Many people think that Hollywood celebrities have it easy; all they have to do is show up, smile, and say their lines. While this might be true for some, it certainly isn’t the case for all.
Case in point: actor-comedian Randy Blue Charlie Pattinson. You might know him from his films A Cinderella Story: Prince Eric’s Quest for a Princess, The Numa Numa Episode, and the Ocean’s 8 trailer, or his popular YouTube series The Blue Rattan Show. But did you know that he had to battle substance addiction and even endured jail time before finding happiness and success in comedy?
Pattinson shares his inspiring story in two books: The Blue Book, which is about overcoming his demons and achieving sobriety; and One Crazy Night, which details his first performance after being clean and sober for a year. In a conversation with THR, Pattinson offers advice on how others can find the strength to pursue their dreams and shared some of the biggest challenges he faced while trying to lead a sober life.
Early Struggles With Sobriety
The first time Pattinson tried alcohol, he was 17 years old and had just started attending rehab. He recalls, “I was doing a lot of drinking and experimenting, and I ended up getting really sick. … I woke up one morning and just felt like I was going to throw up. I drank a fifth of whiskey and immediately threw up. … I would have blacked out if I didn’t quit right then and there. That was the first time I had ever experienced alcoholics anonymous and made a commitment to recovery.”
Pattinson’s recovery wasn’t easy, and he struggled with his alcoholism for years. While he was in high school, he would drink a six-pack every day because it was so easy for him to get. When he decided to attend college, he knew he’d have to adjust his drinking. He currently enjoys a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol, and he doesn’t let his guard down even when performing. “I want people to feel like I’m normal, like they’re not going to see me drink or use drugs or go to rehab,” he says. “I want them to feel like I’m a regular person who happens to do comedy.”
A Car, A Dog, And An Epic Escape
While in college, Pattinson got the urge to drive a car again. He bought a cheap used vehicle and began doing some research on car mechanics. He soon found himself in an accident, and while he walked away with only minor injuries, his car was a total loss. After the accident, he stopped going to class and spent his time working on cars. He ultimately got his license and passed his tests. However, during this time, he was also searching for a new place to live. He eventually decided to move out of his parent’s house and into a one-bedroom apartment. Just as he was packing, his dad called and said that his old friend, Charlie Chaplin, needed a roommate. Chaplin owned three Chihuahuas, and he needed a fourth because his two existing dogs were becoming too aggressive towards each other. So, Charlie offered to let Pattinson live in the attic of his house for free, and he also paid for all of Pattinson’s college tuition.
Pattinson spent three years living in the attic, working on cars, and taking care of the Chihuahuas. He eventually got a job working for Chaplin, where he would answer the phone, take dictation, and watch over the dogs. Chaplin would often come by to check on him, and he also gave Pattinson some of his famous comic books to read. When Chaplin was traveling, he would leave notes for Pattinson on the fridge, and when he was back home, the two would sit down and talk about cars or the industry. During this time, Chaplin’s relationship with his wife became strained; he eventually left her for good.
Making It In Hollywood
After serving his time, Pattinson decided that he wanted to pursue comedy. He began taking classes at the prestigious Chicago School of Comedy and landed a job working at Second City. While there, he also began writing for the famous Second City Comedy Magazine. He eventually got an agent and began to book acting jobs, which he continues to do to this day. His roles include a small role in The Big Short and a voice in the upcoming Toy Story 4.
A Commitment To Comedy
Pattinson is committed to comedy, and he doesn’t see himself as a celebrity or an “A” lister. “I want to give comedy a chance and show people that I can be funny even when I don’t have anything going on,” he says. “I want to prove to myself that I’m funny, and I want to prove to other people that they’re funny, too.” When asked about the future of comedy, he responds, “I think it’s going to be okay. People are starting to see that there is an alternative to going to the movies every day and spending your time in front of a screen. They’re starting to realize that they can sit down at home and watch sitcoms or anime or whatever and have a good time. So, I think that the future is looking up for comedy.”
The Importance Of Setting Goals
Pattinson is clear about what his goals are and isn’t afraid to set them high. He wants to be known for his versatility and acknowledges that most comedians end up being very funny people in addition to being actors. So, he is setting his sights on being the best comedian he can be and on booking jobs that challenge him. He currently has a deal where he can write and perform in any movie or show that he wants. He also has a stand-up special planned for next year that will be filmed and put out on DVD.
Pattinson is an inspiration to those who need help and to those who just want to laugh. He never gives up and always looks for the good in every situation, which is evident in his books and in his movies. Hopefully, this article will help convince you to read Something About Fred and watch A Cinderella Story: Prince Eric’s Quest for a Princess, starring Charlie Chaplin and directed by Josef von Sternberg.