Actor Cameron Cowperthwaite chatted about the “American Horror Stories” series, working with Ryan Murphy, and the digital age.
How does it feel to be a part of the “American Horror Stories” series?
It’s a dream come true! I love and adore working with Ryan Murphy. He is an amazing producer/creator/writer/director, and it’s a treat to be a part of his television show! Plus, the fans go crazy about this stuff, which is cool to see and be a part of! Now that the episode is out and I can talk about it, I have to say I’m really proud of how it turned out.
Crystal wrote an amazing script. Logan directed an amazing episode. The cast and crew were excellent. Madison and Spencer were wonderful to work with. I am so happy it is being so well received.
What motivates you each day as an actor?
I think this business is about staying on the grind. So I try to focus on auditioning and staying creative. Whether it’s editing a feature film I’m working on with a friend, writing a screenplay, or reading plays or books; I just try to stay as focused as I can.
How does it feel to be an actor in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
It’s fun! The good part is how much content there is to be a part of and watch! The hard part is the new self-tape/zoom way of auditioning and the social media stuff. I don’t love that, but I understand its prevalence. I miss the days of mystery sometimes because social media can drive me mental.
I do love that streaming has allowed a lot of people to find their creative voice and that a bunch of different projects get to see the light of day!
What do your plans for the future include?
I just want to keep chugging along! I have some shows coming out this fall and next year that I can’t quite talk about, but I’m so excited! I just can’t wait to see what the next creative endeavor is!
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors?
I think you just have to love it. Before I moved out here, my dad expressed an age-old rule that I still find to be true today: if you don’t love this, find something else to do. And it’s true. It’s just too hard.
It’s grueling and brutal at times, and the “fun” can be hard if you really want a social life, for example. But if you truly love it and truly find the process and the journey something that makes you light up, then it’s for you! I’m just holding on to the belief that if you simply don’t quit, you’ll make it.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success is getting the chance to do what you love. I always strive for big things. I think it’s just in my nature to be tenacious and ambitious and shoot for the moon, but at the same time, I do understand that being an actor at a consistent level can be tough. If you are paying your bills doing what you love, you are successful.
What would you like to tell our readers about the “American Horror Stories” series? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I just want the audience to be entertained. I think if the twists spooked you, and the characters were people you recognized, and the performances were engaging, and you felt something, then the work speaks for itself. After all, we are in the entertainment business, and I want people to be taken out of their everyday lives!
To learn more about actor Cameron Cowperthwaite, follow him on Instagram.
