We recently had the chance to connect with Carl-Philipp Wengler and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carl-Philipp, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’m generally speaking a very happy person and I tend to laugh quite easily (sometimes TOO easily), so yes, I’ve definitely laughed recently. But one moment that stood out was at work, when my colleagues and I just had a heartfelt laugh over dinner, talking about all the mishaps, issues we’d faced, moments of joy, etc. We we’re at an Asian buffet not far from work and it was a delightful time we spent together and I remember laughing a lot.
And a recent moment I felt proud… I think there’s been a few, I’m trying to look back on my achievements and what I do with more pride – without losing my hunger for further achievements, I still want to achieve a lot. But recently I was reading a book and I looked back on my teenage years and childhood and thought ‘So much that you didn’t do right or could’ve done better.’ and I kept thinking ‘what if I’d done that?’ Would that have helped me in the future, would I be further in life, happier, more fulfilled, and so on. And a few hours later, after thinking some more about this, I realized, I’ve achieved more than my 14/15 year old self could’ve imagined at the time. And sure, there’s always room for improvement, but I’ve outgrown myself many times and I’m not done. So yeah, I’d say I’m still in this phase of looking back proudly (and looking at the present proudly). I’m happy with who I am, what I’m striving for, what I’m doing, etc. And that’s enough positive self-talk, because otherwise I’ll sound too in love with myself 😉
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m a 26 year old actor. I’ve worked on movies, series, commercials, amusement parks… Wherever I can put my skillset to good use! More recently I’ve been hired as a soldier, henchman or bodyguard on different projects. I joke around that I should have a Bingo card with all the different soldiers I’ve played (SS-Officer and Nazi Soldier have been crossed out multiple times. But hey, it’s part of the job and if I can be a good Nazi on-screen, then I’ll do it!). I’ve done American soldier for WWI, WWII, Nazi soldier and officer, Italian soldier in WWI… I was cast as Russian soldier post-WWII, but scheduling prevented me from completing that, so I’m only missing a few more to complete my Bingo card!
But a bit more about me: I’ve attended different acting classes, schools and workshops, as I did a BA in political science before getting into acting and I didn’t want to spend another 3 years at school. I’ve attended Lee Strasberg in Los Angeles, Cinestudio Paris in (you guessed it!) Paris, as well as some shorter workshops in Paris with House of Thespians and Le Cours Florent. I also have some background/training in stunts, as I love action movies and would love to do my own stunts – or as much as I’m allowed, as an actor. I went to SPA in L.A. and trained a bit at CUC, in Northern France. And the soldier, henchman, bodyguard parts have provided me with a lot of fun, passionate work that I really enjoy! I can’t wait to do even more of that.
However, I’m not only a “soldier” or in action-packed projects and I hope that I don’t get put in a box with that label forever. I love those projects, but I’d hate for people to think that’s all I can do or only see me as that type of actor. If I make a career out of that I sure won’t complain, but I know I can do a lot more and so I hope I get to do a variety of parts. And I think I have what it takes to make me stand out. I consider myself to be very gritty, perseverant and I know that I’ll stick with this. This isn’t just a hobby or interest that might fade in a few months. This is a passion for me and I grew up with movies that made me dream, ignited my creativity and shaped me, and I want to give that back. I want kids (and adults, if they want) to marvel at the movies like I did, to be inspired by them, just as I was.
I think that in and of itself is already a great advantage I have – I know why I’m doing this. And on top of that, I think I bring an interesting and unique skillset to the table with my languages (English, German, Spanish and French), my previous studies in political science, as well as my love for stunts and ongoing training in it.
I think that’s a good snapshot of me, without going down more rabbit-holes and my love for science-fiction literature (or Dune, or Alien books, Lego Star Wars sets, FC Bayern Munich, Hans Zimmer and movie soundtracks… Oh god, so much)
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Trust. And that’s my answer for both parts of the question.
I believe that breaking trust breaks bonds and to restore them you need to rebuild trust. I know it sounds overly simplistic, but that’s really what it boils down to, for me. If I had to go a bit deeper, further into the subject, I’d add that to rebuild/restore those bonds you also need kindness, grace, forgiveness, patience, a sprinkle of love… But I do think it’s possible and I’m a big believer in second chances and that we’re all inherently good people, trying to do good. Sometimes it may be misguided or we might hurt people unwillingly, but I don’t think that we’re out to hurt others. Yes, we all probably have and will again, but I think we rarely do so on purpose and premeditatedly.
But hopefully you have such strong bonds that they don’t break and whether a friend, family member, spouse, husband, partner, etc. make sure to tell them how awesome they are and how much they mean to you.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Hmmmmm. There’s been quite a few failures that’ve changed my way of thinking, but one more recently was after reading a particular book. So, recently, I’ve looked at every failed casting/audition/self-tape as taking me one step closer to victory. Sure, it can still be disappointing or hurt a little (I learned from a wise man and great teacher that you have 24 hours to feel sorry for yourself, then you shake it off and keep going), but you have to stay perseverant and gritty. And I think I was unconsciously, but now I’ve made a conscious decision that I am in this for good, nothing will stop me and I’ll keep going, no matter how many failures and rejections I need to deal with.
It’s been a powerful shift in perspective. And so, it also leads me to view every failure as one step closer to the next victory or success.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That everyone should pursue their passion. I don’t think it’s wrong, I just think it’s naive to think that everyone will or should. Most people would like to, but maybe can’t, due to some circumstances in life, others don’t know how to, others won’t dare, others won’t take the time to explore their passion or cultivate it… The list goes on and some might still say that they don’t have the courage or spirit, that everyone can find a way to chase their passion, but I don’t think so. Whatever the reason, some people can’t, won’t, don’t want to or try and give up – and that’s totally fine. As long as you’re in the clear with yourself (your conscience), that’s fine.
So passion. I used to think that it was a crime not to go after it, but I’ve realize that it’s not.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
I wouldn’t say dimming, but it has happened and still happens that I can dim my energy. I like to think of it as reading the room and not everyone (and in every situation) is okay with my natural energy, so I turn it down a little. I think we all have to adapt to our surroundings and you can’t just do whatever you want 24/7. But I’ve been aware of this and I think it also comes from certain people saying I was ‘too much, too loud or looking for the spotlight’ when I was younger. So I just watch out for that and make sure I don’t take up too much space – trust me, I still can if I need to (wink, wink).
Not sure if it’s a great thing and I can already hear some armchair psychologist saying I’m culling myself or not being my honest self, but I see it as more of an adaptation to certain situations. And it doesn’t bother me and I don’t feel like I’m putting on a mask, so no danger of me betraying myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16085518/?ref_=tt_cl_t_15
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cap291099/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-philipp-wengler-46636421a/
Image Credits
Lilo Mendola
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