Ian Collins has had a diverse and impressive career spanning more than a decade. One notable highlight is his involvement in the popular American post-apocalyptic dystopian thriller television series, Snowpiercer. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Ian Collins. It was truly enlightening. While chatting, Ian opened up about his childhood in Scarborough, Ontario, and how he navigated the constantly shifting entertainment industry.

He was raised in Scarborough, Ontario, a diverse neighborhood that was home to families from various socioeconomic backgrounds. “It was interesting because there were a lot of people who looked like me growing up in a lot of biracial families.” He remembers that there were people from various ethnic backgrounds. Collins’ diverse upbringing helped him develop a deep appreciation for finding aspects of himself in the world.

Reflecting on his past, Ian can connect his desire to act to the influential years he spent watching the Power Rangers.

As Ian grew older, his passion for television and the theatrical arts continued to intensify. He became a member of his school’s choir and found a passion for singing, especially R&B music. Ian found the stage to be a perfect outlet for him to freely express himself and display his many talents. Ian’s passion has been a driving force throughout his journey in the entertainment industry, starting from his early commercial roles and leading up to his current acclaimed performance as Tristan on the popular series Snowpiercer.

However, the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Like many productions, Snowpiercer faced significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cast and crew frequently had to navigate the shifting landscape of health and safety regulations, which sometimes led to unexpected breaks and adjustments in their filming schedule.

Despite these challenges, Ian remained unwaveringly committed to his role and his colleagues, who had become like family to him over the years. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “We had all become like family at that point. Working with Daveed in season four was truly incredible, and Alison has been an absolute treasure trove of wisdom and support throughout.” Ian’s dedication and the camaraderie with his fellow actors highlight the deep bonds formed during the production, making their collective achievements even more meaningful.

Ian is ready to dive into any role that comes his way, whether it’s a menacing horror villain, a heroic Disney character, or a complex musical figure. His commitment to each project is fueled by an unyielding passion. “I’m quite the nerd,” he admits with a grin. “I absolutely love geeking out over comic books, anime, and anything related to horror!”

Despite his enthusiasm and versatility, Ian’s journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. As a biracial actor, he has faced significant challenges in an industry that often limits roles and opportunities based on narrow perspectives. “As a person of color, your roles and opportunities are frequently constrained by certain biases,” he explains. “Being biracial and identifying as LGBT, I’ve encountered a lack of imagination in the industry—they simply can’t envision someone like me in their roles.” Ian’s experience highlights the persistent struggle for representation and the broader need for a more inclusive vision in casting and storytelling.

Regardless of the obstacles, Ian is resolute in his mission to overcome those barriers and redefine audience expectations for individuals who share his appearance. “I’m looking for a role that pushes the boundaries even further, one that demonstrates that individuals like Ian Collins can also embody that kind of persona.”

Ian’s versatility and enthusiasm have made him an incredibly compelling and highly sought-after actor. He’s unafraid to take chances and challenge people’s expectations based on his appearance. By pursuing his own ambitions, he is paving the way for others to dare to dream on a grand scale.

Stay connected with Ian by following him at @fresh_collins.

Photography Credit: Farrah Aviva