Meet Sean Dillingham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Dillingham.

Sean, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was eight years old. I saw my first Gene Kelly movie and was like “I’m going to do that!” After that, it was school plays, high school drama, community theatre then into an improv troupe. I was in a play with Actors Theatre of Phoenix when a talent agent happened to be in the audience.

They approached me after and wanted to sign me as one of their actors. I then started into my commercial, tv and film work. Thankfully, I’ve always had supportive family around me, from a kid to my wife and kids today. You can’t do anything without that support system around you. It takes a lot of dedication. When you have a shoot on location somewhere.

An audition out of state. Its travel, its time and without that support – nearly impossible. I thank God for them everyday! Those aren’t the people that just stand by your side during it all, they are the ones that hold you up and help you carry on! I’ve had a really good run for about the last four years.

From appearances on shows “The NightShift,” Longmire,” “This is Us,” “Yellowstone” and more, things are really snowballing in a good direction. Today, after 98+ commercials, 50+ films and appearances on 15 national tv series – I’m finding myself auditioning for bigger and bigger roles on bigger and bigger projects.

Projects that have included Christian Bale, Sam Rockwell, Angelina Jolie, Ben Kingsley, Uma Thurman, Mark Wahlberg and more.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No – nothing worthwhile is ever easy! It is very, very frustrating to be in a business where there is 98% unemployment! It is sometimes very hard to stay inspired, enthusiastic and focused.

It’s like anything takes a certain dedication. And I don’t mean the “dream.” We ALL have the dream. I mean the dedication of when you get an audition in another state two days from now, you go. You get in your car and you go. No excuses. No job. Nothing keeps you from it. You have to drop everything and go. THAT kind of dedication.

That’s where the term “starving artist” came from. When you are willing to go without food because of your dream, that is the kind of dedication I’m talking about.

What else should we know about your work and career so far?
I’m an actor. Always have been, always will be. The best part of evolving not only as an actor but as a person is the personal growth you experience. When you start out in your performing endeavors, you try hard to please others, the audience, the director, etc.

However, when you mature, your greatest critic is yourself. You work hard to achieve a level within yourself that (hopefully) continues to push you to higher and higher standards and levels which in turn, pleases others. It can truly be a marvelous transformation.

We always love to ask about the support network – have there been people, perhaps mentors or advisors, who have played a big role in your success?
Lots of teachers, instructors, classmates, and fellow actors, but my praise goes to my wife and kids and my family. They are there to support you in good times and bad, cheer you on and pick you up.

THEY deserve credit and praise. I’m lucky. I have a wife that has been my best friend for 30 years. I am truly lucky.

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