Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, Cristofher Griffin has made a mark in the entertainment industry with his diverse range of talents. Not only is he an accomplished actor, gracing screens both big and small in popular works such as The Resident on Fox, Another Christmas on Roku TV, Hanging with the Taylors on Impact TV Network, and the highly anticipated Separated Sisters on Lifetime, but he also brings a unique perspective to his roles as a school librarian. His ability to seamlessly transition between the worlds of education and entertainment is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft.
In a world where boundaries between professions are constantly being blurred, Cristofher stands out as a shining example of how passion, talent, and hard work can lead to success in multiple spheres. From the halls of academia to the bright lights of Hollywood, Griffin's star continues to rise, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes. He shares,
“The first few years of becoming a professional actor were great. At the same time, it was frustrating because I was trying to find my footing. How to find an agent, and acting classes which all happened before social media was what it is now. Eventually, I found my footing and have only gone uphill ever since.
Cristofher Griffin
“In undergrad, I had two classes left and ultimately chose Theater 101. One night, while waiting in the theater department for a few classmates, there were auditions for a black box production of a play called Women and Wallace. The director saw me and thought I was there to audition. I let her know I was waiting on classmates who were running late. I ended up auditioning for several roles. Days later, I received an email asking me to be the lead, which was my first time leading a role for the stage. This role was challenging because I had to memorize six monologues, find my rhythm and groove, which allowed me to remember these words with every movement I made on stage. At first, it was difficult, but eventually, I found my footing and trusted my gut instinct. On opening night, a spark ignited when I received rave reviews from classmates, friends, and family. That allowed me to see how far I could go with acting. Overall, it was a wonderful experience!”
After earning his undergraduate degree and immersing himself in the world of theater, Cristofher began searching for agents and pursuing acting.
“2010 was a good year for me. That’s when I met my mentor, Laesharn Hopkins of New Life Productions. She was the first person who treated me as an equal, and as someone who knew what they wanted to do acting-wise, as guided me along my way. It was because of her that I found out about the Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem and discovered the Black Film Festival. I was also able to make connections and had opportunities to meet people in the upper echelons of film and Black theater,” Griffin said.
While on his journey, Cristofher shares how he has come across different people who have given him advice and life lessons on what not to do in the entertainment business.
“I have always been fortunate to have met my mentor,” he said.
While growing up, Cristofher says he wasn’t interested in the arts. “I was an only child with a creative streak. When I wasn’t outside playing with my friends, I was finding ways to entertain myself. My mom and grandmother would walk into my room and see Lego men hanging from the walls with dental floss, which was my imagination creating an entire story!”
Griffin’s grandparents and their friends subconsciously influenced his career path. He shares, “Before my grandfather moved to Columbia, he was a booking agent in Sumter, booking Black talent who performed at clubs. Before my grandfather moved to Columbia, he would throw parties at his house, and at the time, I was too young to attend them. However, one night, I snuck into one of the parties. I walked through the crowd, and a man I had never seen picked me up and said with a deep and boisterous voice, ‘Do you know me, little boy?’ I looked at him and told him, 'no.' He put me down, and I went on my way before my granddaddy found me. I later found out that the man was Lou Rawls."
“Growing up in Columbia, my grandmother would always take me to visit her friends. One friend in particular was Dr. C. Julian Parrish, the first African American pianist to perform live at Carnegie Hall. I never knew I was in the presence of such notable people, but as an adult, when I talked to my mom and grandparents about who I was around growing up, I was surprised because I didn’t realize it at the time.”
“While there are both good and bad things in life, there are always experiences enhancing us whether we realize it or not. In my case, I was influenced by people deeply involved in the arts scene, going as far back as the 1950s and 1960s, though I didn’t realize it then. I am fortunate to have been around them, even though I had no idea what was happening.”
Atlanta Film and TV: Can you talk to us about some of the projects you’ve worked on?
Cristofher Griffin: “Recently, I have been working on film projects with Stacey Davis Films. Davis, a Black artist and filmmaker from Columbia, South Carolina, and I first connected in late 2020 when my agent sent me an audition for a movie called Another Christmas, a sequel to A Carolina Christmas. I auditioned for a role in Another Christmas, was booked, and filmed in Myrtle Beach. That experience paralleled another role I booked on the series Hanging with The Taylors on Impact Network alongside actor Ryan Toby. Most recently, last October, we wrapped on a Halloween film that has yet to be titled, and I was also part of a movie coming out on Lifetime called Separated Sisters, filmed in Atlanta in 2023. And, this past July, I filmed Bride Hard in Savannah for Rebel Wilson. Overall, 2023 was a busy year for me!”
Cristofher shares how he balances both being a librarian and an actor.
"I balance my roles effectively, treating my work as a librarian like that of an artist, surrounded by books of different genres.
"Growing up, I spent most of my time in the library, reading and seeking ways to stimulate my mind. In elementary school, I began with Roger Hargreaves' Mr. Men series and moved on to Dr. Seuss, Goosebumps, and The Boxcar Children, and in middle and high school, I discovered graphic novels."
My love and passion for film started in the 10th grade when I took a film class, and I was one of the best students because I became fascinated with the process of filmmaking and how movies work. During lunchtime, I was always in the library looking in the arts and film section, finding books on Hollywood and acting. I never joined the theater club in high school. I was socially awkward because I was around a lot of older people and picked up a lot of older tendencies. I had a hard time fitting in with kids my age, which was a challenge, and because of that, I would try to find ways to take away from feeling like I wasn’t accepted. I would find other ways to keep my interest.” Griffin said.
Atlanta Film and TV: What is one thing no one knows about you? For example, do you have a hidden talent no one knows about?
Cristofher Griffin: “Anyone who knows my mother knows that I am every bit of her. Though I don’t show it outwardly, I have my mother’s creative streak. People assume that I just started on this creative journey of mine, however, my mother is one of the most creative people I’ve ever met, and I guess creativity is ingrained in my DNA that trickled down from her and instilled itself in me, which is why I decided to go on the journey of acting."
What is a piece of advice you have for someone coming out of high school, and looking to pursue a career as an actor?
Cristofher Griffin: “The first thing I would ask any senior coming out of high school or college looking to pursue a career as an actor would be, is acting something you are looking to pursue as a hobby. Or is it something you see yourself doing career-wise? Make sure acting is something you want to do with your life. If you take the glitz and glamor out of it, it's hard work! Everybody has to pay their dues. You will have slow years where you might not book. However, still, pursue your craft. Take an acting class, and always freshen up, train yourself, and keep your craft intact as much as possible because you never know when you might book which might be your breakout role.”
Atlanta Film and TV: Do you have any G.E.M.S. you would like to share? (G.E.M.S. stands for Great Educational Moments with Movers and Shakers)
Cristofher Griffin: “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and understand who you are. When you’re in the entertainment business, it can eat you alive, so be sure you have a strong sense of self to maneuver through. Be comfortable with who you are, and don’t allow people to influence you to do things you know will cross your boundaries.
Secondly, as many bad moments you will have in this business, appreciate the great ones even more. You’ll hear a million ‘no’s’ before you hear that one life-changing ‘yes.’ Once you get that one life-changing ‘yes,’ appreciate it, and don’t take it for granted. Be humble and professional. If you treat acting like a regular job, amazing things will happen!”
Atlanta Film and TV: Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Cristofher Griffin: Separated Sisters is coming soon on Lifetime, as well as Bridehard. If you follow me on Instagram @evrybodyluvscris you’ll find out the dates. There are several other projects I’m a part of, however we are waiting on the release date and trailers.
How can people connect with you?
Cristofher Griffin: Anyone who wants to connect with me can follow me on Instagram @evrybodyluvscris
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