Name: Avery Austin
Hometown: Centreville, Virginia
Current Location: Los Angeles, California
TrunkSpace: When did you know that you wanted to act for a living?
Austin: I’ve been acting since I was about eight, so it was just a matter of when I was going to move to Los Angeles or New York!
TrunkSpace: Was there a particular performance or actor/actress from your childhood that you remember being drawn to and inspired by?
Austin: I absolutely loved Judy Garland and “The Wizard of Oz.” I was captivated. Once I was old enough to watch “Titanic, according to my mom, Kate Winslet. (Laughter)
TrunkSpace: How did you decide to approach your career as an actor? Did you formulate a plan of how you wanted to attack what is known for being a hard industry to crack?
Austin: I went to school first and got a BFA in Theatre and Acting. I did as many student/short films I could do while I was in school in order to get experience and footage. In all honesty, nothing can prepare you for the industry in Los Angeles until you’re
there. (Laughter)
TrunkSpace: When did you decide to move away from your home and pursue acting as a career? How old were you at the time?
Austin: After graduation from college, so 22. I graduated, and two months later moved to LA.
TrunkSpace: Was that move an easy transition for you initially? How long did it take you to feel at home and find a good support group of friends and peers?
Austin: Oh my gosh, hardest first year of my life! I call it ‘the dark year.’ (Laughter) I would say I started to feel that LA was more of a ‘home’ after a year to a year and a half. It’s still hard sometimes, but I love it.
TrunkSpace: What has been been your biggest break in terms of a particular role or project thus far?
Austin: I booked a co-star playing Vanessa on CBS’ “2 Broke Girls” about five months ago. That was amazing. SO much fun.
TrunkSpace: Is there a specific type of role you’d like to take on or a specific genre that you feel more at home in?
Austin: It’s funny because I have booked more comedy roles out here so far, but I love drama. I want to do a psychological, uncomfortable role where I have to ‘dig deep.’ I’d love to be on “The Handmaid’s Tale” or “Stranger Things” and “Shameless.”
TrunkSpace: What would you say is the greatest strength an actor/actress can have outside of acting ability itself?
Austin: Drive and confidence.
TrunkSpace: What is your ultimate dream when it comes to your acting career? Where would you like your path to lead?
Austin: I’d love to be in an Academy-nominated film. I’m sure that is most actors dream out here. I want to be a part of something that is more than just ‘a movie,’ but a story that lasts a lifetime.
TrunkSpace: What advice would you give another young aspiring actor/actress who is considering moving away from home to pursue their dream?
Austin: Just keep going. It’s going to be really hard. There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs, but don’t give up, especially right away.
TrunkSpace: Where can people (and casting directors) learn more about you?
Austin: My IMDb is www.imdb.me/averyaustin. I have an Instagram as well, @avery.austin.