Interview of Cover Model Cristian Letelier

Today it’s my pleasure to present an interview of multi-talented Cristian Letelier! His career encompasses many avenues; cover model, actor, dancer, TV fitness host, personal trainer, volunteer speaker for “Heal the Bay”, (nonprofit environmental organization). His resume lists a variety of items: book covers, television/film/theatre, commercials, etc. Definitely a man of many talents!

Where to find information about Cristian Letelier:
http://www.cristianletelier.com
http://web.me.com/cristianletelier/Zen_Bootcamp/Welcome.html

Cristian Letelier Video Reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSCv-u-2zu4

CONTEST: Leave a comment, with your email address in the comment box, for a chance to win a Romance Books R Us hat, tote, and tee! Contest ends midnight 30 March.

Q: You have a Masters Degree in Marine Affairs. Have you had a chance to use it? What are your other two undergraduate degrees in?
A: I've worked as a spokesperson for Heal The Bay, a non-profit in CA. I'd love to use my Masters further in the future. My undergraduate degrees are in: Marine and Environmental Studies and International Relations (SIS) School of International Service, both from American University in Wash. DC. My Masters is from University of Southern California, USC.

Q: With all the directions you've taken with your skyrocketing career, is there one job you've thought about trying but haven't attempted?
A: I'd love to have my own show about the Ocean, something like Jacques Cousteau had.

Q: You've traveled all over the world. Where would you like to go that you haven't visited and why?
A: I'd love to go to India. I hear it's magnificent and a spiritual experience.

Q: You've got an impressive list of movie credits. Tell us about them and what movie role was your favorite. A: Tell us how you prepared for your part.

I've been very fortunate to work in the industry as much as I have. I'm always up for more though. My favorite role to date was that of Jordon in "First Strike. " I loved this role because I got to kill a lot of ninjas, do tons of martial arts and ride horses all at the same time. This was a very physical role. I have trained my whole life, pretty much, to be able to to ride and fight like that. Of course eating right and getting plenty of sleep are priceless once your actually shooting the film, as the hours are extremely long and exhausting given the number of stuntmen and actors you have to fight every day.

Q: With all the celebrities you've worked with on TV and in movies, who impressed you the most and why?
A: I was most impressed with Dolly Parton, I was one of the Aggies in the "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". She was so kind and classy. Goes to show some superstars really are just plain nice and sweet people after all.

Q: General Hospital. How is working on a soap opera different than doing a movie?

A: Doing a soap opera is a bit boring really. The set never really changes. You're usually inside on a sound stage. To me they're really not that challenging as an actor. Once you know your character you can sort of play along as if you were that individual. If you've been on a while you can even change a line here and there provided the writers are your pals. Films are more exciting, you have more time for takes so your work is a bit more meaningful. Usually you shoot in a variety of places. I will say though that when I was on General Hospital, everyone recognized me a lot more. Everyone apparently watches them!! I even got upgraded a couple of times on flights, cause the flight attendants would know who I was. Always made me smile.

Q: You've been on lots of TV shows. Tell us about them and which one was your favorite. Is preparing for a TV role different that preparing for a movie role?
A: Yes I've done a lot of episodic TV. One of my first jobs in LA was on Fantasy Island. I was a Lava Lava boy. I lived on the Island. The girls were beautiful as well as the sets and wild birds. Ricardo Montalban was a gifted actor. I loved watching and working with him. Usually the preparation required for a TV role in contrast to a film role really depends on the role. In general though TV is more rushed and you have to sometimes go with the flow more. In a film for example, you might be able to do an extra take or two if you feel inclined, whereas in a TV show, good enough and moving on, are usually on the directors mind and lips.

Q: You hosted a Spanish-speaking ESPN fitness show that aired in 32 countries. Is there a difference in preparing for a fitness program than a TV or movie role?
A: The ESPN fitness show and body conscious roles in general differ in that they, without fail, seem to do the ab shots right after lunch. This means that you have to plan your meals accordingly. I can't tell you the number of times this has haunted me. Right after that piece of cake you here, " We're back, get ready for the no clothes shot."

Q: What's the competition like for modeling, TV, and movie roles?
A: The competition for these roles is so incredible, that if you actually stopped and figured out the statistics and probability factors, you would just never do it. It may have been Dustin Hoffman who said that making it in the entertainment industry is an accident. You really have to be a bit out of your mind to ever even try. Guess I'm just nuts, what can I tell you.

Q: Tell us about being a Chippendale's dancer. Did you travel?
A: Yes , we traveled the world. Australia, New Zealand, Africa, London, Paris, Amsterdam, all of Western Europe, Singapore. If I add the modeling, the list goes on and on Athens, Barcelona, Hamburg, Taipai... Of course being a Chippendale's dancer abroad was like being a rock star and then some. We were superstars. In France I had my own commercial. In Singapore they did a TV show about me. It was really incredible. Living out of a suitcase for years at a time however is quite exhausting and you do get homesick after a while no matter how great the place is, except for maybe Ibiza, Spain.... what a place!!

Q: You're very athletic. What one sport is your favorite to do and why?
A: I'm very athletic. I have a training business. I love to surf, ski, snowboard, skate, scuba dive. Pretty much all sports. Probably my favorite, however, is horseback riding. I just got back from Chile, where I'm originally from, and I went riding in the Andes for 4 days with the tents, mule teams, and everything. It was awesome. Swimming naked in crystal clear rivers with waterfalls that seemed like natural spas. Condors and not another living person for hundreds of miles. Paradise!!

Q: Do you have a daily exercise routine you follow?
A: My exercise routine is a combination of swimming, weights, running, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, sports, dancing, and I do love women...

 
Q: You have a wonderful and long resume of your fabulous career. What will be added next to your list of accomplishments?
A: I may be doing a commando film next. It's still in the works.

Q: Favorite food?

A: My favorite food is sushi


Q: Favorite drink?
A: My favorite drink in Kangen water. I just bought a machine they're awesome. Negatively charged, micro clustered , alkaline water you make at your own home. When I saw the island of plastic in the Pacific twice the State of Texas I knew I had to stop the crazy plastic bottle mania. Let me know if you want one, best thing I ever did for my health and that of my clients.

Q: What would you consider to be the most romantic place in the world...just so we might get some travel ideas?
A: I really love Ibiza. Santorini, Greece, is quite awesome as well, especially if you like black sand, beaches, and sunsets. They say that's where Atlantis may have been.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: It's been a pleasure doing this interview, hope you enjoy life to the fullest and live every moment as if it were your last. Life is short, take risks, love hard and live large.