My heart is sad to learn of the passing of my first acting teacher in Charlotte, Ms. Helen Kearney Konen. Helen was such a talented, kind and encouraging person that I feel very blessed to have known and to have influenced my journey in such a positive way. She was always proudly talking about her family and was always excited to tell me about her daughter's most recent book release. In an industry (and world) of dishonesty she was someone you could absolutely trust with your emotions, your scenes and your personal life.
Our paths crossed in a soulful and synchronistic way...allow me to explain...
When I moved to Charlotte and decided to take acting more seriously, I did an online
search for local teachers and classes. For some reason (maybe the algorithm was smarter back then) her name and website popped up first and for some reason I
chose to contact her about private coaching. When I arrived at our first session, we began to chat and get to know each other as all coaches and students do and I immediately sensed her artistic authenticity and genuine passion for the arts. However, when I told her I was from Long Beach, CA she instantly smirked and said she graduated from Cal State Long Beach and majored in theater. Then, I instantly smirked back at her and told her my grandfather actually started that theater program as the first theater professor in 1951. We both sat there smirking at each other recognizing the kinship we didn't know we shared and she instantly had my trust and full faith. Both of us were amazed at the obvious synergy and from that moment I knew I could trust her coaching, her honesty and intent to help me grow as an actor and person. That whole experience, along with her coaching, reinforced to me that I always need to trust my gut instincts. I'm so glad I did and am the better actor for it. I never knew my grandfather but somehow his teachings found me through her and for that my gratitude cannot be put into words.
When I told her I was moving back to California to really pursue my film dreams, other people might've superficially assumed I wanted to be "famous" or become a "star" but Helen knew the truth; I was simply going back to my roots, which turns out were hers as well. She was nothing but encouraging and supportive. Something I will never forget and be always grateful for.
As I gear up to start teaching theater and film for the first time ever, I'll undoubtedly have her words and instructions in the back of my subconscious. The full circle irony of my grandfather starting a theater program... that she graduated from... which she then used to help instruct my acting... and now, I myself, will be teaching those same principles... is something only a godly playwright could imagine.
I enjoyed every conversation, every coaching session, every class and want to say thank you to a bright light and fantastic artist that I was fortunate to learn from.
On behalf of everyone... Bravo, Ms. Konen. Bravo. 