INTERVIEW: Trevor Knight on Acting, Fitness, and Inspiration
Trevor Knight is a rising New England star juggling a few cool gigs. He began his journey in the modeling and acting world in 2022 and quickly made an impact, landing roles in both short films and feature productions. By 2024, Trevor added another feather to his cap by getting certified as a personal trainer, showing that he’s all about that fitness life—especially in an industry that can sometimes overlook it. At 30, he’s already collaborated with big names like Hasbro and worked alongside talented photographers.
Trevor is on a mission to spread the word about living healthy and staying active. He’s not just flexing his muscles in front of the camera; he’s inspiring others to put their wellness front and center. So whether he’s strutting down a runway or lifting weights, Trevor’s all about making fitness look good and fun.
What inspired you to transition from modeling to acting, and how has your journey evolved since you began in 2022?
Acting was always the ultimate goal, as modeling was something that was offered to me as a stepping stone into the entertainment industry. After I became a model, I fell in love with the modeling industry, and I definitely plan to continue my modeling career, but acting was the dream job. My journey has certainly evolved as I have adapted to this industry. My original intention was to just become an actor. After falling in love with modeling, I learned to market myself as not just an actor but as a model as well. I went from a real estate agent to the career of my dreams in just two years, and I am just beginning.
As a certified personal trainer, do you handle your regime by yourself or trust someone else to guide you and keep you grounded?
In my fitness life, I mostly handle my own regime now, but in the past, I have looked to my own personal trainers and coaches to help guide me as I learned health and fitness. After gaining professional experience, I find myself more independent in this field. However, I keep my ears open as I am always willing to learn more, as I know there is always more to learn, especially about health and how the human body functions. I don’t believe any individual has all the answers, so it’s always important to be willing to listen to other experts, no matter how much experience you think you have.
As someone who promotes a healthy lifestyle, what advice would you give to aspiring models and actors about maintaining their wellness while pursuing their dreams?
Being present in this industry makes it easy to get sidetracked by all the hustle and bustle. It’s important to watch what you eat, buy healthy options at a grocery store rather than eating out, as well as dedicate at least 45 minutes 2–3 days a week to exercise. In addition, every individual should incorporate a balance of strength training and cardio. There are many models I have spoken with who don’t eat to lose weight and don’t lift weights. They believe that is healthy and sustainable. Training isn’t just for bodybuilders; it’s for everyone. It’s unfortunate that a lot of models don’t realize the age-defying benefits of strength training and what it can do to help promote a younger appearance and longevity in the modeling industry.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working with brands like Hasbro, and how do you approach collaborations in the commercial and fashion industries?
Nothing beats getting that on-screen/in-studio experience and connecting with the production teams that make everything happen. This industry is about networking, as you can really set yourself up for success by connecting with the individuals who make everything happen. Getting to play roles as my favorite characters from my childhood is rewarding, as I have had the privilege to enjoy a few “come full circle” moments being a model and actor working with these brands. I always approach any role I get through an actor’s lens. Every role is a new character, whether it be a fashion shoot or a commercial role as a superhero franchise villain. Every time I’m behind the camera, I’m a new character at that moment, expressing a new story through photography or film.
Balancing modeling and acting can be challenging. What strategies do you use to manage your time and energy between the two?
It is all about allocating your time. I like the idea of never leaving a blank space on your calendar, as being more organized is something I’m still working on. I tend to do things on a whim, which makes life feel like a frantic mess, but lately, I’ve been paying close attention to my calendar and making sure my time is being allocated for at least a few days in advance. Luckily, modeling and acting can go hand in hand with certain activities. For example, on certain days I will dedicate time to just responding to castings, whether I need to send in an example of my runway walk, a few pictures, or practice lines for an audition. It’s a very hectic industry, but I find when I can separate the activities I do into blocks of time, it feels like I can get two things done at once. Then it’s just a matter of getting to the jobs I book!
Do you find that your experiences in modeling influence your acting, or vice versa?
Yes, modeling helped give me the experience I needed to see how things are done on set, especially within commercial modeling. I was able to learn about what it takes to successfully complete a project on the other side of the camera, which gave me the experience and confidence to nail a role and be successful in film. On the other side, acting has helped me with creating a character for each photo shoot. Every shoot has a different vibe and emotion, as being an actor has helped me practice the proper emotion I need to express the correct mood for the shoot. Acting and creating new characters influences my ability to be a different version of myself to fit whatever role I’m given, whether it be a moody high fashion photoshoot or an upbeat family board game commercial.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects you’re excited about, whether in acting or modeling?
I just recently wrapped up a film based on a true crime. It’s an unfortunate but also incredible story about a robbery gone wrong. One thing I find interesting is how the director chose to really focus on the idea of fate and question why things in our lives unfold the way they do, as well as the unknown. The director focuses on how sometimes unforgiving consequences of our actions can place us in the wrong place at the wrong time, or vice versa. These are things everyone thinks about, as it is certainly a pattern in my life. There have been many instances in my life where if I just did or didn’t do one small thing differently, the entire rest of my life would have been different. I had a lot of fun with this project, and I can’t wait until it’s out for people to watch.