Daily Inspiration: Meet Hassan Chammout

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hassan Chammout. 

Hi Hassan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey to where I am started when I was 5 years young. Laying my head on my mom’s shoulder, watching television in her room before I went to sleep. I fell in love with the silver screen, and all the action that I saw take place. I was always an animated person and loved releasing bursts of energy, in order to feel like myself. Though I was extensively bullied and picked on for this, it didn’t stop me from chasing my dream. I was able to do a skit in 4th grade about recycling, and it was my mini “a-ha!” moment. I didn’t know much of what it meant, but I knew that for once in my life, I had a sense of relaxation and joy. I gained an interest in singing after watching High School Musical and recall singing to my teachers during class. Once middle school came around, my mom attempted to get me signed with multiple agencies, but no luck was in sight. I would wake up every day singing and pantomiming movies and tv shows during my free time. I loved performing and making people laugh and smile. 

Fast forward to high school, I was sitting in math class when I heard that theatre auditions were taking place in the auditorium. After much hesitation, I decided to go and “watch.” I walked into an ensemble of eccentric beings, people that reminded me of, well…me! I sat in the back of the auditorium, watching these talented students take the stage to audition. I got called on, turned red as a tomato, and refused to stand. The director walked up to me and reassured me that I wouldn’t be picked on. I grabbed a script and was told, “ACTION.” I started moving anxiously around the stage as I read my role, but that anxious feeling drifted away once I started gaining confidence in myself. As soon as I read my last line, I looked at the audience, and there were blank faces. I was on the verge of running off stage when everyone started flooding the room with applause and cheers. Something clicked inside me at that moment, and it was as if I was watching this in slow-motion. 

Multiple theatre productions later, in 2019, I started getting a feel for film and television acting. However, my love for theatre still remains, and I plan to make it onto Broadway one day! My road to being an actor took off, and I would work on myself every day in order to ensure I was learning everything I could about this amazing occupation, acting. It wasn’t until early 2021, that I received a call from another agency that I had expressed interest in. About to throw all my acting supplies and dreams away, I broke down in happy tears listening to the voicemail I received. They told me that I had a great look, a great smile and that they loved how energetic I was. One thing led to another, and I was able to sign with them after doing some acting intensives. I got accepted to the IMTA convention, the largest talent competition in the world. It was a dream come true, to say the least. I walked away with 5 medals, one being for runner-up Young Adult Actor of The Year and another for Male Singer of The Year. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been the farthest thing from a smooth road. My road was filled with dark and lonely potholes, obstacles that knocked me off my feet dozens of times, tree vines that would hold me back from moving forward, and fog that blinded my view. I was bullied my entire life for being different. I had no friends, no one that would interact with me for 10 years. I vividly recall running into bathroom stalls between classes to cry, being pushed and shoved into gym lockers, sitting alone at lunch, having sharp colored pencils and other objects thrown at me in middle school when the teacher left the classroom, chairs pulled out from under me, thrown in trash bins, etc. I could go on and on, talking about the horrors I encountered in my childhood. 

My mom would submit me for jobs and agency auditions, but no luck was in sight. I started auditioning myself for regional talent companies when I was 13, and after lots of denial, I got a yes from an agency near my hometown. Unfortunately, the excitement I had at that moment didn’t last very long. I hadn’t received a single audition request from the agency in 2 years. So, I decided to reach out and ask what the issue was. The response I got: “Hassan, you are not talented, and we, as an agency, do not see you succeeding in this industry. You look different than our other talent, and we like to have similar looks for our agency.” This phone call defeated my confidence, and I went into a ghost mode the next two years, hearing those words on repeat. Till this day, any actor or creator can sympathize with me when I say denial is a part of the road to success. I was constantly told that I would amount to nothing, that I was reaching too high and should be safe and resort to a basic lifestyle. But that wasn’t me. Though it’s been difficult to steer away from all the trauma and look for happiness, I know that what I’ve gone through has shaped me into who I am today, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the position that I am in today. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to act and sing and have since I was a child. I flourish by shooting films and posting content across my social media. I am most proud of my short film that I directed, edited, wrote, and acted in. I named it Nightmare, and it was a story about a boy who has a fear of darkness and confronts that fear in a whole new form one night. I am proud to say that it has received worldwide recognition from film festivals and directors. This film catapulted me into the world of cinema, and I’ve been working countlessly since on new projects that I have planned for this year and the years to follow. I was blessed enough to receive my first commercial booking through my agency this year, which was so much fun to work on. I was recently signed as an ambassador for STRYX, one of the largest male skincare and cosmetics companies in the world. I have so much in store for this year, and I can’t wait to share it all with the universe. But I am reminded of all the amazing people I met throughout my journey. All the lessons I learned on the way cemented me into who I am today. Pain can make beautiful things; never give up on yourself. 

What sets me apart from others is my commitment not only to my purpose but to myself. I have always put others before myself and would react the way they wanted me to, but then I would ask myself: “Am I happy? Do I even like this person? Does this person like me?” I am able to take all that I’ve been through and turn it into something beautiful. I’m still learning about the person I am, and I continue to unlock new parts of my life that I never deemed possible. My creative imagination is boundless, and I can’t wait to continue discovering all that I am capable of achieving! 

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Nothing, and I mean nothing is impossible. There are going to be people along the way that challenge your thinking, shifting your thought process, and attempting to get you off track. They will wish on your downfall because they’ve failed at their own dreams and goals and don’t want to see you excel in life. Sadly, many of these people may be in your immediate family. Multiple obstacles will throw you down and attempt to make you feel as if you are failing and falling behind. Don’t let them take control. Don’t dwell on the past, on what could’ve been rather focus on what you will do in order to feel amazing inside. One step at a time, there is no time limit on achievements and fame, but there is one on your life. Live every day like it’s your last! No matter your gender, ethnicity, age, background, appearance, etc., you can achieve anything. Be confident, embrace your differences, and live in the moment. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, but today is! Make the best of it. I am a proud Lebanese, Muslim, Arab-American that was doubted and continues to be doubted. But I continue to break the status quo and shape my own reality. And I hope to inspire you to find your own light and chase your wildest dreams. Work hard, and the rewards will follow! You will find your people, keep striving for greatness and treat others with kindness and love. 

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/hassanchammout
• Instagram hassan_chammout
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=NpovTIZjqUtr5V96i4PLhQ
• Other:  https://player.vimeo.com/video/673940146

Image Credits
Michael Wypasek