Film. Television. Commercials. Internet. Justin Torrence ’07 has done all that and more in his 10-year acting career. His current project is the lead in a movie, “The Heart of Man,” that premiered on Sept. 14 at 500 locations across the country for one night. It will be in theaters again for one night only on Oct. 17. The movie is also streaming on Netflix.
In this latest movie project, Justin plays a prodigal son relentlessly pursued by his father. Interwoven with the story are true testimonials of personal brokenness. Top thought leaders — William Paul Young, author of “The Shack”; Dan Allender, Ph.D., author of “The Wounded Heart”; and Jackie Hill Perry, spoken word artist — also share about brokenness, identity and shame.
Previously, Justin has starred and been a stunt performer in “The Strong Take It By Force” and “Ladies of the Lake.” You may have seen him on television as Deputy Trautman in “Your Worst Nightmare” or as Joseph in the University of the Nations commercial. In the internet series “Marvel Knights: Spider-Man,” he played Kraven The Hunter.
“As stunt coordinator for ‘The Heart of Man,’ I worked closely with Justin,” says Adrian Hein, stunt coordinator, stuntman and stunt actor. “In one take, he stepped off a 42-foot cliff without looking down, eyes locked on the horizon, not even a flinch.”
Windy City Film Fest award for Merrick Robison
Two unlikely characters star in the film named as Best Feature Film — and audience favorite — during the 2017 Windy City International Film Festival. In “Empty Space,” Merrick Robison ’11 takes on the role of Tom, an overweight young man hiding out from the world. Elizabeth Stenholt is Lilly, a precocious blind girl, who offers him acceptance and love.
As professional acting gigs continue to come his way, Merrick is living the dream he has held since his days as a music major at Olivet. His supporting role on NBC’s “Chicago Fire” added television to his résumé. He also appeared in The Den Theatre’s production of “Chagrin Falls” and Chicago Theaterworks’ production of “We Gotta Bingo” in Chicago.
“Merrick was always very eager and talented,” says Professor Jerry Cohagan, Olivet’s theatre director. “More importantly, though, Merrick had and has a great work ethic — such passion and discipline and commitment.”
Latest Wimpy Kid movie features Joshua Hoover
As internet celebrity Mac Digby in a popular family comedy movie, Joshua Hoover ’09 makes a surprising connection with Greg, the Wimpy Kid, at a video game convention. The rest of the story is pure hilarity in this fourth installment of the film series. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul” opened nationwide in May 2017 and is now available on Amazon and iTunes, as well as Blu-ray and DVD.
Since his days at Olivet, Josh has appeared in four television series on AMC and CBS, nine films, and on stage in California and Chicago. So far. He also enjoys sketch and improv comedy, as well as writing.
To learn more about Olivet’s Department of Communication and theatre minor, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
