Meet Andi René Christensen | Film & Television Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andi René Christensen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andi René, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have never been more focused on my career. I love it deeply, more than I ever have before — every, single, minuscule aspect of it. This is the chapter of my life in which very little else matters to me. Acting is truly the only thing I want to focus on. Certain roadblocks in my life have recently been cleared away, leaving room for a new level of self-awareness and an elevated hustle. While acknowledging that fiercely independent streak of mine, I also know that a portion of the focus I presently choose to apply towards advancing my career will eventually be reallocated to pursuing more intimate life goals. Many things feed my soul; a career is not all I want. Even so, said career comes first, and that is non-negotiable. That is the mindset I choose to have in this industry. The bar doesn’t get lowered, it only gets raised — and I won’t let time outpace my effort.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an actor. Always have been. Even before I “chose” to be one.

The easy part about my art is doing it. The part that’s hard is doing it consistently, and consistency looks different for every artist. My journey was a start-stop situation for a while. For the better part of a decade, life presented walls that I didn’t think could be bested, walls that I had to sledgehammer my way through or just straight up burn down. Overcoming obstacles of that magnitude is never easy, and rarely is it quick — but in the words of this year’s LA Pride headliner, “I am a fighter and I ain’t gon’ stop.” (Extra points if you know who that is without Google’ing it).

Now, after having earned the freedom of consistency and teaming up with my incredibly hardworking reps at Kreativ, I’ve landed co-starring roles in multiple television shows including “Bel-Air”, “Hacks”, “The L Word”, and “Promised Land” all within the past year. A recently wrapped film I’m quite fond of is “Merry & Gay” — a queer Christmas rom-com directed by Christin Baker, starring myself and Dia Frampton — in which I was given the opportunity to play the first non-binary romantic lead within the genre. A friendly tip: keep an eye out, because M&G will be coming in hot this holiday season…  (Andi is represented by Kreativ Media Partners)

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ah man, I’m always so bad at these types of questions… making decisions when it comes to activities has never been my strong suit, as I tend to fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to such things. Plus, I could go on and on about all of the great things to do in Los Angeles, so I’m going to limit myself to a select… few.

In no particular order…

Food/Drink stuff:
ETA (Highland Park) — live jazz and oyster happy hour. Done and done.
Joy (Highland Park) — the most killer Taiwanese food, ever.
Three Clubs (Hollywood) — any event thrown here is typically worth going to, and often sells out… especially their burlesque shows.
Eighty-Two (Arts District DTLA)— one of the best barcades in LA. I learned a lot about pinball in my early days here… and got really good at Galaga.
Kenshō (Hollywood Hills) — a hidden gem near The Hollywood Bowl with phenomenal food, killer sake/wine, and undeniably boast-worthy views.

Entertainment stuff:
The Hollywood Bowl (Hollywood) — there’s never a bad show at The Bowl, but if you get a chance to see the LA Philharmonic perform film scores live, while said film plays on multiple screens all around you, do not (let me repeat) do NOT miss it. “Harry Potter” and “Back to the Future” are on the summer schedule… jussayin.
Hauser & Wirth (Arts District DTLA) — depends on the exhibition, but it’s one of my favorite galleries in the city. The convenience of Manuela’s for a post-art appreciation nibble and cocktail doesn’t hurt, either.
Cinespia (Hollywood) — bring your own picnic to The Hollywood Forever cemetery to watch (and quote) well-loved cult flicks with a bunch of other film nerds carrying Trader Joe’s bags and drinking god knows what while eating popcorn popped next to an oddly welcoming mausoleum.

Beaches — to avoid the crowds, head north past Malibu or south closer to Orange County. It will take you less time to drive somewhere else than to find a parking spot (for your car and your butt) at any of LA’s always crowded beaches.

Waterfall or Grotto hikes — I’ll never tell… but these aren’t too hard to find on your own.

Los Angeles is incredibly diverse and has something for everyone, but if you’re looking to venture out some while you’re here, hop a boat to Catalina and camp on the beach, or take a day trip to Ojai to pick lavender and take an outdoor mud bath.

In LA, an adventure is never out of reach…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my mother. She is my rock; I know no other woman as strong as her. She is an absolute warrior. She has been supporting and cheering me on from Day One. It is truly a gift to be loved unconditionally, and I could not be more grateful to call such a tremendously wonderful human my mother.

Website: https://www.imdb.me/andirenechristensen

Instagram: @andirenechristensen

Image Credits
Danielle Burgess, Warner Bros,,/HBO Max, NBC Universal/Peacock