Gus Kenworthy recently made headlines by discussing the challenges he has faced transitioning from a professional athlete to an actor. The former Olympic freestyle skier, known for his appearances in projects like American Horror Story: 1984 and 80 for Brady, shared his insights during an episode of the ‘Who’s the A——? with Katya’ podcast on February 27. Kenworthy reflected on the difficulties of the acting craft, stating, “It’s really hard, and then when you’re like in the moment [on set] it’s definitely, like, particularly hard.” At 33 years old, he expressed his appreciation for the longevity that acting offers compared to the limited timeframe of a sports career, noting, “With acting, you can just kind of keep getting better and better.”
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While in conversation with host Katya, Kenworthy playfully entertained the idea of pursuing a career in the adult film industry, joking that it was once a definite “No no no” for him but now considers it a ‘Maybe.’ The humourous exchange shed light on Kenworthy’s openness to exploring diverse opportunities in his professional journey beyond sports. He also shared insights into the financial realities of being an Olympic athlete, highlighting the minimal monetary rewards for medalling athletes and the lack of compensation for the extensive training hours invested.
Discussing his aspirations for the future, Kenworthy expressed a desire to focus on acting and hosting, emphasising that he does not wish to be typecast solely as a sports commentator. He acknowledged the importance of representation and visibility, especially after coming out as gay in 2015. Kenworthy’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and media underscores his commitment to empowering younger generations to embrace their authentic selves. In a 2018 interview with the U.K.’s Gay Times, he emphasised the significance of being true to oneself and the positive impact it can have on others.
The versatile athlete also mentioned his interest in providing commentary at select skiing events, particularly at the Olympics, showcasing his ongoing dedication to the sport even as he explores new avenues in his career. Kenworthy’s willingness to embrace diverse opportunities and challenge traditional norms reflects his adventurous spirit and determination to make a lasting impact both on and off the slopes. His candid reflections offer a glimpse into the multifaceted journey of a professional athlete transitioning into the world of entertainment, navigating challenges and seizing new possibilities along the way.
As Kenworthy continues to navigate his evolving career path, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and individuals seeking to explore new passions beyond their initial fields. With his boldness, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to personal growth, Kenworthy exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Whether on the slopes or on the screen, Gus Kenworthy’s journey reminds us of the importance of embracing new challenges with courage and embracing opportunities for growth and self-discovery.