EDITORIAL - Getting Real With Colin Egglesfield
Team Credits:
Photographer: Mark Odgers
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Groomer: Ruth Fernandez
You may know Colin Egglesfield from his long list of acting roles, or him being named one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”, but do you know that he is a two time cancer survivor. He also volunteers with kids suffering with cancer and helps support kids in under-served communities. Colin opens up with Jejune about his cancer journey, and his ongoing projects, in our exclusive interview below.
Where are you based?
Chicago, IL
How did you get into acting?
I had been living in New York City for a year and was working in the fashion industry as a male model to earn money for medical school. My agent then started sending me out on commercial auditions, and as I began booking some of these jobs, she then suggested I start auditioning for film and TV shows. Up to this point in my life, I had only done a couple of plays in grade school and one professional play during high school. I expressed my concern with her regarding my ability to actually work on a professional level, to which she suggested I take an acting class to explore if it was something that I liked and wanted to commit to. At my first day of class, I knew right then and there that this was something that resonated with me on every level. I loved the process of reading amazing works of literature, being able to create a character, and bringing that character to life using the full experience of who I am as a person, and having to sufficiently investigate the human condition. In doing so, I learned how to adopt different characteristics and mannerisms appropriate for the character, which had a beneficial by-product, learning how to communicate and articulate my own feelings, needs and condition.
You have been diagnosed with testicular cancer twice. Can you please tell us a little bit about your cancer journey?
It was the most uncertain, unsettling and scary time in my life. I was diagnosed at 33, had surgery, radiation treatment then subsequent checkups every three months for a year, at which point they found another tumor, which required another surgery. For five years after that second surgery, I had to go for constant checkups which included chest X-rays, blood tests, and CT scans, to check for further tumor growths. I always say I never wish cancer on anyone, but I am grateful for the experience because it forced me to have to develop character, courage, patience and hope on a whole new level. It also made me realize that I had not accomplished what I had set out to do in the world, and that if I made it through the experience that I would not let anything stop me in attaining what I’m committed to, which is continuing to build a successful acting career and to make a big positive impact in the world.
Are you cancer free now?
I am. It’s been seven years now that I’m considered cancer free, and I’m so grateful!
After completing your treatment, you volunteered with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with this? Do you still volunteer there?
Every year I participate in St. Jude Charity events such as the South Beach, Miami Triathlon, and various other St. Jude sponsored events around the country. I also have volunteered at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles where I would go room to room and read books and play games with kids receiving treatment for cancer. When I was receiving my treatment, I quickly discovered how scary and uncertain it can be, and how important it is to have someone nearby who can instill strength, courage and hope, which is what I hope to give these kids.
What inspired you to write “Agile Artist: Life Lessons From Hollywood and Beyond”?
I wrote Agile Artist because I get asked a lot about how I made it through the minefield of Hollywood and what it takes to continually have to seek growth and development, to keep working in the industry as well as how to face the negativity not only within the industry, but also within ourselves. Similarly, I get asked quite a bit about how I got through my cancer experience, and how I have also created a successful real estate career. I realized that I have gained a lot of wisdom and knowledge over the years working as an actor, as an entrepreneur, and being a cancer survivor. I felt sharing it could be beneficial to others dealing with their own personal and professional challenges. Agile Artist isn’t just for actors or those going through health issues. It’s for anyone and everyone looking to create more fulfillment and enjoyment out of life by unlocking the true potential and hidden desires that lay dormant within ourselves, nudging us from the inside to be recognized and fulfilled upon.
Can you tell us a bit about your book and what you hope others get from it?
I hope that others gain insight, encouragement and most importantly, the awareness that the only thing truly stopping someone from fulfilling their dreams is themselves. Unconsciously, we tend to imprison ourselves with limiting beliefs that we are not even aware of. By identifying what it is you want to create and make your life to be, you will be confronted with all the ‘reasons’ why not to do it, which I describe are simply false beliefs of self preservation. By taking action despite feelings of fear, doubt and self-criticism, the opportunity for growth, discovery and miracles are yours for the taking. Your destiny truly is in your hands. This is scary for a lot of people though, and through the stories and experiences I describe in Agile Artist, my aim is that the fear of the unknown becomes less, and the desire and excitement for what you want out of life becomes irresistible — so much so that you are called into being who it is you create yourself to be.
What was it like hiding your cancer treatments from your coworkers? What made you decide to hide it?
I was ashamed and embarrassed to admit that there was something “wrong” with me. I did not want anyone to see me as weak or with a problem because I did not want them to treat me any differently. I just wanted to be “normal” in their eyes. What I quickly realized, though, was that I could not get through my cancer experience on my own, and that I needed to rely on my friends, family and eventually my co-workers for strength, encouragement, and support.
How did people respond once you came out about it?
I was surprised how non-judgmental, and how caring and supportive everyone truly was. The more I shared my experience with others and the more vulnerable I was about it, the more it seemed to give other people the permission to be authentic and real about who they were and what they were dealing with, which allowed for more open and honest communication and connection.
What do you feel helped you get through your journey?
My family and friends, their unending support, my decision that I was going to be healthy, and that in my mind I was already healthy, even when there was no scientific evidence that I was. The concept of belief is incredibly powerful, and with it, a lot of incredible things can be manifested into reality. I’m not saying that any and all things in the world can be fixed or cured with the power of focused positive intention, but what I do believe in is that without it, I don’t think I would be here. The belief in the certainty of my being healthy was instrumental in my ability to even get out of bed in the morning to face the day.
What advice would you offer another man who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer?
Read Lance Armstrong’s book called “It’s Not About the Bike” and read “Agile Artist.” So much of dealing with cancer is mindset, and if you are truly wanting to be healthy, then it’s important to arm yourself with as many tools as possible that keep you empowered.
Jejune loves that part of your book sales go towards PROJECT OSMOSIS. Can you please tell us about this organization and why it is important to you?
PROJECT OSMOSIS is a non-profit that provides opportunities to kids in under-served communities to learn about vocations in art and design. Many public schools in these communities have had arts programs cut due to budget restrictions, and Project Osmosis provides kids in these areas creative outlets to express themselves, while learning practical skills related to graphic design, as well as marketing and advertising.
What is next for Colin Egglesfield?
I am currently working on growing my real estate business in Chicago, and having a positive impact in under-served communities, specifically in Chicago’s south side. I love knowing that the houses that I rehab and put back on the market are helping bolster and support neighborhoods that could use some support. We employ residents in the area as well, which further helps support these communities.
What is your motto in life?
Honor Yourself. Everything else in life depends on how committed you are to this.
To learn more about Colin Egglesfield please follow him on the below platforms:
www.colinegglesfield.com
Instagram: @colinegglesfield
Twitter: @cegglesfield
Agile Artist available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/agileartist
Team Credits:
Photographer: Mark Odgers
Stylist: Dash Armstrong
Groomer: Ruth Fernandez
