Art House Extra | Chris Bylsma (Briefly) Goes Toe-to-Toe With Tom Hanks
February 5, 2021 | | 1 min read
When it comes to the movies, the best seat in the house is on set.
Just ask actor Chris Bylsma.
Born and raised in Topeka before joining the Kansas City film community, Bylsma now is getting regular work in Hollywood in small supporting roles — oftentimes as the dude in the red beard with a few key lines.
Bylsma recently regaled us with tales of working with Tom Hanks in the Netflix film “News of the World,” getting caught up in a climactic shootout in “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Story,” and bringing the cast to tears playing a pastor on “Godless.”
Bylsma already has more than 100 acting credits, yet still brings a wide-eyed enthusiasm to his craft. In his view, a long-term career in the film industry depends on maintaining perspective. Quoting legendary actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski, Bylsma constantly reminds himself to: “Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.”
Watch the attached video for more of Bylsma’s life in film.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…