Make choices you will be proud of years down the road. When making films there is a unique aspect of documenting history. If we choose the wrong production that will forever be a part of history.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Preston Corbell.
Preston Corbell is an American professional stuntman and actor, known for playing The Bunny Man in Cabin Fever, as well as working on WB/CW drama series One Tree Hill (2003–2012) and the CW series The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017).
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I started out as a teenager doing model print work and smaller commercials. My stunt career started on the set of Cabin Fever (2002). I was hired to do utility stunts, basically whatever was needed at the time. I was able to suit up as The Bunny Man, the films creepy mysterious charter and that was the start of a 20-year stunt career.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I was getting to know the ropes as a stuntman, one day I wore tight jeans to do a jumping scene. There were about 50 extras around and the whole crew. I went for the jump and my pants split; my whole rear end was exposed in front of everyone ha-ha. Not so much a learning lesson, but a funny story.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Make choices you will be proud of years down the road. When making films there is a unique aspect of documenting history. If we choose the wrong production that will forever be a part of history.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
I was working on Cabin Fever as The Bunny Man, and I became close to the crew, we were a tight knit group. Perhaps it was the feeling that we knew we were on the verge of something special but being a part of a unique experience with a group of strangers is so rewarding.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
One thing I do that’s healing for me and my online family is Instagram. I have a page that has a good following, and it has become a community of like-minded people who encourage each other and share positivity. Everything is positive, and the focus is mental and physical health.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
I choose to focus on the positive side of mental health because I’ve struggled, we all have struggled, often alone. When there is a community of just encouragement and healthy vibes it gives that hope and desire to live a beautiful life.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
It would have to be my mother. When I struggled, she was there to pinpoint what was going on and help guide me to a healthy solution. Because that experience helped me get through hard times, I wanted to create a safe place for others to share the bright side of mental health.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
3 things that I think people should be aware of:
We are not alone, reach out and help your neighbor no matter how small.
Be positive, and always look for the bright side of life.
Improvement on everything, when something goes wrong, learn from it.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
Be patient
Be confident
You are strong
Help others
Mental health matters
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Provide more education about mental health to the public. It doesn’t have to be scary, and we don’t have to be alone.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
“Never accept the limitations of someone else!” — CT Fletcher
Be you
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Elon Musk
His mind is so special and different than anyone else, I would just love to listen to him one-on-one.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Preston Corbell Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.