Tristian Eggerling is a young actor based out of Los Angeles, California. You may recognize him from his most recent film, Halloween Kills, where he starred opposite of Jamie Lee Curtis. In his interview with Jejune Magazine Eggerling describes what it was like working on a horror movie, the lessons he took from set, and how this experience made him a horror fan. A man of many talents, Eggerling also opens up about his parkour training and how he is giving back to the community through Caterina’s Club, a non-profit organization that works to feed, house, and educate at risk youth. For those looking to help out in their own community, he encourages others to find what they are best at and look for ways to share it with someone less fortunate. Read more on our interview below!

Where are you based?
Hi JeJune Magazine. It’s really nice to be able to talk with you! I am based out of Los Angeles, California.

Could you tell us how you got into acting?
I was inspired to start acting from my brother Gabe. I thought it was so cool to watch him get scripts, break them down and turn into an interesting character. What inspired me to keep acting after my first time on set was how fun it was to experience the physical action of shooting a film or show; from breaking ten vases on Modern Family, to flying on a cable like Mission Impossible, to getting shot in the leg in action films.

You were recently in the terrifying movie “Halloween Kills”. Can you please tell us a little bit about this experience?
It was SO much fun! From the minute I arrived on set, the cast and crew treated me like I was part of the family. Working with David Gordon Green was incredible, and I learned so much. After we got a solid take of each scene, he would say “let’s just play a little bit” and then it was all improv! He would just start talking and I would play off of his voice. Then he would invite me to video village and watch playbacks. But I can’t leave out getting a stylish “bowl cut” for the flashback scenes and laughing in between takes with Dylan Arnold, Mr. Longstreet and Thomas Mann. Talented group of people I had the opportunity to work with.

How familiar were you with the Halloween franchise going into the film?
I think everyone knows Michael Myers, and The Shape has been giving me nightmares from the Halloween trailers alone my entire childhood! However, I hadn’t seen any of the Halloween movies before booking Young Lonnie. Before I got to set, I watched the original 1978 Halloween, so I would have references regarding the nostalgia to pull from for my character.

What was the process like working on such a huge Hollywood film?
I loved every minute of it! It was funny that I didn’t know what film I had booked. The working title was Mob Rules, and I didn’t learn otherwise until days before my flight to shoot on location…so secretive! At my callback I didn’t even audition with the sides given to me because they weren’t in the script…it was all improv. Blumhouse was so nice to invite us to a private screening, and Universal’s black carpet premiere and costume party was the perfect celebration with the Halloween franchise family. I hope I am lucky enough to work with them again in the future.

What has been your favorite part of “Halloween Kills”?
It was truly an experience of a lifetime to become a part of such an iconic franchise. I learned something from everyone I worked with on set, from improv with the director David Gordon Green, to how the Shape’s masks are made from Chris Nelson, to how the crew sets up a creepy atmosphere with smoke machines and lighting. Also, the fans have been amazing.

Have you always been a horror fan?
You mentioned terrifying earlier?! Well, I was terrified when I started to research my role as Young Lonnie! I have always loved mysteries and spy stories, but I have stayed away from most horror films. But, after being a part of the Halloween franchise, working with DDG and the Scream Queen, and learning about special effects and techniques, I have now acquired an appreciation for the horror genre.

You have been acting since you were five. Do you have any advice for young aspiring actors?
There are two things I remind myself all the time. The first was advice from my manager, who told me that a career in acting is a marathon, and you should love the entire process and celebrate the small wins as much as celebrating the big bookings. The second is a small tip, but can mean the difference in a callback or a booking for me. Remind yourself that worrying what is going on in the audition room, means you are not being present in your character and therefore not actively listening in the scene.

We hear you are a man of many talents and hobbies, but as we have some acrobats on the team, we wanted to learn more about your parkour training. How did you get into that? Is the goal to do your own stunts?
Acrobats?...very cool! I started in gymnastics training and was asked to join a team, but when I saw a group of kids flipping off walls in the gym, I had to switch to free running and parkour. I work on runs off season from soccer because I have more time to train. I switched because of the fun, but YES it has truly helped prepare me for my own stunts. I have been so lucky to learn from several talented stunt coordinators, Airon Armstrong being the most recent in Halloween Kills.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can share with us?
I do have one project in play, but it is too early to talk about. There is a website being created to announce it and to keep up with all my projects for 2022.

Jejune loves that you actively give back through the Caterina’s Club? Can you tell us a little bit about this organization? Your work with them? And why it’s important to you?
Thank you. There isn’t a better feeling that giving to others! I had my first experience hosting an event with my brother at Anaheim White House with Chef Bruno for the kids of Caterina’s Club. He feeds the kids who live in local motels a delicious pasta dinner every day. We had a grant from Hasbro and First Book, so not only did we serve a nice pasta dinner to the kids with Chef, but we played soccer, and then gave them toys and books to take home. There are lots of laughs and smiles on those days! I think if everyone decided what they were best at doing and found a way to share with someone less fortunate, the world would be better for it.

With the next wave of COVID-19 just starting up, how have you been staying positive through shelter in place and the pandemic?
Spending time outside running and hiking makes me feel healthy and happy. I also feel positive working on my non-profit projects with my TEDx group. I am currently working on an animation to go with our latest Tiny Talk series about connecting with others. And chess… I play lots of online chess at the moment.

What is your motto in life?
Balance is the best life pattern to practice: Work hard but play, eat healthy but enjoy a dessert, be involved but schedule down time, have meaningful conversations but also have alone time.

To see more from Tristian Eggerling, please follow him at the links below:
Instagram @tristianeggerling
Twitter: @T_Eggerling
Website Coming Soon: www.tristianeggerling.com

How The Horror Genre is Growing on Tristian Eggerling