From an early age, actor Chris Messina looked up to icons like Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino, and Robert DeNiro. His fascination with flawed characters led to intriguing roles in films like ‘Away We Go,’ ‘Argo,’ ‘Ruby Sparks,’ ‘Live By Night’ ‘The Newsroom,’ ‘Damages,’ ‘Six Feet Under,’ and countless other titles.

In Messina’s latest project, HBO’s ‘Sharp Objects,’ he plays Detective Richard Willis, opposite Amy Adams (Arrival). The mini-series comes from ‘Gone Girl’ writer Gillian Flynn, Creator Marti Noxon, and ‘Big Little Lies’ Director Jean-Marc Vallée. The story follows a reporter down a path of psychological demons as she returns to her hometown to cover a violent murder.

In this interview, Chris Messina discusses lessons from Directors Sam Mendes and Ben Affleck, how to elevate as an actor, living a life of ridicule, creating your own work, taking your career in your own reins, and pursuing work that “scares the shit out of you…”

During this conversation, we also discuss past guests Marti Noxon (Episode 88) and Bryan Sipe (Episode 6). Stay up-to-date on other creative advice at www.creativeprinciples.live