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Guided by faith and inspired by prayer, this Catholic actor is quickly making inroads into Hollywood.
CANADIAN-BORN ACTOR Chris Kramer credits his faith life-and his promising career as an actor-on one unfortunate blessing: a wicked bout of insomnia. He recalls a period of his life when he was 22 years old and living in Vancouver, British Columbia- jobless, directionless, crashing on a series of friends' couches.
Sleep was elusive in those days. Peace of mind, even more so. But from this particular stint of wakefulness came two awakenings: He was desperate to reconnect with God, and he was determined to succeed as an actor.
"I didn't have any real focus other than wanting to be an actor. 1 was depressed, away from family, probably steeped in sin," he says.
"When I was a kid, I used to pray Hail Marys to fall asleep. That night I did. And I fell asleep. I continued to do this more and more, and a kind of peace came into my life and I started to get some desire again."
And though Chris, now 33, is thrilled with the trajectory of his career and is eager to discuss the joys of being on-set, working with actors and directors, contributing to thoughtful and thought-provoking entertainment, he's just as happy discussing the aspect of his life that really drives him: his faith.
Chris uses it to navigate the sometimes precarious roads of the entertainment industry.
Disciple First, Actor Second
Chris Kramer's interview with St Anthony Messenger was done in two parts. The first took place during the 2008 Catholic Media Convocation in Toronto in May; the second was during a phone interview the following October.
Minutes into both our conversations with Chris, his two great passions become evident. When asked about his blossoming career, Chris becomes visibly excited.
"There is nothing like being on the set. It's a thrill; it's a job that I absolutely love," he says. "It allows me to play and use my imagination. And so much of acting is using your imagination. It's a lot of fun."
But when talking about his Catholic faith, Chris becomes more centered, calmer.
"I think, first and foremost, I am a disciple of God. Second, I'm an actor who is...