…Just keep going. Never give up. That’s something I’ve always held onto, so it’s not really a new lesson for me, but I think it’s something worth sharing with others. The industry is full of rejection. You audition all the time, and you’re constantly hearing “no.” But you can’t take it personally. Let it go. Keep moving forward. Work on yourself. Build your confidence. Heal from whatever personal stuff you’re carrying and use it in your art. Don’t be afraid of it. If you’re having a rough day and you’ve got an audition or you’re on set, channel that energy and use it. And always stay creative. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Take the wins…
I had the pleasure of talking with Kash Hovey and Wyni Landry.
Kash Hovey is an award-winning actor, producer, and talk show host, widely recognized for his work in independent film and digital media. Based in Los Angeles, Hovey comes from a family with deep ties to the entertainment industry. His father, Gary Hovey, served as Vice President of Elvis Presley Enterprises, while his mother, Michelle Beaulieu, is the executive producer of On Air with Ka$h. He is also related to Priscilla Presley and actress Riley Keough through his maternal lineage.
From an early age, Hovey immersed himself in the world of cinema — recreating scenes from classic films with friends and a home video camera. These early creative experiments sparked his passion for performance and storytelling. At just 17, he booked his first professional role in a national commercial directed by the legendary Joe Pytka, known for his iconic work with Michael Jordan.
Hovey’s breakthrough in independent cinema came with Jack and Cocaine (2014), a powerful film about addiction and recovery that he also produced. Premiering at The Valley Film Festival, the project was praised for its raw authenticity. He later starred alongside Shari Belafonte in Plastic Daydream (2018), which earned accolades including Best Short Film and Best Director at Film Fest LA Live. His performances span genres — from drama and thriller to comedy — earning him awards such as Best Supporting Actor (As in Kevin) and Best Actor (Mayhem of the Mind).
In 2021, Hovey expanded into hosting with the launch of On Air with Ka$h, a digital talk show featuring insightful conversations with entertainment figures like Tim Burton, Beverly D’Angelo, and Cary Elwes. The series won Best Variety Talk Show at Film Fest LA Live in 2023, cementing Hovey’s place as a dynamic and engaging media personality.
His film credits include Undateable John (2019) with Shannen Doherty and Estella Warren, and Hollywood.Con (2021), directed by longtime collaborator Mika Boorem. Most recently, he starred in the noir-inspired thriller The Hit (2023), for which he won Best Actor in a Mystery/Drama at Film Fest LA Live.
Beyond the screen, Hovey is deeply committed to philanthropy. Following a life-threatening cardiac event, he became a Celebrity Ambassador for the Heart Safe Neighborhood Foundation. He also supports initiatives like Free2Luv and the Boys & Girls Club, championing youth empowerment and mental health awareness.
Hovey studied cinema at Los Angeles City College and earned a degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge. His academic foundation supports a multifaceted approach to storytelling — whether acting, producing, or hosting.
A frequent presence on the festival circuit, Hovey is known for his collaborative spirit and dedication to emerging talent. His creative philosophy blends classic Hollywood inspiration with a modern sensibility, using streaming platforms, social media, and genre innovation to tell impactful, resonant stories.
Wyndoline Thera Landry, professionally known as Wyni Landry, is a dynamic actress, comedian, singer, dancer, and improviser whose work spans film, television, and live performance. Born in Manhattan and raised in Los Angeles, Landry grew up surrounded by artistic influence. Her mother, actress Keli Daniels, and her father, a professional photographer, helped foster her creative instincts from a young age.
Landry honed her craft at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), majoring in theater and musical theater. This early foundation propelled her into a career that has blended dramatic roles, comedy, and musical performance.
She made her television debut in the early 2000s, appearing in The O.C., The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Switched at Birth, where she shared the screen with her mother. Her growing body of work includes guest roles on 9–1–1, CSI: Vegas, and Station 19, showcasing her versatility in both drama and procedural genres.
Landry has also made a mark in independent and genre films. She appeared in the horror-comedy Burying the Ex (2014) and the supernatural thriller The Caretaker (2016), diving into stylized, character-driven stories. In 2023, she starred in The Hit, a short thriller co-created with longtime collaborator Kash Hovey. Her portrayal of Sarah earned her the Best Actress in a Mystery/Thriller award at Film Fest LA Live.
In 2024, Landry reached a national audience with her role in Bud Light’s “Easy Night Out” Super Bowl commercial, directed by Craig Gillespie and featuring Post Malone. The spot highlighted her mainstream appeal and comedic timing on a massive stage.
A presence on the Los Angeles comedy scene, Landry has performed stand-up at iconic venues like The Comedy Store and Flappers. She has trained with Pretty Funny Women and credits her time on stage with sharpening her improvisational skills and deepening her connection with audiences.
Landry’s first major guest role on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide was a pivotal experience, teaching her the pace and demands of professional sets. Subsequent roles, such as an emotionally charged performance in 9–1–1 opposite Angela Bassett, have further showcased her dramatic range.
A trained vocalist and competitive dancer since age 13, Landry brings a multidimensional skill set to her performances. Her creative output has expanded to digital media, including collaborations with Funny or Die and a vibrant presence on TikTok and Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes moments and personal insights with a growing fanbase.
Whether on stage, screen, or social platforms, Landry continues to push boundaries while remaining grounded in her roots. Her work reflects a balance of traditional industry experience and innovative storytelling, with a commitment to authenticity and artistic growth.
Yitzi: Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Kash, Can you share the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Kash: Absolutely. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, with the entertainment industry always in the background of my life. My dad was VP at Elvis Presley Enterprises, and my mom worked with Johnny Carson and the Beach Boys. Growing up, I was always drawn to movies and TV — constantly watching them and acting out scenes with my friends.
Wyni and I met in school, and she was already deeply involved in theater. I started performing professionally as a teenager after getting an agent through an acting showcase. I then studied cinema at LA City College before completing my degree in communication studies at Northridge. After graduating, I started working at WME, and that’s when things really began to click.
Through one of the agents I knew from WME, who worked on The Runaways, I ended up collaborating with Joan Jett on two other films — Undateable John and Jack and Cocaine. It was a very exciting, creative time for me.
Around that same period, I began creating my own content with colleagues as new platforms started to emerge. We worked on projects for Funny or Die and dove into indie work. When the pandemic hit, I shifted into podcasting and hosting, which opened up a whole new creative outlet.
It’s been a wild ride, and Wyni and I always seem to cross paths — whether we’re collaborating on a project or catching up at a festival. It’s always a great time.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? Can you tell us the story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Wyni: Okay, great. I loved all that, Kash. It’s fun doing this because even though I already know your world, hearing it from you in your own words is something else.
So, basically, I grew up in LA. I was actually born in New York — my parents met there — and then we moved across the country. I grew up in LA and in the industry, too. My mom’s a working professional actress, Keli Daniels, and I started out doing a lot of commercials, and I really haven’t stopped since.
I was always interested in plays and musicals at school. I went to LACHSA, the Arts High School in Downtown LA, where I majored in theater and musical theater. That’s when I really started to fall deeper into the craft of acting. I’ve studied all over LA — at different studios, and most recently, at The Acting Center.
Same as Kash — middle school and high school were when I really started. I was on Ned’s Declassified, then I had a little part on The OC, and I did something on Switched at Birth. More recently, I’ve been on 9–1–1 and CSI: Las Vegas. It’s been fantastic.
And yeah, Kash and I — our worlds have always kind of met in the middle. We’ve always ended up doing similar things, and then this project came along and, of course, I couldn’t say no.
Along the way, I was also doing stand-up. I grew up dancing too, so I’m a dancer and a singer. I’ve been training vocally since I was 13. So yeah, there’s all of that too.
Yitzi: Kash, you probably have some amazing experiences, anecdotes, and memories from your career in entertainment. Can you share one or two stories that really stand out in your mind from your professional life?
Kash: Certainly. One story that really stands out goes back to when I was finishing high school. I started acting professionally at 15, but I was already six feet tall, so I looked older — more like 18. This made casting a bit tricky, as they wanted someone who looked my age but was legally old enough to work full hours.
Wyni and I were in school together around that time. I had this Jim Morrison-inspired look with long hair, totally into the ’60s and ’70s vibe — bell bottoms and all. I went in for an audition to play an art school student, and I recognized a few actors in the waiting room from shows like Boston Public. Definitely dating myself there.
After the audition, I went straight to my last high school final exam. As soon as I walked out, I got the call that I booked the job. I was on set the day after I graduated. The commercial was directed by Joe Pytka, one of the most renowned directors in the commercial world at the time — he directed Space Jam with Michael Jordan and worked on numerous iconic ad campaigns. It was one of those surreal experiences.
Another big moment was during Undateable John. My manager at the time was working with Joan Jett, and we began collaborating on a number of projects. My cousin had worked with Joan on The Runaways, and we had mutual friends and colleagues in common.
Joan was being honored at the Sunset Strip Music Festival, and it felt like a full-circle moment. Wyni was there too with some of her friends. A few months later, I was meeting with Joan’s team and producers about Undateable John. At first, they hadn’t cast the part opposite me but then, at the last minute, I found out Shannen Doherty was joining the cast, and everything really shifted from there. That project opened up many doors — it led to Jack and Cocaine, collaborations with Funny or Die, and several other exciting opportunities with remarkable artists.
It’s been a wild ride, and throughout it all, I’ve had the pleasure of reconnecting with Wyni on multiple projects. It’s been an incredible journey.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? Can you share with us one or two stories that really stand out from your professional life?
Wyni: Yeah, absolutely! One of the most memorable experiences recently was being in a Bud Light Super Bowl commercial with Post Malone, Peyton Manning, and Dana White. It was directed by Craig Gillespie, who is known for I, Tonya, and also directed episodes of Pam & Tommy. I’ve actually had the chance to work with him on three different commercials now, and every time has been amazing.
The whole experience was incredible. It was a three-day shoot, and while I knew it was for the Super Bowl — which is huge — I didn’t realize just how massive it was going to be. On the third day of filming, one of the producers pulled me aside and asked if I could keep the Super Bowl dates open. I said, “Absolutely.”
They ended up flying us out to the Super Bowl in Vegas, where we got to do a live bit for CNN. It was a separate segment where they played the commercial, then cut to us live, in character, in the Bud Light suite. We were there with Post Malone, who even sang the national anthem. The concept was that at the end of the commercial, it says, “Super Bowl 58,” and then we actually show up at the real game, like we landed there straight from the ad. It was such a surreal experience, and definitely one of the highlights of my career. Plus, I was able to bring my brother — he had just turned 21, so I was like, “Wanna come to Vegas?” It was so much fun.
Another big moment for me was working with my mom, Keli Daniels, who’s a professional actress and has done over 100 national commercials, along with several TV shows. We had the chance to do an episode of 9–1–1 together, with Angela Bassett. We played mother and daughter, and it was filmed at SoFi Stadium — massive, right?
I played a girl with a heart condition, and there’s this blimp that crashes into the stadium. Because of this device I’m wearing — a mechanical backpack — everyone thinks I might have a bomb. My character gets hit and is found unconscious by Angela’s character, who discovers me on the ground, not breathing. The role was so intense and powerful, and getting to do it alongside my mom made it even more special. It was definitely a standout moment in my career.
Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Kash, do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting acting, and the lesson you learned from it?
Kash: Oh man, yeah — I can definitely laugh about this one now. Early on, it was tough booking roles because I was underage, but there was this audition for Training Day, and the scene involved a fight. They asked if I was comfortable with the subject matter, and I was like, “Absolutely. Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke? I’m in.”
I showed up to the audition, and everyone else in the room looked like the real deal — tough, seasoned, ready to go. Meanwhile, I was this skinny teenager in baggy clothes, trying to look like I belonged in a gang. I was doing my best to appear intimidating, which, in hindsight, was probably more amusing than effective.
The scene called for some physicality, so I committed — I threw myself into the performance, literally. I was reacting to imaginary punches, stumbling around the room, really giving it everything. I think I surprised a few people just by how into it I got. Not in a bad way — it just maybe wasn’t what they were expecting from a kid my size.
I didn’t book the part in the end — they needed someone who could actually pass for an adult — but I learned something valuable from that audition. I realized how much heart matters, even if you don’t quite fit the look. You show up, give it your all, and then trust that the right roles will come when the time is right.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni?
Wyni: Ooh, okay. Oh man. I’ve definitely had my share of learning moments. It’s funny, sometimes in this industry, what feels like a mistake in the moment actually turns out to be a making-it-happen moment instead.
One that really stands out is when I booked 9–1–1. My mom, Keli Daniels — who’s an incredible actress herself — was auditioning for the role of a mom on the show. She happened to talk to the agency and mentioned me, and they ended up bringing me in, too. It wasn’t something I had initially been submitted for, but she advocated for me, and it just… worked out. Not so much a mistake, but definitely one of those “right place, right time” moments. A lot of people might see that as bending the rules, but I see it as a making-it-happen situation. And honestly, I think that’s what this industry is sometimes — you create your own openings.
Now, for a more classic mistake — I was in an acting class once, and we were performing a scene from Traffic. The scene called for us to be high on cocaine (for the record, I’ve never done coke, so this was all just acting). We had these props — some candy we were using to add texture to the scene. There was a strict no-food policy in the studio, but we got caught up in the moment. Wrappers everywhere. It turned into a bit of a mess.
Our acting coach — she was amazing, by the way — stopped us mid-scene and just said, “You went too far.” We had poured weeks of work into that piece, so it was hard to hear, but it stuck with me. The takeaway? Yes, commit fully to the role — but also, read the room and respect the space you’re in. That’s part of being a professional.
So yeah, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. Whether it’s a lesson, a little embarrassment, or a lucky break — you learn and grow from all of it.
Yitzi: Kash, what has been the most challenging role or project you’ve taken on, and why?
Kash: Great question. I’d say the most challenging project for me was definitely Jack and Cocaine. It was the first time I was stepping into a leading role that was written specifically for me, which was both an honor and a huge responsibility. The writer had worked with me on Undateable John and came to me with this follow-up, saying, “We want you to play this.” That kind of trust is amazing — but it also brings pressure.
The role itself was intense. I was portraying someone in the throes of addiction, trying to find a way out, and I really wanted to do it justice. I lost about 20 pounds during that shoot — I was living on salad, bananas, and way too much coffee. There was one scene, maybe 12 hours into filming, where I had to completely break down emotionally. I remember chugging my tenth cup of coffee just to keep myself in that space.
It was a very raw, indie-style shoot — we filmed at a motel with a tight schedule and minimal resources. But in a way, that roughness helped. The limitations forced us to stay present and creative, and I think that urgency made its way into the performance.
Looking back, that role pushed me harder than anything before or since. It taught me a lot — about preparation, about endurance, and about trusting myself when the stakes are high. It set a new bar for how I approach my work.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? What has been the most challenging role or project you’ve taken on?
Wyni: Hmm, yeah. There’ve definitely been a few challenges, but one that stands out is Ned’s Declassified. I was about 15 or 16, and it was my first guest star role on a TV series. I played this Southern garden girl, and I remember walking onto set thinking, “Whoa, I’m surrounded by all these Nickelodeon regulars I’ve been watching forever.” They were the coolest people to me at the time, and I was just this theater kid from LACHSA stepping into this big new world.
Up until then, I’d mostly done commercials, which usually meant maybe one line — or none. So this was a totally different level. I’m great at memorizing, but the first time they called “action,” I completely froze. I drew a blank. And in that moment, with three cameras rolling and the crew watching, it felt like time stopped.
But luckily, the vibe on set was super supportive. They were like, “No worries, let’s reset,” and it instantly helped calm my nerves. We got the scene done, I had a great time, and I learned so much just from being there.
Another really challenging experience was getting into stand-up comedy. I took classes with Lisa at Pretty Funny Women and started doing shows at places like the Comedy Store — Michael Q’s show on Monday nights was one I did regularly. Kash and his mom would come out and support, and that meant the world.
Stand-up is such a different kind of performance. You can rehearse your jokes a million times, but when you’re up there in front of a live crowd, anything can happen. I remember one night, I drew a blank on part of my set. Not the whole thing — but enough to throw me off. It was that split-second of panic, like, “Wait… where was I going?” But thankfully, my friends and family were in the audience cheering me on, and that brought me back.
Moments like that teach you resilience. You learn to laugh at yourself, stay present, and just keep going. And that’s honestly been one of the best takeaways from all of it — you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up.
Yitzi: So let’s talk about this latest project, The Hit. Kash, tell us why we have to watch it.
Kash: Definitely. But real quick — since Wyni mentioned stand-up, I’ve got to give her some props. I was there when she performed at Flappers in Burbank, which is this iconic spot where comics like Jay Leno still show up. Wyni’s background in musical theater really came through — her set was funny, quirky, totally her. We talked afterward about some of the comedians we admired, and I could tell she was just warming up and finding her voice in the space.
Then I saw her again at the Comedy Store — it was you and your mom, Wyni — and you just went for it. You were fearless, and it was hilarious. The crowd loved you. And then your mom came on and killed it too. I think my mom was there that night as well. It was such a fun experience, and honestly one of the funniest stand-up shows I’ve been to. Had to give that shout-out before jumping into The Hit.
So — The Hit came together through a creative circle I’ve been part of since Undateable John. I met Christa Collins through Joan Jett’s team. She’s not only a talented performer but also had a cameo in Jack and Cocaine, and her band, The Woolly Bandits, did the soundtrack for The Hit. Christa and I had done some work together on Funny or Die and had just wrapped a pilot when this project started taking shape.
Christa had just finished a feature called Tenants, and that’s when I met Jonathan Lewis, the writer and director of The Hit. The story was originally something he envisioned as a pilot or full-length feature, but with the way the industry’s shifting — especially in the festival circuit — short-form content felt like the perfect fit.
Once the idea came together, Wyni was the first person we thought of. We made sure she was available, and everything just aligned. We had a tight turnaround, but the whole thing came together smoothly.
What I love about The Hit is that it’s sharp, quick-paced, and keeps you guessing. It sets up one narrative and then flips it on its head. You think you know where it’s going, but then it throws a curveball. Even the ending leaves things open — it makes you wonder what could happen next. It’s one of those pieces that leaves a mark.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? From your perspective as an insider, why do you think we have to watch it?
Wyni: Oh good, I’m glad you asked. I think The Hit is a must-watch because it’s packed with suspense from the very first scene. You’re constantly trying to figure out what’s really going on — who’s the hit for, who’s behind it all — and just when you think you’ve got it, it shifts. It keeps you on your toes the entire time.
Kash is phenomenal in it. He brings this layered intensity to his character, and the entire cast is just stacked with talent. Everyone involved comes from strong creative backgrounds — film, theater, music — and you can really feel that depth in the performances.
We wanted to lean into that classic noir energy, and I think we pulled it off in a fresh, modern way. There’s this sleek, moody atmosphere, but it’s still grounded in real emotion. It’s stylish, fast-paced, and leaves you thinking. And the ending? Let’s just say… you’ll want to talk about it afterward.
Yitzi: Kash, how do you compare and contrast your personal character with the character you play in the hit? How are you similar and how are you different?
Kash: That’s a great question. It’s funny because the character I play in The Hit — he’s definitely not the most honorable guy. He’s caught in this love triangle, and the way he tries to fix things is, frankly, pretty unethical.
The part I can relate to is the instinct to protect the people you care about. If someone threatened my family, I’d do whatever I could to keep them safe. I’m not saying I’d make the same choices this character does — because I definitely wouldn’t — but that emotional drive, that urgency to protect your loved ones, that’s something I understand deeply. That’s where I was able to connect with him.
The biggest difference between us? Jim operates in a very different world — he’s dealing with pressures and making decisions I would never make in real life. But as an actor, that’s the challenge and the fun. You step into these complicated scenarios and ask yourself, “What would I do if I were him?” I also draw from historical figures, other performances, real emotions — and then layer that into the character. That’s the beauty of acting: finding those human truths in even the darkest corners.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? How would you compare and contrast your personal character with the character you play?
Wyni: Well, I’m definitely a monogamist — and so is my character, so we’re aligned there. I’m not married yet, but even just being in a committed relationship, if there’s a sense you’re being played or betrayed? That’s a heavy feeling.
I don’t think I’ve ever been cheated on — at least, not that I know of. [laughs] No, seriously, I really don’t think I have. But I can relate to that emotional tension when something feels off. That threat to your relationship — wondering how far you’d go to find the truth or protect yourself — that’s where the difference between me and my character really shows.
In real life, I’d want to have a conversation. I’d want to get to the bottom of it before making any big moves. But in The Hit, everything is heightened and fast-paced, and my character takes a pretty extreme route. I wouldn’t go that far. I’d either walk away or ask the questions that needed asking.
That said, there’s a moment in the short where my character confronts the other woman. And honestly? I might do that — maybe not in person, but I’d definitely want to talk and figure out what’s going on. Like, “Who are you, and are you messing with my man?” I’d need clarity. So yeah, there’s a spark of real me in there, but I’d handle things with a little more conversation — and a lot less chaos.
Yitzi: Amazing. This is our signature question we ask in all our interviews. Each of you has been blessed with a lot of success. Looking back to when you first started, you must have learned a lot from your experiences. Kash, can you share five things that you’ve learned now that you wish you knew when you first started acting?
Kash: When I look back, I see how everything really aligned over time. I’ve always felt like the right opportunities came at the right moments. For instance, I remember auditioning for The Princess Diaries when I was about 15. I was up for the main love interest role, but it went to Robert Schwartzman instead. I didn’t know at the time, but we actually ended up having a connection later on — his cousin and my cousin were briefly married for a few months. Funny how life works out that way.
Then, after working with Shannen Doherty on Undateable John, I ended up briefly working with her at WME when she became a client, right around the time the film was released on Amazon and Apple TV, just before the pandemic hit. Those connections all happened naturally, and looking back, I can see how they shaped the path I’ve taken.
I think the most important thing I’ve learned is that success isn’t linear — it’s all about timing, perseverance, and being open to the unexpected. I wouldn’t change anything because all those moments, even the ones that didn’t turn out how I thought they would, led me to where I am today. And I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? Can you share five things that you’ve learned now that you wish you knew when you first started acting?
Wyni: Oh, I’m totally with Kash on a lot of those points. Technology has really shifted the game. Like he said, now we have the ability to create our own projects, collaborate with artists, and reach out to people directly. You can DM someone on social media or hop on IMDb Pro and find a casting director’s email. Back then, we had to go about it a different way — physically going to a store, looking through a book, and finding the address — it was a completely different world. Now, it’s all about taking full advantage of that accessibility.
Something else I’ve learned — and this is a bit of a twist — is that I think my younger self was better at preparation. I had fewer distractions. Now, with social media and all these notifications constantly going off, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Back in the ’90s, there was a different energy around the craft. People were making films without all the noise. You didn’t have smartphones, maybe a pager — but my mom had a pager. You’d get the number and then have to find a payphone to call them back. It really allowed for a deeper focus.
I credit my strong work ethic to my parents, Keli Daniels and Paul Landry, and the environment around me. Of course, the school we went to — LACHSA — helped a lot, too. We had a really structured day: academics in the morning and arts in the afternoon. That kind of discipline is so important. I think I’m realizing now just how much I had going for me back then.
But in terms of what I wish I knew? I’d say — just keep going. Never give up. That’s something I’ve always held onto, so it’s not really a new lesson for me, but I think it’s something worth sharing with others. The industry is full of rejection. You audition all the time, and you’re constantly hearing “no.” But you can’t take it personally. Let it go. Keep moving forward.
Work on yourself. Build your confidence. Heal from whatever personal stuff you’re carrying and use it in your art. Don’t be afraid of it. If you’re having a rough day and you’ve got an audition or you’re on set, channel that energy and use it.
And always stay creative. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Take the wins.
Yitzi: This is our final aspirational question. Both of you are people of enormous influence because of the platforms you’ve built and the great work you do. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would it be?
Kash: Absolutely. I’m incredibly grateful for where I am, and it’s clear to me that we’re living in an age of endless possibility. When Wyni and I were talking about how much more is accessible today, it really hit me how much things have changed since we were kids in the ’90s and early 2000s. Back then, there was this clear divide — you were either an actor or an agent, and that was that. But now, more and more people are wearing multiple hats. You’re an actor, an agent, a producer, a writer. The opportunities are everywhere.
For me, early on, I had some success doing commercials, but I started thinking maybe the agency world or producing was a better fit. That’s when I realized how many different avenues were open to me. Festivals, for example, became a place where we could take our projects directly, and social media allowed us to share our work in a way we couldn’t before. The way we can create, distribute, and share our stories has completely transformed.
If there’s one thing I’d want to spread, it’s that everyone has a voice. Don’t ever think you’re not relevant or that you don’t have something to offer. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, your background, or what your story is — if you come from a sincere place, your message will resonate. Ten years ago, there were people who said, “This is the way the system works, and there aren’t opportunities,” but I saw people proving them wrong every day. I want people to know that if you believe in what you’re doing and stay true to your voice, there are ways to make it happen. Don’t wait for permission — just go out there and create. Your story is unique, and the world needs to hear it.
Yitzi: How about you, Wyni? If you could put out an idea that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Wyni: This is such a thoughtful question. I honestly think our society needs the arts now more than ever. When you look at the world today — there’s a lot of devastation and tragedy, but there’s also so much goodness. What really stands out to me is how vital the arts are in all of this.
We often underestimate our gifts, but art is such a powerful tool. The more we create and share, the more we can touch others’ lives. Through art, we can inspire, we can help people feel seen and heard. Especially in cinema, when someone watches a film and says, “Wow, they really captured exactly what I’m going through,” that connection is priceless. Just feeling understood can be transformative.
But it’s not just about that — art also brings hope. It reminds us that it’s not all bad, and it says, “You can still go after your dreams, even when things feel tough.” That’s why I’m so thankful to be a part of projects like The Hit — it was the team’s vision, and I got to be part of that journey. Working with Kash and such a talented group of people is something I don’t take for granted.
At the end of the day, our society thrives on the arts. I honestly don’t think we could imagine a world without storytelling or cinema. It would be a much sadder place. Through film and television, we have the ability to make the world better, and that’s something I truly believe we can do.
Yitzi: Beautiful. How can our readers watch The Hit? How can they continue to follow each of your work? And how can our readers support you in any way?
Kash: You can find me on social media, just search for my name — Kash Hovey. I’m active on Instagram and also host my show On Air with Kash. As for The Hit, it’s available for streaming on YouTube right now. We had an incredible festival journey, including screenings at Film Fest LA at LA Live and the Burbank International Film Festival. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities to share our work with audiences and connect with so many passionate filmmakers and viewers along the way.
Wyni: Same here — The Hit is on YouTube, and you can follow my journey on Instagram and TikTok under @laytoomuch. I have a lot of fun on TikTok, so if you’re into quirky, creative content, definitely check it out. I’m always sharing new things and keeping it fresh!
Yitzi: Kash and Wyni, it’s been so awesome meeting you and learning about your stories and your work. I hope we can do this again next year.
Kash: Absolutely — thanks so much for having us. We really appreciate the time!
Wyni: Yes, thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
Kash Hovey and Wyni Landry Of ‘The Hit’ On What It Takes To Shine In The Entertainment Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.