Actor and writer Irhad Mutic opens up about his quest for success, his work, and influences in his life. More information about Mr. Mutic can be read on his website.
Mutic was born in Jajce, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and grew up in Boise, Idaho and Jacksonville, Florida.
Where are you based these days and what are you currently working on?
Irhad Mutic: I currently live in Rochester, New York. Rochester has a diverse artistic community. It’s condensed in a small area, making it easily accessible for anyone wanting to participate and get a good start in the arts.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of the great actors I respect, came from this area. Currently, I’m working on a few short films. I’m preparing to shoot some roles in the next few months.
When you first start as an actor, you take anything that comes your way.
But once you have some experience, you want to take roles that challenge you and make you do more. The only way to do that is to do something you’ve never done before.
I’m always excited when something new is happening.
What was it like growing up in Boise, Idaho as a young child from Bosnia?
Irhad Mutic: I was lucky to have come to Boise. It’s a small town, with a lot to do. I was never great in school, but there was plenty to do when after school. I made a lot of friends and felt I could be creative and stay out late. It wasn’t a big, unsafe city and I was never too far from home. Breaking into the Steelheads hockey arena when no games were happening, and climbing into box seating areas with a two-liter of soda and some snacks is one of my favorite childhood memories.
We would get caught, but then just escorted out. I think if we had lived anywhere else we would’ve gotten into big trouble for things like that.
Almost all of my firsts (crush, girlfriend, fist fight, etc.) happened there. It’s like if someone asked you to create a city you would want to live in as a kid, I think that would be it. I feel that part of my life was God’s way of trying to fix what happened in my early years. Not saying he was successful.
What kind of roles / film / theater / acting projects attract your attention? What kind of projects you like to be involved in?
Irhad Mutic: It’s tough to say, because it’s hard to be picky in the beginning of any career. The only thing I do know is that I want to be creative. I don’t want to do theater just to do theater. Also, I don’t want to take on a role just to have a role. I’m planning on moving to Los Angeles, which is scary, because it’s full of people doing things just to do them. It’s very hard to stay creative when you have no choice but to do crappy projects to survive. I will try to avoid personally pointless projects as much as I can. If you see me in a razor blade commercial, I have failed myself, my creativity and ultimately you. I will try my best not to do so.
Any inspirations / individuals you’d like to talk about who inspire you in your work, life, career?
Irhad Mutic: No matter who inspires us, it’s ultimately ourselves who should and ultimately take the responsibility of stepping into action. I’ve personally been inspired by many, but to just name a few… philosopher Alan Watts, Russel Brand, rapper OnCue, and finally my brother (He’s been there for me).
Interview by Zlatko Filipovic
For more texts written by Mr. Filipovic, please click here.
