Meet Brent Huff

We recently connected with Brent Huff and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Brent with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I have always been willing to ‘pay-the-price’ if it is something I am passionate about. It started with sports in high school and college and then I just transferred that drive into being an actor, writer and director. You need action and discipline to achieve your goals. Putting in the work isn’t nearly as hard as being unsuccessful.

Young people have approached me and said they want to be an actor. My first response is, do you really? It takes an incredible amount of work and you face massive rejection as an actor. For an artist, scrambling to earn a living is familiar territory. If you ‘have’ to be an actor, then, by all means, commit yourself fully to it. I find the adventure of being an actor, writer and director is worth the setbacks.

The most difficult mission on earth is to focus on your dreams. This easiest task is for you to complain. To be happy, you need to find a path you are proud of.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a storyteller who works as an actor, writer and director. Stories not only entertain but they can change lives. Stories have been an important part of our lives since we were toddlers. Just think how comforting it was during the lockdown to watch compelling stories on television.

Early in my career I studied acting in both New York and Los Angeles, but spent way too much time waiting for the phone to ring. In my early 30’s I decided I need to diversify and started writing and directing plays and films. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Now I am comfortable both in front and behind the camera.

I write and direct narrative films as well as documentaries. Two different disciplines, but at the end of the day, it’s storytelling. I can make a documentary film for relatively cheap so I don’t have to spend so much time chasing the money. Finding funding is my least favorite part of this business.

Six years ago I was totally focused on directing when I booked a recurring role on Shameless. I loved being back in front of the camera, especially having William H. Macy direct me. Right after Shameless I was fortunate enough to book a recurring role on the hit ABC show, The Rookie. I’ve had the time of my life playing the hapless character of Smitty. I’m thrilled that The Rookie just got picked up for season six.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being curious is the first quality you need to be an actor, writer or director. You need to love breaking down a scene and creating compelling characters. An actor must ‘puzzle out’ the character. Do your homework. I keep journals and write down interesting behavior I see people do in day to day life. Become a people watcher.

Don’t become an actor just to be famous. I understand why people want to become famous but if that’s the goal, become an influencer on Tiki’ToK or Instagram. It’s easier. Only become an actor if you love the process. Don’t cut corners and disrespect the craft.

Have a goal and see it through. If you aim at nothing, you have nowhere to go. Don’t float through life without a plan. Find your purpose! There is a high price to pay for not having purpose. Show your friends and family what chasing a dream looks like. Tribulations produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope. Hope does not disappoint.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
I read all the time and it’s mostly non-fiction books. I read biographies from successful people that I hope to learn something from. Right now I am reading No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy. The book illustrates how people come up with all sorts of excuses for not doing the work that is required to achieve success. Discipline is hard but reaching your goals requires it. If you follow the advice of Brian Tracy you will excel.

For those of us who weren’t born with natural talent we have to rely on hard work, grit and discipline. Having discipline and accomplishing daily goals gives you self-esteem.

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is another must read.

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