Curt Eric Clendenin, born on November 24, in Carol Stream, Illinois, is a multifaceted American actor, producer, voice artist, musician, podcaster, and author whose career embodies a relentless pursuit of surrealism, synchronicity, and creative collaboration. Known for his eclectic roles in film and television, as well as his ventures into indie projects, radio, and live performance, Clendenin has built a niche as an "actor and singer of absurdist imaginations." Clendenin's entry into the entertainment world came early. As a child, encouraged by his mother, he auditioned in Chicago and landed a memorable credited role as an orphan in the 1980 cult classic "The Blues Brothers." On set, he even received a playful lesson from John Belushi himself on how to make "bear tracks" in the sand-a quirky anecdote that foreshadowed the whimsical path his career would take.
Growing up in the Midwest, Clendenin honed his comedic talents through school plays, art awards, and improv. He co-founded several sketch comedy groups, including "Sketches," "The Fresh Leftovers," and "Medium Rare," performing in unconventional venues from basements to theaters. He studied at Columbia College Chicago, acting in productions like "Glengarry Glen Ross" under improv legend Sheldon Patinkin, and took classes at Second City Northwest. He even MC'ed open mic nights around the Chicagoland area, using the small stages for practicing his improv skills.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Clendenin became a reliable character actor, often appearing in background or supporting roles in major films and TV shows. Notable credits include "Spider Man (2002)", "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)", "Legally Blonde" (20013), "Gilmore Girls (2000 - 2007)" and episodes of series like "Monk" (where a chance reunion with actor Ted Levine led to a featured spot). He has also embraced horror and indie genres, starring in films like "Black Pumpkin (2018)", "The Legend of Fall Creek (2021)", and the Bloody Bobby series. One of Clendenin's passion projects is the retro sci-fi adventure character Max Neptune, whom he portrayed in "Max Neptune and the Menacing Squid (2010)" and related shorts like "BETA (2017)". In voice acting, he lent his versatile impressions to the animated parody "Really Bad Movie! (2013)", voicing the heroic Dirk Malone in a loving send-up of B-movie tropes.
Beyond screen acting, Clendenin thrives in live and audio mediums. Since 2017, he has performed as the psychedelic keyboardist "Stoney Shores" in the popular yacht rock band Yachtley Crew, blending high-energy 1970s/80s soft rock with theatrical flair. He co-founded the annual KAPOW Intergalactic Film Festival, celebrating indie sci-fi and genre films. His creative output extends to podcasting with Inspirado Projecto, a variety show exploring dreams, epiphanies, UFOs, synchronicities, and the artistic process-available on major platforms and formerly broadcast on 1630am KCHUNG radio in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Clendenin is also a self-published author and illustrator, with books like "CEC Sketchbook" volumes, "Wonder Wander", and "EYE SEE THEM (A Cloudwatcher's Journal)", designed to spark reader creativity. During lockdown, he co-created an online store featuring his artwork on various products, called WISEFINGER, with Samantha Light. As of 2025, Curt Clendenin continues to champion collaboration, absurdity, and inspiration. His career reflects a joyful embrace of the unconventional-from childhood pranks with siblings, to yacht rock stardom-proving that synchronicity and enthusiasm can turn niche passions into a vibrant, enduring legacy.
