Chris Chinn is a renowned New York actor, known for his captivating performances in various mediums, including film, television, and theatre. He has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, with notable roles in productions such as "The Departed", "Angels In America", "One Life To Live", and "Saved By The Bell".
Chris began his professional career on Cape Cod, where he made his debut as Dennis Wu in Eric Overmyer's "Inperpetuity Throughout The Universe" at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre. His impressive stage presence and versatility were showcased in his portrayal of Song Liling, a female spy, in "M.Butterfly" in Monterey, CA. He also performed alongside Academy Award nominee Carrie Snodgress in "The Manchurian Candidate" at West Coast Ensemble in LA, and was directed by Arthur Storch in the World Premiere of Tennessee Williams' "The Day On Which A Man Dies" at the legendary White Barn Theatre in Westport, CT.
Chris has received numerous accolades for his outstanding performances, including the Latin Ace Award for Excellence in Acting for his Off-Broadway performance in Spanish in "Confesion En El Barrio Chino" at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Company, produced by Miriam Colon. He has also performed on screen with Emmy Award & Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan in "Care", and opposite Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton in "Kidnapped".
Chris has had the privilege of studying under some of the industry's most renowned acting coaches and mentors, including HB Studio in New York City, Actors Studio, and Broadway legend Anne Jackson. He has also been coached by Wynn Handman, Susan Batson, Austin Pendelton, Nobu McCarthy, and Sal Romeo.
In addition to his acting career, Chris has been actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He was the original Chair of the DEI Committee at the Episcopal Actors Guild (EAG) in NYC, a not-for-profit organization that has supported NYC's acting community since 1923. In 2020, EAG expanded its support to the diverse community it serves, and Chris conceived and co-created the EAGheartsBLM PSA.
Chris has also been a moderator and co-host of Sustainable Conversations, a monthly safe space forum about Race & Racism in America, alongside Broadway actress Helena-Joyce Wright and EAG Executive Director Karen Lehman Foster. In 2021, EAG & Sustainable Conversations was awarded the New York Innovative Theatre Award for its work toward fighting social and racial injustice and serving and supporting the New York theatre community.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Chris is proud of his part-Native Hawaiian heritage, having graduated from the Kamehameha Schools. He was in a loving relationship for over 24 years with his partner, Frankie Ruiz, a Native New Yorker.
