Brandon Sklenar, the star of “It Ends with Us,” recently revealed his struggles before achieving fame in a heart-to-heart interview with The Wall Street Journal. From living in his car to overcoming a stutter, Sklenar’s journey to success has been anything but easy. The actor candidly shared his experiences, shedding light on the challenges he faced on his path to stardom.
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Sklenar’s childhood was marked by his parents’ divorce, which occurred when he was just six years old. This major life event had a profound impact on him, possibly contributing to the development of his stutter. Reflecting on this period, Sklenar noted that the stutter appeared to be a psychosomatic response to the trauma of his parents’ split, which left him struggling to express himself.
Raised by his father and grandparents in Lake Hopatcong, N.J., Sklenar found solace in acting from a young age. He immersed himself in the world of movies, often embodying different characters and using acting as an outlet for self-expression. Interestingly, he discovered that his stutter disappeared when he adopted these personas, highlighting the transformative power of performance in his life.
After a brief stint at community college, Sklenar embarked on a journey to the West Coast with his then-girlfriend, selling his car along the way to fund their adventure. However, their lack of a concrete plan led to eviction from their apartment, eventually resulting in Sklenar living out of his car for a period. Despite these challenges, fate intervened when a talent manager discovered him at 20 years old, kickstarting his acting career.
Sklenar’s ascent in the entertainment industry was gradual but steady. With the guidance of an agent and roles in various projects, he honed his craft while navigating the competitive landscape of Hollywood. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he landed a role in Taylor Sheridan’s series “1923,” a pivotal moment that he described as “life-changing.” This milestone marked a turning point in Sklenar’s career, propelling him into the spotlight.
Today, Sklenar resides in a Midcentury Modern house overlooking the Pacific Ocean with his girlfriend, Courtney Salviolo, and their dog, Remy. From living in his car to enjoying panoramic views from his home, Sklenar’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Embracing his past struggles, he acknowledges that his childhood stutter played a crucial role in shaping his present success.
As the star of the upcoming movie “The Housemaid,” set to premiere on December 19, Sklenar’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and individuals facing adversity. His openness about his past challenges and his unwavering commitment to his craft embody the spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the hurdles he faced, Sklenar’s story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and passion in pursuing one’s dreams.