You may recognize Krystin Goodwin’s face from when she got started in broadcasting at the FOX News New York City bureau or currently on your local newscast if you live in Los Angeles, however, what people may soon be buzzing about is her upcoming acting role in the Transformer’s prequel by Paramount Studios entitled, Bumblebee!
Born and raised just outside of Washington D.C, in Fairfax Virginia, Krystin has worked hard and travelled all over the United States for her career in both television and film, and with some big projects on the way, The Levity Ball just had to sit down with her to find out more…
- When did you first know you wanted to work in the entertainment and broadcasting world career wise?
I first knew I wanted to work in entertainment and media when I was pretty young. I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. Growing up, I thought I wanted to write and direct. I would spend nights after school drafting scripts for my group of friends to perform. Cheesy I know…but I loved it. I started teaching myself how to shoot and edit video hoping to one day create documentaries. Being a broadcaster didn’t cross my mind until college. A professor who favored my writing nudged me to audition for the mass media and broadcast department. Eventually this lead to my first on-air position as a one-man-band TV reporter for a CBS station in Florida.
- You grew up in Virginia, how was making the move to the fast-paced city of Hollywood?
Driving around Los Angeles reminds me of northern Virginia. The city is so spread out it’s almost like one massive suburb. Work has taken me all over the country but I’m fond of Los Angeles. I feel when you enjoy the industry, you want to be in the thick of it.
- What about being on-air and working for FOX Los Angeles do you love most about?
I started my career with FOX in the New York City bureau. What I love most about the Los Angeles office is the weather. Sunshine and 70 degrees in January will always be A-OK with me.
- Is it hard to go from being a reporter to then being an actress and in the spotlight in a different way?
Juggling the role of being a reporter and auditioning for acting roles can be challenging. I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I have a very authoritative voice for broadcast. Switching gears to portray a more timid character like “soft-spoken girl next door” has taken some effort. Though having a background in broadcast has also been helpful. The news industry always requires a bit of improv…we’re thrown daily curve balls. I’m used to cold reads, quickly learning copy and portraying a reporter for film and television shows has lead to some pretty incredible experiences.
- Fun fact we hear is that you are actually related to the Sinatras and Nancy Sinatra. Do you like to sing too? Is it in the blood line?
Yes. My Grandfather Vincent Pace was first cousins with Nancy Sinatra senior who sadly passed away this year. His mother’s maiden was name Barbato. My Grandparents used to double date with Frank and Nancy who went on to have three kids. While some family members have been in touch and Nancy (their eldest daughter) and I follow each other on Twitter, I’ve never met the family. I would love to. I’ve performed as a singer and a dancer but I’ve always been drawn to telling and portraying stories through narration and acting.
- You used to be in a Glee group… What was your go-to top track? Do you miss the Glee television series? What other shows are you currently into when you have spare time to watch TV?
I didn’t watch Glee as much as I should have but in high school I was in a Glee-like group. It was a show choir called Touch of Class. We had dance partners, and traveled the country competing. I remember performing everything from Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” to tracks from Pink, Justin Timberlake and Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling.” When I do get time to catch up on shows I binge-watch Netflix, and Amazon Prime. I am a big “Stranger Things” fan, and HBO’s “Barry” is brilliant.
- Back to business: You appear next in the huge feature film Bumblebee… tell us about your role and what fans of the Transformers franchise can expect?
Yes! Truth be told I almost didn’t make my audition with the film’s Director. I’m so glad I did. The whole experience has been wonderful and I am so thankful for the opportunity.
- Besides Bumblebee, any other projects in the works that you can talk about?
I recently traveled back to the east coast to play a role in a pilot, and to work on an independent film which I can’t say too much about yet. I also recently had worked on Hulu’s horror anthology series from Blumhouse “Into the Dark.” It features spooky stories inspired by the holidays.
- You live in Hollywood, but do you ever get a chance to come out to New York? If so, where are some of your favorite hot spots here to hang and eat?
I do bounce back to New York for work. I love Eataly, grabbing tacos and palomas from Tacombi Flatiron, and checking out the city views at The Press Lounge on the west side.
- What would your advice be to others wanting to get into entertainment and/or broadcasting?
My advice to anyone trying to break in to entertainment or broadcasting is to be specific about the role you want. Don’t be afraid to let others know what you hope to achieve and surround yourself with people you can learn from. Be aggressive with your goals, but always always be kind.
- And final question: What do you personally want to be remembered for many, many years down the line?
I would love to be remembered as great storyteller.
