Kim Hopkins, with a Career Spanning Five Decades, Offers Programs to Help Actors
Kim Hopkins is an international award-winning actress. She has acted and modeled for over 50 years. Kim is also the creator of The Working Actor Formula, Live In The Moment Acting, and Last Minute Audition, which are programs that help actors understand show business and have the career of their dreams.
Photo Credit: Regina Visuals • Makeup: Cristina Fabian
Starting her modeling career at three years of age, Kim went on to model in New York City and then became an international model and actress, with a career spanning over five decades. Paving the way for new generations, she helps aspiring and working actors create content-driven platforms that will bring recognition and booking opportunities. Kim’s clients have won multiple awards, have signed with the industry’s top agents, and enjoy successful careers.
Kim has been on the cover of many magazines and has appeared in over 300 commercials globally. She’s been a series regular and starred in cult films, such as Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, The Hollywood Knights, and The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood. She is co-starring with Abigail Breslin in their new TV show, The Cannibals. She has also appeared on The Tonight Show, New Mom, Who Dis?, I Want To Know Your Story, and many podcasts. A passionate performer, she has also directed and starred in her own films, garnering over 32 awards, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.
How long have you been in the entertainment industry as an actor and what do you enjoy the most about this field?
I have been a model and actress since I was three years old! So basically my entire life has been in this crazy and exhilarating world. What I enjoy most are the people who I am blessed to work with in every area. Close second is the ability to make an impact on our culture and help make changes. Helping others is a big part of who I am, so I love to see others succeed with a little help and encouragement.
Most actors have other employment in addition to acting. If this is your case, how do you manage your career?
I do have another passion. As I mentioned earlier, I love to help others. I have an acting class, Live In The Moment, where I help actors fine-tune their skills and get an agent or manager or even a part in something I am producing or directing, if they are right for the role. We shoot professional footage for all my actors once a month also. I keep it extremely affordable for actors! Al Ortega, who is a very close friend, was able to win the role opposite Abigail Breslin and myself in our new show, The Cannibals a feature film produce by Maneater Prod Company.
How demanding is it to be a professional actor?
Your life has to be devoted to your career. This includes taking care of yourself. Auditions and work are just the beginning, you need to eat healthy, exercise, and take time to be grateful. Meditation, a gratitude journal, and massages are part of my routine. Of course, you should always be sharpening your skills in class or writing, reading scripts and watching current shows and movies. So yes, it can be very demanding.
Who are your biggest influences?
My father, George Hopkins, was my biggest influence, he was multi-talented. My father sang, acted, danced, played the drums, and did stand-up comedy including pratfalls. He was just amazing! I just recently had a friend send me a six-minute clip of my dad on the Ed Sullivan Show from 1955! Oh my gosh! He was outstanding!
Richard Rush, who passed away, was a big influence, as well as a supportive mentor and close friend. Guillermo Del Toro’s brilliance to bring what is in his mind to the screen and make us believe we are in that world is something I aspire to.
What is the ideal role that you would like to play and why?
I would relish the opportunity to play the role of a woman who rises from the ashes and helps all those around her, changes the world, and brings it together.
What’s your dream, your ultimate goal? Do you feel like you’re on the path to this goal, or do you feel as if you already achieved that dream?
My dream is to be able to bring voices to the world which are not being heard. There are so many reasons why diversity in television and film is important. I believe that everyone deserves to tell their story. That promotes acceptance. What we see as we grow as humans becomes the norm. Heroes should be male and female, of all shapes and sizes, and include people of color so that we can all relate to the characters and have unconventional role models. Diversity brings in bigger audiences and more success for all involved, from producers to actors and the entire crew, leading to more work for so many. Children need to see someone who represents themselves on television and in film; it gives them the opportunity to associate and to dream big! When we all start embracing our differences and learning to accept that any one of us can do or be anything we want, this world has the opportunity to be the kind of place each of us knows it should be. No, I have not reached that goal, but I will!
Join the Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Club: https://www.heartofhollywoodmagazine.com/club
What is your message to our Heart Of Hollywood Magazine Readers?
Be persistent and consistent! This is a business, you must understand that. There is no rejection, it’s just “not right now”. In time, you will see the “not right now” is the beginning of relationships that bring the perfect thing at the perfect time. Keep training every day, keep your headshots and reel current, and be professional. Create genuine relationships, network and create your own content, and you will be successful. Very importantly, also maintain a rich outside life and take care of yourself.
I like the quote “Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people”, by Roy T. Bennett. People need other people, and it seems that in this day and environment there are not enough people helping others feel seen and loved. It is important to me to reach out, talk to strangers, and make someone feel special every day. Just a quick “you look nice today” or “that outfit looks great on you” can make someone’s day better. It is such a simple thing to do, so I do it all day, every day! There was one day I wasn’t feeling great but had to go out. I threw on a funny little wig and everyone I ran into mentioned how they loved my hair and the haircut or said how pretty I looked. That not only surprised me, but lifted my spirits so quickly it changed my whole day!
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