Sitting down with Pat Mckenna was an an absolute pleasure. I learned a lot about how to remain an authentic, loving, and open human being while navigating your artists journey. In an industry where it can some times feel like you need to set yourself apart and develop a thick skin in order to protect yourself from criticism and rejection it great to speak with someone who has worked quite consistently and seems to takes a completely different approach . I asked him what the key has been to working consistently as an artist is and he said, “ optimism and curiosity”. His curiosity has lead him to explore new creative expressions and has allowed him to diversify his skill set so that when he is not filming he can be doing voice over work or be involved in sketch comedy with second city. In other words, the more skills you have the more chances you have to work.
In this episode, we discuss how after finally getting an audition for the television show Traders (a role casting did not want to consider him for due to his long running role as Harold Green on The Red Green Show) going with a completely different take on the character and taking a risk ended up landing him the role. We also covered what it is lie having been on The Red Green Show for fifteen seasons and how having been diagnosed in his late forties with ADD helped him to understand his impulsive nature and make better choices in his career and life.
Pat Mckenna: Guiding Your Impulses, Failing Forward And Diversifying Your Skill Set
A little about Pat:
Hamilton born Patrick McKenna may be best known for his fifteen seasons as the loveable, nerdy, techno-geek, Harold on the hilarious Red Green Show.
Patrick began his career with Toronto’s famous Second City Theatre Company, then hit the road as a Stand Up comedian headlining in Universities and clubs throughout North America.
Patrick is a three-time “Best Actor” Gemini Award winner for both comedy and drama and can be currently seen staring as DR. Healy in TVO’s acclaimed series, Hard Rock Medical.
Follow Pat!
Twitter: @realpatmckenna
Go See Twist Your Dickens! Runs through Dec 2- Dec 30, 2016
Did you enjoy the podcast?
What spoke to you the most today? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
