Actor Ian Christenson, a graduate from Perham, has made his television debut in the Hulu drama series, “Murdaugh: Death in the Family.” At just 25 years old, Christenson takes on the role of Stephen Smith, a young man whose mysterious death in South Carolina continues to raise questions. The series, which delves into the infamous Murdaugh family’s legal troubles and crimes, premiered its first episode in mid-October 2023.
From Community Theater to National Spotlight
Christenson, who grew up in the rural town of Perham, filmed his scenes at Universal Studios in Atlanta this past May. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, he was unable to discuss his role until the show aired. “I really couldn’t say anything about me or my character until my episode dropped,” he shared, reflecting on the challenge of keeping such exciting news under wraps.
In the series, Christenson appears as a guest star in the fifth episode, titled “The Prince.” The narrative explores the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death, which occurred on a rural road in South Carolina in July 2015. “Somebody out there knows something, and staying quiet and silent is never the answer,” Christenson stated. He emphasized the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes.
Career Development and Challenges
Christenson’s journey to television began at the community theater in Perham, where his passion for acting ignited. Raised by educators Dan and Sally Christenson, both teachers in the lakes area, he understood the value of education. After graduating from Perham High School in 2018, he pursued further training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, describing it as a “two-year boot camp.”
Following his training, Christenson found various acting opportunities, performing in productions across stages, including cruise ships. His growing resume caught the attention of an agent, leading to auditions for television and film roles, including the Hulu series.
During the audition process, the casting director raised concerns about Christenson’s ability to master a southern accent. He received audio recordings of the actress portraying Smith’s mother and practiced extensively, even dreaming in the accent. “When they called back to ask if I would be okay with dying my hair, I had a good feeling I would get the job,” he recalled.
On an ordinary Wednesday evening, while preparing for dinner, Christenson received the call confirming his casting. “We made it a celebratory dinner,” he recounted, adding that he quickly packed for a three-week shoot and was off to the airport the next morning.
Upon arriving in Atlanta, he was handed extensive background information about the Murdaugh family and text message logs related to Smith. Christenson learned that Smith was a “courageous little beautiful prankster” who aspired to become a doctor through a nursing program. He also noted that Smith was gay, and during that period in the South, such circumstances could have led to his death being overlooked.
The production team emphasized the importance of portraying Smith’s life and humanity rather than falling into stereotypes. This approach eased Christenson’s nerves about playing a real person. “I had the most incredible support system,” he noted, expressing gratitude for working alongside established actors like Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette.
Christenson discovered significant differences between theater and film acting. While stage performances require exaggerated expressions, film captures every subtlety. He noted, “A 30-second scene might take an entire day,” explaining that his few minutes on screen took three-and-a-half weeks to film, including nine days of 10-plus hour shoots.
Looking to the Future
Now back in New York, Christenson is eager for his next opportunity, whether in film or theater. He believes that small stage productions play a crucial role in nurturing future talent in the arts. “Who knows, we could have the next Josh Duhamel come out of Perham,” he suggested, highlighting the need for platforms that allow performers to showcase their talents.
Fans can follow Christenson’s acting journey on social media platforms, including Instagram @ian12christenson and TikTok @ian_christenson.
