CHRIS PAUL DAVIS: Biography

laurence_olivier-3Sir Lawrence Olivier said, “It’s not what I become in playing a part, but rather, what the character becomes because I played him.”
This quotation is prominently displayed at Sam Christensen Studios and guides my work since the early 90’s when I first met Sam. One of the aspects of the “actors process” that he teaches is the discovery of the actor’s essences.  In other words, the unique personal characteristics the actor brings to a role.  My work led me to the following statements that summarize the key aspects I bring:
•    I am dispatched by the king
•    The colonel all men are proud to follow onto the battlefield
•    I’m not intimidating, I’m just bigger than you are
•    A gentleman and a gentle man
•    Lionhearted
•    Welcome to the web of life, and if you look closely, you’ll see that we are all connected
•    It is only with the heart that one sees rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye

The Early DaysCPD-Bio_Pic_009-2
In 1985, Chris began studying acting under Lilyan Chauvin. Lilyan had recently done a film in Utah, loved the area, and bought a house in Park City that she rented out and taught weekend intensives every six weeks. After a couple of years of study, local theatre, and small parts in films shot in Utah, Chris moved to Los Angeles, rented a room from Lilyan, his coach and now friend, and continued to study and begin working in film and television. Chris’ “big break” came when he was cast on Beauty and the Beast. He was called back after his first episode, and sent a script for a second and told to go to wardrobe. After being fit for an outfit he started to leave. The wardrobe lady said, “where are you going, I have two more outfits for you, you’re going to be with us for a while!” After the second episode, the show took a hiatus for the holidays. Chris was sent a third script, however, the show was not granted a third season. The producers ended the second season with a trilogy, which he was not a part of.  In addition, Chris had roles on Profiler, Who’s the Boss, Unsolved Mysteries, General Hospital, O’Hara and others.  Chris continued working and studying also under Richard Brander. He had become a member of the American Renegade Theatre Company and did some theatre work there as well. In 1999 it became clear that although his career was moving along, he needed to step up his earnings to support his daughter’s education. Chris’ last acting job was on NYPD Blue. He then went to work at a local high school as a Special Education Teacher.

Work in Education
Chris was at the school for twelve years. In those twelve years he was a teacher, department chair, administrator over Athletics, Special Education, and Student Services. He counseled, re-modeled the athletic facility, coached, produced graduation, made two promotional films for the school, spoke publicly, and sponsored a number of successful programs. His work at the school involved politics, police investigations, suicide, death, rape, gangs, bullying, safety and security, motivational speaking, and a variety of educationally based interventions. In short, he “played” a variety of roles in real life, that he could be cast as in film and television.  With Chris’ past training and experience as an actor coupled with his experience at the school, he brings a wealth of knowledge and authenticity to his part in the story telling process.

The Reel Life of Chris Paul Davis
The scenes on Chris’ reel are authentic representations of his work these past years. The scenes are professional quality thanks to Cedric Lyons of Lyons productions, and Stephen Robin.