Oliver Trevena, undeniably, is a fascinating character. Initially starting as the host of Young Hollywood, he was later nominated for the Best Celebrity Short Award and ended up starring in movies like The Long Road (2008), Ready? OK! (2008) and TV appearances in The Good Guys (2010), Leverage (2008), The Forgotten (2009) and How to Rock (2012).His story had its highs and lows, especially when it came to pursuing his dreams from scratch. He moved to Los Angeles after a scarring incident Trevena’s resilience, patience and fervour to grow pushed him to be the best version that he can be, despite the unpredictability that life throws at him.Trevena has since built his reputation in the entertainment industry as one of the ‘men about town’ and branched out to various entrepreneurial ventures in the wellness world from Red Light Therapy to Caliwater with Vanessa Anne Hudgens — further cementing that his interests go far and beyond what anyone would expect.
So lovely to meet you, Oliver. Could you tell us about what you’ve been up to recently? As one of the global men in the know. How are you able to keep up with your busy schedule?
I have been pretty busy with filming. I just wrapped two months of filming in Italy on the movie “Paradox Effect” alongside Olga Kurylenko & Harvey Keitel. I have “The Bricklayer” movie coming out this summer with Aaron Eckhart & Nina Dobrev. I’ll also be starring in & producing the revenge thriller “Misdirection”, which starts production in Atlanta in July. I’m always excited to take on new and challenging roles and to collaborate with talented artists to bring great stories to life.
As for my busy schedule, I prioritize staying organized and keeping a healthy balance between work and personal life. This includes taking care of my physical and mental health through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and meditation. Additionally, having a supportive team around me has been instrumental in helping me manage my schedule and stay on top of my commitments.
Since you’ve been working in the entertainment industry for a while, How did your experience in this world shape your life philosophy?
My experience in the entertainment industry has taught me to value hard work, persistence, and humility. It’s also shown me that life is unpredictable, and it’s important to be adaptable and open to new opportunities. Overall, it’s reinforced my belief that following your passions and striving to make a positive impact in the world is essential.
What is the most profound learning experience you had in life?
The most profound learning experience I have had is the incident that brought me to my career path. I was a victim of a hate/street attack in the UK. Three guys jumped me from behind and left me for dead. Paramedics arrived on the scene, and I had fallen into a coma. After several months in the hospital and surgeries to rebuild my jaw, etc., I went home. Before this happened, I was about to leave on tour in Europe, and the theatre company had to replace me. When I recovered, I was out of work and directionless.
However, this traumatic incident pushed me to take a risk in life and explore more. It started with a flight to Los Angeles, where I was drawn to the entertainment industry. Despite not having any connections or experience, I pursued my passion and slowly, but surely, started to make a name for myself. Along the way, I learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on your dreams.
This experience taught me that life is unpredictable and fragile, and we should always make the most of it. We should never take anything for granted, and we should always be grateful for what we have. I learned that sometimes the most challenging situations can also yield significant changes in our lives. It’s about finding the strength to move forward and turn adversity into opportunity.
Overall, this experience has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for every opportunity that has brought me to where I am now.
As a multi-hyphenate personality with plenty of businesses to run. From Caliwater to Vital Red Light, How did you find the perfect balance of keeping organised, creative, and motivated?
Finding balance is an ongoing process that requires discipline and intentionality. I prioritise my time and focus on the most important things, whether it’s my business, creative projects, or personal life. Staying organised is vital, and I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to help me stay on track. I also try to find inspiration in everything I do and stay motivated by setting goals and celebrating small wins.
Could you tell us about Caliwater, its concept, and what made you want to venture into the health and wellness industry?
Caliwater is a brand I co-founded with my friend Vanessa Hudgens. It is a cactus water beverage that is sustainably sourced from a specific type of cactus found in California. The concept behind it is to provide a healthy and refreshing alternative to sugary drinks and promote sustainable resource use. I have always been interested in health and wellness, and creating Caliwater allowed me to combine my passion for sustainability and healthy living into one project.
Now, let’s talk about social media – How do you set an example for the younger generation with your two cents for them to be modern gentlemen in this ever-changing world?
As someone who has grown up in the public eye, I feel a responsibility to set a positive example for younger generations, especially when it comes to being a modern gentleman. For me, being a modern gentleman means being respectful and empathetic towards others, standing up for what is right, and always striving to improve oneself. It also means understanding the importance of self-care and mental health and being open to vulnerability and honest communication with those around you. I try to live by these principles and hope they inspire others to do the same.
There are plenty of expectations about what you should be like on camera and everyone’s watching, and how do you deal with it?
I try not to let the pressure get to me, and I remind myself that it’s not about perfection. It’s about being authentic. I just focus on being myself and doing what feels suitable for me. I think it’s important to remember that everyone has a unique journey and not to compare yourself to others.
Lastly, what’s the best advice you can give someone starting to go out of their comfort zone to achieve their dreams?
The best advice I can give to someone starting to go out of their comfort zone to achieve their objectives is to stay focused, have patience and persistence. It is essential to understand that every obstacle
can be an opportunity to learn and grow. Remember to surround yourself with supportive people, and don’t be afraid to seek advice from those who have walked the same path. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities, trust your instincts, and never give up on your dreams.
For more about Oliver follow or visit his IG: @olivertrevena
Images: Craig Schneider of Pinnacle Public Relations @craigschneider
