Meet Mike Hickman | Actor, Comedian, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Hickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe there are passions built into us that find their way to the forefront of our hearts and minds. Many times those passions present themselves in the form of natural talent, leading to an increased drive to further that talent through advanced training and hard work to develop the talent. As a child I enjoyed performing for family and friends using whatever device I could find such as listening to songs on television or radio, memorizing them and then putting on a show. I found through my childhood and teen years that music, acting and comedy are a trifecta of creative arts that was becoming not just fun but…purposeful. I use the arts to help people make it through difficult times in life. As an artist I provide moments of healing and encouragement. I have been through so many difficult seasons including financial loss, relationship fails and tragedy in the loss of a child, just to name a few, and have overcome. When I act, perform music or do a comedy show I know that those watching and listening have been through or perhaps are in the middle of pain of some sort and I have a platform to help them and pass on the encouragement, joy and laughter I and my family have regained.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a creative artist I look at three separate outlets as one in synergy. These are Acting, Comedy and Music. Whether I’m on live stage, doing television and film, performing a comedy show at a community event, church or private event or singing and playing a variety of instruments for a public or private event, I see it all working together for common purposes-to entertain, encourage, heal, cause people to think and bring moments of joy and happiness. I consider my career in the arts to have gained it’s first momentum as a teen when I began to see my talents as more than just a hobby or thoughts and dreams. The rubber hit the road when I began singing at churches and events as a teen. Not long after, I took an interest in acting which was sparked in high school one act play, leading to musical theatre in college then on to TV and Film later on. Even as I pursued other interests through college and adult life, those passions were intermingled. I was using music and acting as a worship leader and youth pastor for many years, a drama and music coach/instructor as well as playing in a few different bands. I have learned over the years that we are always a student. Jealousy of other’s success, lack of funds, relationship struggles etc, were just a few obstacles that a creative has to overcome and find wisdom to use and move forward. I had to learn that I had to learn…and keep learning, using what I have and where I am at the moment to present my art. It’s what I can contribute to life that matters and not what I can’t. I also learned that I am not to harvest applause for myself, which would make my art all about me, but I am to give my art as a gift to others which makes it about them. I have learned that overcoming and healing is important. Our 17 year old son died 7 years ago and we were of course devastated to say the least, but through encouragement of God, family and friends we have and are overcoming and pressing forward. If we don’t move forward, not forgetting our son, but realizing as we have been helped, we can help others overcome, we would find ourselves passionless, depressed and dare I say…un-purposeful. May our story and my art bring healing and joy to others, whether it’s from my portrayal on television, film or live stage, bringing laughter through a stand up comedy show or performing beautiful and creative music.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I must say I am a food enthusiast. I would start the week and continue with exploring various restaurants and trying different cuisines while enjoying a variety of atmospheres from quiet and cozy to a little loud and energetic. I would take my friends to hear live music as well as enjoy some shops that have unusual or creative offerings. The week would not be complete if we did not take a drive and a hike into the beautiful mountains where we can partake of amazing views. Evening may conclude with a nice firepit in our backyard, fun conversation and food freshly prepared on the grill.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Over many years so many have contributed to my success and helped pick me up in my failures and encouraged me to press on. These precious individuals include my wife, who understands the creative mind and encourages me in my passions, my parents, my youth pastor, Tommy Harden who helped keep me focused as a teen, so many friends as well who help me stay accountable to my calling and show genuine interest in what’s happening in my life and how others are affected and touched by what I do. The Word of God, the Bible, is a solid foundation, instruction guide and love letter to my heart that helps keep me focused. And first and foremost, I give credit to the One who made me, called me and put those purposeful passions and talents in me in the first place, God.

Website: www.mikehickmancomedy.com www.imdb.me/mikehickman

Instagram: @mikehickmanofficial

Twitter: @hickmancomedy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mikehickmancomedy

Youtube: www.youtube.com/hickmancomedy

Other: Mike Hickman Official on TikTok.

Email: mikehickmanofficial@gmail.com