Meet Kylie Cunningham

We recently connected with Kylie Cunningham and have shared our conversation below.

Kylie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

For as long as I can remember I felt my purpose was to perform! The first movie I remember watching that truly moved me was Fried Green Tomatoes—I think I was about five years old. I was completely enamored by the incredible women on screen and knew I wanted to do what they were doing. Then I saw Titanic, and that sealed it for me. I had to be just like Kate Winslet! I even printed out the entire script, memorized it, and practiced in front of the mirror. As a homeschooled child, I had plenty of time to dive into my obsession with acting.

I was fascinated by stories and felt like I could see exactly how the emotions of the characters should play out. Acting was a no-brainer for my path; it was all I ever thought about or studied. Even before I started acting professionally at 18, I was determined. At six years old, I was already using our old family computer to research casting directors for my favorite movies, calling them pretending to be an agent, and emailing home videos of myself performing in my bedroom. Looking back, it’s clear this was always what I was meant to do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Kylie Cunningham, and I’m an actress! My journey with acting began in theatre at age six, and I also quickly fell in love with film and storytelling. I was captivated by how movies could move me and inspire others, and I knew I wanted to tell meaningful stories that could do the same.

Six and a half years ago, I transitioned from being a local theatre actress to acting for television and film, and it’s been an incredible journey full of highs and lows. My parents initially wanted me to go to medical school, so I was faced with a tough choice: follow a conventional path or chase my dream. I chose the latter, dropping out of college to pursue acting. With no connections in the entertainment industry, it was a challenge to get doors to open, but I’m so thankful for the support system I’ve built along the way.

What excites me most about acting is the chance to explore such a wide range of human emotions, connect with people, and escape into different realities. It’s a unique thrill, and it’s what keeps me passionate about this craft.

I’m thrilled about several projects coming out in 2025, including a mini-series called P27! On top of that, I’ve been working on my own screenplay for the past two years, and I plan to bring it into production this year. Acting and storytelling have always been my greatest loves, and I’m so excited to see what the future holds!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe the three best qualities to have as an actress in this industry are perseverance, flexibility, and authenticity.

Perseverance is essential because this career is full of challenges—rejections, setbacks, and moments of doubt are inevitable. My faith and determination have kept me moving forward, focusing on the bigger picture no matter the obstacles.

Flexibility is equally important because every role, set, and creative team is different, and sometimes the biggest opportunities come at the most inconvenient times. You have to be ready to adapt, whether it’s rearranging your life for a last-minute audition or stepping into a role on short notice. Being open to change and willing to adjust has been key to seizing those unexpected moments that can shape your career.

Lastly, authenticity is the foundation of meaningful storytelling. Audiences connect with truth and vulnerability, so staying grounded in who I am while giving my all to every role allows me to create work that resonates.

One piece of knowledge I wish I had been told before starting my career is that: it’s not personal! As a naturally sensitive person, I’ve always seen my empathy and ability to connect with emotions as a strength in acting, but I’ve also had to learn the importance of balance. It’s vital to take care of your heart—understanding that rejection or criticism isn’t a reflection of your worth, but just part of the journey. Developing a thicker skin while staying in tune with my emotions has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned

These qualities have been integral to both my growth as an artist and my journey in this industry.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

I feel like I learn something new every day and I’m always trying to grow, but 2024 was one of the hardest years of my life. It was the first time I ever had to deal with grief and loss, and that kind of experience truly changes you as a person. I feel like I’ve lived two different lives: the person I was before loss and the person I’ve become after. It was a wake-up call that life is short. I’ve always been someone who could get upset over minor things or stress too easily, but the past twelve months taught me the importance of enjoying everyday life while we’re here on earth. I’ve learned to stop sweating the small stuff and, more importantly, to let go of past hurt and anger. Holding onto grudges only weighs you down, so I’ve embraced forgiveness—both for myself and others. This growth has been incredibly freeing and has shaped how I approach both my personal life and my career.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Bradlea Klock
Christina Caralis
Kennedy Renee
Kent Allen

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