if you’re reading this, and have a film project, let’s talk. Maybe we could help each other out!

Facebook:  Chris Murray

Instagram: @MoneyMakesMeFunny

Twitter: @ChrisJ_Murray

Photographer: Diana Ragland

Wardrobe Stylist: Jordan Grossman

Groomer: Veronica Arancibia