Background:

“My paintings are a reflection of my environment. This progression transcends an abstract plane of emotions, through color and texture.” Chris Beckman

Chris Beckman is an American artist who became famous as one of the two homosexual cast members of MTV's “The Real World Chicago Series” (2002). He has since added modeling and acting to his endeavors. A recovering alcoholic, Beckman regularly goes to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has been sober now. He has spoken out to young people around the country about the struggles and challenges he has faced in recent years. The topics of his lecturers are ranging from alcohol awareness to sexual orientation and diversity.      


Christopher Stephen Beckman

Childhood and Family:

Christopher Stephen Beckman, who would later be popular as Chris Beckman, was born on  June 12, 1978, in Brockton, Massachusetts. His parents divorced when he was three, leaving the kid under the care of his mother. While he has a very tight relationship with his mom, Chris did not reconcile with his dad until recently. He attended  UMass, Mass Art and Suffolk University.

“I switched schools and told myself no matter what I would be happy doing something I loved to do. In Boston I have had a studio and space to work in. I have taken some classical courses in Art at Umass and Mass Art and I hope to one day finish my classical training. It has always been a dream of mine to own and operate a gallery, and help others realize their artistic potential.” Chris Beckman


The Look

Career:

“I quickly discovered that I was missing what I loved to do and I needed to explore other options. I decided to follow my heart and go after my true passion. I had been painting at this time and I finally realized that I needed to find a way to make my dream a reality.” Chris Beckman     

Chris Beckman is an abstract painter and has showcased his work in several exhibitions in the Boston area. The openly gay artist came to the attention of public when he appeared on the eleventh season of the MTV reality TV series “The Real World: Chicago,” which ran from January 15, 2002 to June 9, 2002. Along with Beckman, there was another openly gay cast member on the show, Aneesa Ferreira. Though he has battled with alcoholism in the past, Beckman found out no problems of being sober during the show. He also assumed a job as a bartender.

Since his television appearance, Beckman has signed as a model with the world renowned Ford Agency. In 2003, he embarked on an acting career with a small role as a photographer on the comedy/drama film “The Look,” which was directed by David Sigal, written by Jean Mandel and starred Carrie Southworth, Andersen Gabrych and Neal Dodson. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on May 8, 2003 and went on to be shown at the 2003 Reel Affirmations International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival on October 20, the 2004 Outfest Film Festival and the 2004  Fire Island Film Festival.

In January 2006, Beckman appeared in an episode of the ABC talk show “The View.”


Awards:

--- Show Less