Actor Nathan Kendall Talks About His Martial Arts Background And Working With Dhar Mann

A young star!

From ABC’s The Goldbergs to the iconic Dhar Mann series, Nathan Kendall is quickly making his name in the acting world. His next role is as Tommy in the upcoming movie Gacy: Terror In Suburbia.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Nathan about having a positive social media platform, playing a ‘Karate Kid’, and more!

It’s no secret you have skills in Martial Arts. How has your martial arts training set you up to have a successful life in other areas of your career?

N: “I have been doing martial arts for almost 10 years now, so having all that training has been able to let me go for more athletic roles.  I’m also hoping it will help me with stunt acting when I turn 18.  I also think that other than athletics, the life skills of martial arts have helped me with goal setting, perseverance, and confidence.”

How did you start your career as an actor?

N: “I started my career back when I was around 4, maybe 5 years old, but then I took a break from acting after my brother was born. I started again when I was 14 years old and have been doing it ever since!  My mom helped me get started with my career, when I was little and again later, by taking pics in our front yard, and submitting me to agencies.  I feel lucky because I was always picked up by an agency pretty quickly.  Also a few years ago I started branching out and trying background work, independent film roles, and YouTube videos.”

What have been some of your most memorable roles?

N: “That is a very tough question!  I think my most memorable moment was working with Derek Waters in my role as “Karate Kid” in his pitch episode for a television show.  He was directing a project to pitch as a new series, and in the episode I was a kid who did martial arts.  I literally got to do martial arts while acting.  Not only was it super amazing that I got to do two things I love, but Derek Waters was so hyped it pumped me up so much during my performance.  He is also one of the most amazing people I’ve met and I hope I get to work with him again some day!”

It’s no secret you have impeccable talent on and off screen. What are some of your biggest career roles?

N: “Thank you! I feel I have two pretty recognizable roles.  My first major role was for Dhar Mann Studios playing the young best selling author and motivational speaker Lewis Howes.  But then I was also fortunate enough to work on ABC’s “The Goldbergs” for one episode; that was one of the most fun roles because I got to smash fruit with a bat.  It’s not released yet, but I will also be in an upcoming film based on John Wayne Gacy, directed by Michael Feifer and acting alongside my friend Mason McNulty.”

What inspired your recurring Instagram post often titled ‘Kickin It Sunday’?  

N: “I was really just trying to do something true to myself and trying to be different while incorporating some things that are unique to me.  I am good at martial arts, and I’m lucky to be able to go to a lot of cool places.  I wanted to be consistent and give my followers something to look forward to each Sunday but there’s also some surprise with where I’m kicking.  I would love to step it up in 2023 and push myself even further with some surprises.”

As your platform continues to grow, what positive impact do you wish to make with your platform?

N: “I wish to make a nice fun positive community on my platforms that everyone will enjoy.  I was bullied as a kid so I know how it feels to be put down and not listened to. So I strive to inspire and make a comforting space for people who look up to me and watch my content.  If I can make someone smile then I’ve done my job.”

You often feature your family and friends on your social media. What are some things that you value about the people around you?

N: “I value people’s respect, loyalty and honesty. Good friendships are based on respect, loyalty and honesty, and without one of these things it’s not going to be a mutual relationship that will work out. You should feel safe, comfortable and have fun around people that you hang around with.”

You have been featured on Dhar Mann Studios. What are some of your favorite memories from the set?

N: “One of my favorite memories is when Dhar Mann himself came onto set and greeted all the parents in the actors lounge and my mom started crying when she was talking to him. It was a very emotional time for her because it was her first time meeting Dhar, she was a fan of his videos before I was ever an actor for him.  She watches all his videos and relates a lot to them, especially the Special Ed video I was in, so it was super exciting for her.  Another memory was when we were in the middle of filming a scene and Dhar Mann walks in interrupting the take and just like a boss says “everyone take 5!”  I was so shocked, confused, and excited all at once-  I had no clue how to react!  Another fun fact, I spent my 17th birthday on set for a Dhar Mann video too, and the cast all sang Happy Birthday.  There’s been so many great memories, I could go on and on.”

 Photo Credit: Rachelle Shank

Alessia Shaw- Movie/Entertainment Editor– Alessia is a rising Junior in high school located in Southern California! She is an actress, writer and avid mental health advocate. Alessia loves writing in many forms, especially spoken word poetry. As her resume continues to grow, so does her love for the arts. She hopes to continue her acting path and attend a performing arts college in the near future.