COVER INTERVIEW Q&A-TRISTAN RIGGS

Tristan Riggs is an American actor who has rapidly distinguished himself with a string of high-profile television and film performances. Based between Austin and Los Angeles, Riggs emerged on the industry radar through his dynamic portrayal of Kyle H. in the Emmy®-winning Best Foot Forward on AppleTV+ and his role as Aiden Webber on the iconic soap series General Hospital. His versatility is equally evident in the genre thriller The Seventh Day and the comedic-action adventure series True Lies. Known for bringing authenticity, intensity, and boundless ambition to his craft, Riggs continues to forge a path that blends dramatic depth with commercial appeal—marking him as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents.

​

What are five things that you can't live without?   

A good fragrance. I’m obsessed with Clive Christian fragrances—there’s just something about how refined and lasting their scents are. My Japanese denim. A great pair of jeans is timeless, and Japanese denim just gets better with age.

My coffee machine. I have a La Marzocco espresso machine at home, and making espresso has become a daily ritual I can’t imagine living without. My TV. As an actor, I love watching shows and movies whenever I get a moment to relax and recharge.

My MacBook. It’s my all-in-one tool—for producing music on Ableton, working, and just about everything else.

   

What's your life's motto or advice that you live by?   

My motto is simple: keep trying and never give up. Especially in acting, you’ll face countless rejections before landing a single role. Every “no” teaches you something that gets you closer to your “yes.”

   

What's your favorite color?   

Forest green—calm, natural, and timeless.

   

What is your favorite movie?   

Deadpool. I love the humor and energy Ryan Reynolds brings to the role—it’s the perfect blend of action and comedy.

   

What is your favorite TV show?   

Breaking Bad. I finished it recently and loved every minute of it. I’m watching Better Call Saul now.

   

Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what's their name?   

Yes! I have two dogs, Aster and Levi, and a crested gecko named Dorito.

   

What is your favorite place that you've traveled to?   

Japan, hands down. I love the culture, the fashion, and especially Shibuya—it’s such an electric place with incredible style.

   

What is your favorite food?   

Pasta. There are so many variations that I could eat it for the rest of my life and never get bored.

   

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why?   

Ryan Reynolds. He’s been one of my favorite actors for a long time—hilarious, talented, and someone I think I’d have amazing conversations with.

   

Can you share your journey of how of becoming an actor began?

My acting journey started with my sister, who was involved in theater. When I got the chance to join her on HBO’s The Leftovers, I immediately said yes. That experience completely hooked me. Later, Pauly Shore helped me get started in Los Angeles and connected me with a manager, and from there, everything just took off.

 

For your role in the daytime soap opera show, General Hospital, tell us about your character. How similar and different is he to your real personality?   

I play Aiden Weber, and honestly, we’re pretty different. Aiden’s storyline deals with personal stress—coming out, and family tension with his dad and brother—whereas my real life is quite different. But I can relate to him in that we’re both teenagers figuring things out. It’s been a meaningful experience bringing his story to life.

 

You have had many wonderful roles. What has been the one role that you relate to the most?   

The role I’ve related to most was Kyle on Apple TV+’s Best Foot Forward. He’s a complex character, and while I don’t relate to him being a bully, the show explores growing up and understanding people with disabilities. Being in school myself, I see those dynamics every day, and it helped me connect to his story in a real way.

 

If you could write the perfect role for yourself, what would it be and why?  

I’d love to play a superhero. I’ve always been drawn to action and stunts—I actually did some of my own stunt work on The Seventh Day, which was such a thrill. Playing a hero with depth and doing my own stunts would be the dream combo.

 

You are also a musician, tell us how you got in the music industry?

Music has always been a big part of my life. I’ve sung in choir for as long as I can remember, and I play both cello and guitar. Lately, I’ve been learning to produce music in Ableton. My whole family is musical—especially my sister—and that’s had a huge influence on me. My sound is still evolving, but it’s rooted in storytelling, just like my acting.

​

In one word, how would you describe your sound?  Where do you find inspiration for your music?  

Authentic. I find inspiration everywhere—from my family, my experiences, and even just daily emotions. I like to turn real-life feelings and moments into music that feels honest and relatable.

 

What do you hope people take away from your music?  

I hope people feel understood. Music has always made me feel less alone, and I want to give that same feeling to others. If someone listens to a song I made and feels even a little bit seen or comforted, that means everything to me.

   

In addition to all that you do, what other things are you are passionate about? (charity work, volunteering, etc.) Can you tell us about this work and why do you feel that it is it important?   

I love volunteering and giving back. Recently, I’ve helped out at the Los Angeles Mission on Skid Row, and I also volunteer for my school’s choir program. I think it’s so important to support your community—because honestly, what would the world be like without volunteers? Helping others gives everything more meaning.

   

Who is your favorite actor/actress and why?   

Lately, I’ve been a huge fan of Seth Rogen. He’s hilarious, and I love how his comedy feels effortless. He’s in so many great films and shows, and his work always brings something new to the table.

   

How would you describe your fashion style?   

If I like something, I’ll wear it. I don’t follow strict rules—I just put pieces together in a way that feels like me. I love experimenting and creating looks that are unique, comfortable, and expressive.

   

Who are some of your favorite people in the entertainment industry that you have worked with?  

Working with Keith David was incredible—he’s such a legend, and being on set with him was an amazing learning experience.

I’ve also had the chance to work with so many other talented actors, including Tate Donovan, Chad Michael Murray, Tom Arnold, Jared Padalecki, and many others. Each one brought something unique to set, and I’ve learned a lot from watching how they approach their craft.

   

What advice would you give other kids that want to follow in your footsteps?    

I want to be honest—it’s hard. When I first started acting, I was really young, and the audition process could be stressful. Sometimes I doubted if I wanted to keep doing it. But my parents were always supportive and encouraged me to push through. You’ll face a lot of rejections, but that one “yes” makes it all worth it. When you finally get that role, it’s the best feeling in the world.

   

What is one thing that nobody knows about you?   

I have a ton of hobbies! I love picking up new things. I’ve tried sewing, I skateboard, and lately, I’ve gotten into golf. Fashion is definitely a passion of mine, and I’ve also started getting into Formula One—there’s just something exciting about it.

 

What can we expect to see from you in the future? 

I’ll be filming a fun family film in the next few months that I’m really excited to be a part of. I’m looking forward to bringing a new character to life—someone completely different from anyone I’ve played before—which should be a lot of fun.

The horror film Dragpires will also release soon, and yes—it’s exactly what you’re imagining it’s about!

Recently, Bad Men Must Bleed was released, and I’m really grateful to be part of such diverse projects. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I can’t wait to share what’s next.

   

If you could talk to your past self, what would you tell him?   

I’d tell my past self that it’s all going to work out. Back then, I had moments where I felt like all the auditions weren’t leading anywhere, but now I see how every experience mattered. I’d remind myself to trust the process, stay patient, and know that the passion I’ve found today was worth every step.

 

Is there anything else that you would you like to share with our audience?  

Just that I’m incredibly thankful for everyone who supports me—whether through my acting, music, or any of my projects. Every message, every bit of encouragement—it all means so much. I’m excited for everything that’s ahead.