Rising star Alan Ritchson got his big break as an underwear model, as did both Marky Mark and Channing Tatum. But Alan Ritchson has something on both of those guys. His first movie, Catching Fire, was the top grossing movie at the box office in 2013.
And Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in which he plays Raphael, is the current #1 movie at the box office, and has been #1 for two weeks.
I got to know Alan Ritchson over year ago, while he was filming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is such a hit at the box office, I figured I’d get him to answer a few questions for you, the readers, who have made the TMNT reboot so successful.
Here are my candid questions to him and his answers, no editing involved.
Tim Nasson: How did you manage to transition so easily from modeling to acting? Or was it not as easy as it seems to have been?
Alan Ritchson: Wasn’t an easy transition. I still feel some of the stigma from my modeling days. I feel like I have to work really hard to prove to the world (and to myself) that there’s something more interesting on the inside than that which is on the surface. On the other hand, it was an easy transition in the sense that I never put a lot of stock in the label “model.” It was a means to an end for me.
Tim Nasson: How has modeling affected your acting career, negatively or positively, and what suggestions do you have for aspiring actors who are currently professional models?
Alan Ritchson: I would say, if you want to be taken seriously as a leading man, don’t take that catalog job for man thongs, haha. Not exactly the look Disney wants their audiences discovering if you become their next star. And with the advent of the interweb, those pictures will never go away. It’s better that you skip that one and eat another box of Ramen instead. Your 30 year old self, and several studio execs, will thank you.
Tim Nasson: How does it feel to be in the #1 movie of the weekend, already having been in the #1 movie of last year, Catching Fire?
Alan Ritchson: It always feels amazing to see so many people enjoying something you were a part of. I’m of the belief that providing a much needed healthy escape, outlet, or entertainment for someone is a very good thing. It feels good to know that I may have helped someone forget about the challenges of life for just a second.
Tim Nasson: For everyone who wants to know a little bit more about you – and your personal life – what is one thing about yourself that you can share that will surprise everyone?
Alan Ritchson: I’ve never lost an eating contest. Also, I sweat when I eat. Doesn’t even have to spicy. There… I said it. I feel so much lighter now!
Tim Nasson: What’s next on your plate?
Alan Ritchson: Well, I had the good fortune of being a part of this hilarious movie called The Wedding Ringer, due out early 2015. Can’t wait for everyone to see that. Also in the midst of producing my first feature, Blue Mountain State: The Movie, also due out next year. And rumor has it Ninja Turtles is coming back for seconds. Looks like I’ll have the privilege of wearing that beautiful grey spandex suit again!
