07/01/2025
Please enjoy this interview from Voyager STL. So proud of you Ty.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Ballion.
Hi Ty, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my acting career a little over four years ago, I got my first real gig from a documentary funded by the Russo brothers that showed how Italians were treated when first arriving to America and ended up winning awards and getting aired on PBS along with John Turturro picking up as an executive producer. Since then I have landed various gigs in Chicago and St. Louis playing many roles in T.V. shows and independent films as well, I have worked on sets with many known actors from Forest Whitaker to Joel Edgerton and recently landed my first lead role in a horror short film in St. Louis. I had my first child as well who will be 1 year old in June, I want him to see his father follow his dreams to inspire him one day to achieve whatever it is he seeks to do in life. I’m currently looking to get representation as I have on set experience and references to show for, my passion for acting goes far and wide as I’m playing whatever character and doing whatever action needs to be done. I’m always eager and happy to meet new people the connections I have made in this community is amazing, the St. Louis community itself is truly kind and so accepting, the people are beautiful and kind I always had such a fun time on the sets of the Indy films and befriending the production staff. This is something I truly love with all of my heart and will forever practice and commit for as long as I’m here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely was not an easy road, and is still not for I am currently trying to still get representation but in this line of work having tough skin and dedication is a MUST. But you celebrate every reward you got no matter how big or small because YOU worked for it. There’s times I had to sleep over night in Chicago station because I missed trains to take me back home from gigs and I didn’t have enough money to cover a hotel. I remember being homeless and having to crash from place to place, it took me a good while to get my life and career shaped into what it is now with my beautiful family. I’m forever grateful of the life I helped create for myself and creating a solid platform for myself along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor most known for the documentary “Potentially Dangerous” that came out in 2021, I specifically do film acting, one of the things I’m proud of is getting my first lead role in St. Louis and meeting everyone I have in my time during this career, one thing that sets me apart I’m definitely a little different, I stand out because I do my own thing, especially when it comes to acting, I practice method and I need to do everything I can to get into character to nail my role.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Aw man, so so so many people need to be mentioned, my dad and brother first off for they were the first ones there to support me, my acting couch Shawnee at Shawnee Studios taught me all about the industry when I first started and got me all of my biggest gigs, she is the only reason I’m known as an actor today and I can’t thank her enough for that, all of my people from my hometown of Taylorville that show me love and support throughout my journey, and last but certainly not least my girlfriend and son, Sylas who always support my dreams.
