Introducing Kristina Denton

I’m Kristina Denton, a writer, producer, and actor. I love telling stories that live in the chaotic space between heartbreak and humor. Whether it’s a film, a TV series, or my debut memoir, You Don’t Know Dick, my goal is to humanize tough topics and give people permission to laugh when they least expect it.

I believe that stories can disarm shame, bridge differences, and make us feel less alone. If I can do that while also making your cheeks hurt from laughing, then I’ve done my job.

What Makes You Unique in the Industry?

I have a knack for finding comedy in situations most people would avoid, like, for instance, fixing broken penises while grieving my father. My work combines sharp, character-driven dialogue with a deeply empathetic point of view. You get both the bite and the heart.

I often write stories that people assume were written by men—they’re provocative and full of shock value. I love to push boundaries and challenge people’s expectations. I feel a deep calling to shake people out of their comfort zones and help them find their own perspective.

Since I started as an actor and dancer before becoming a writer, I approach every project from the inside out. For me, storytelling is always about truth, connection, and making sure the humanity is universal.

The Moment I Knew

According to my mom, I wanted to be an actor at age two. I grew up watching movies and TV shows on my living room floor, and I felt a deep connection to the characters. They felt like me; they had my same struggles. I felt understood and less alone. My heart knew I wanted to give that same sense of belonging to others and become a filmmaker.

I didn’t study film in college because I didn’t know it was an option. But on my last day, I packed my car and drove straight to L.A. to enroll in a two-year acting program. I didn’t know anyone or anything about the industry and, at the time, I felt like I was already late to the party in my mid-twenties. Since then, I’ve grown and overcome a tremendous amount. In that healing, I’ve become a better storyteller. While I wouldn’t wish the instability of this career on anyone, I know this is the only path for me. There’s never been a plan B.

My Biggest Challenge

My biggest challenge has been my lack of self-worth. I wrote a whole memoir about it. Not believing I was “worth” much held me back professionally and personally for years. You have to have so much courage to chase and overcome obstacles in this industry. When you’re rejected—because you will be—you need a tremendous amount of self-compassion and belief to remain unshakable in your pursuit. I always knew there was no backup plan, but I listened to too many opinions and let the “rules” limit me for years.

I sought business coaches instead of therapists and still found myself with the same limited thinking. Once I finally started working on my mindset and healing my past through therapy, self-help books, and other practices, the opportunities got bigger, and I was actually ready to receive them. I encourage everyone to master themselves.

About My New Film, Hollywood Grit

You can expect a gritty, unapologetic mashup of action, noir, and just enough humor to keep you guessing. It’s the story of a washed-up ex-cop searching for his estranged daughter in the underbelly of Hollywood. The film features original music, a fantastic cast, and plenty of twists. I hope audiences walk away entertained, a little surprised, and impressed by what you can do with passion and resourcefulness.

The most challenging part of writing the film was the timeline. We had two weeks to get a first draft done while I was working a full-time job and preparing to move to Hawaii. The puzzle pieces—the budget, location, and some of the cast—came first, and the story had to be built around them. It was like solving a Rubik’s Cube while running a marathon, but I thrive on that kind of challenge.

Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl Join the Cast

Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl were cast before we started writing, so I didn’t know them personally, but I got to write them into the story with them in mind. It was a definite “pinch me” moment. Patrick was my TV dad growing up on TGIF, and Linda has this old-Hollywood elegance I’ve always admired. I knew instantly they’d elevate the film and bring a depth to the characters that would make every scene better. I can’t wait for everyone to see their work.

My Debut Memoir, You Don’t Know Dick

When I first took the job at an erectile dysfunction clinic, I thought I was living a funny joke. I figured I would write a silly workplace comedy about fixing broken dicks. Over time, I realized the real story was what the job did for me. Sitting with men in their most vulnerable moments cracked open my perspective on masculinity, shame, and grief.

I felt like I had this incredible insight that few people have ever had, especially women. While the world was condemning men during the #MeToo movement, I was getting a completely different perspective. I felt called to champion the softer and more vulnerable side of men, to bridge the gap between toxic masculinity and toxic femininity, and to meet in the middle.

Ultimately, the job helped me see my father in a new light after he passed away, and I was finally able to forgive him. I felt so much relief and healing from that experience that I knew I had to share this story in case it helps someone else.

The writing process has been an emotional journey, both hilarious and gut-wrenching. It’s been a mix of laughing at my own awkwardness and facing parts of my past I thought I had already healed. I credit my acting background for knowing that if I’m not digging into the absolute truth of the moment, I’m not doing my job. So my mission has been to be honest and unapologetic, even if it terrifies me.

Writing the book taught me that until this year of my life was on paper, I didn’t truly realize what a wild ride it had been. We get so busy surviving that we don’t take time to appreciate how far we’ve come. Seeing it all laid out was surreal. I felt proud, sad, and in awe of that younger woman.

I can’t believe what she went through. I also learned that revealing my most private moments has somewhat liberated me from their power. Bleeding on the page leaves me vulnerable to criticism and judgment, but the freedom of sharing my truth is more important. If it helps one person feel seen, I’ve succeeded.

After that year at the clinic, I couldn’t see men the same way. From my male friends to lovers to my husband, I have an incredible amount of compassion for them that I never had before. I see the little boy behind the bravado who is hurting and longing to be heard. It hasn’t always served me well to be so understanding, but I find myself able to see men as misunderstood, even by themselves.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

My advice for aspiring writers is this: First, become an expert on yourself; your point of view is your currency. Second, treat your career like a business, not just an art form—get some business training. And third, don’t wait for permission. Make your own work, find your people, and keep going, even when no one is watching.

Upcoming Projects

I have plans to adapt my memoir, You Don’t Know Dick, into a TV series. I also have an action-comedy feature I’m excited to make next.

Looking to the Future

In five years, I hope to have a TV series on the air, a podcast that opens up the conversation around male shame from a female point of view, multiple books published, and a thriving live show that combines storytelling, humor, and conversation about the things we’re all afraid to say out loud. And hopefully, a healthy balance of making art and gathering new life experiences with my friends and family.

If I could meet the three people who could take my career to the next level, it would be Reese Witherspoon, Judd Apatow, and Brené Brown. Reese has built an empire out of female-driven stories that are both entertaining and culturally impactful—the exact space I see You Don’t Know Dick living in.

Judd has a gift for making comedy both outrageous and heartfelt, and I think he’d really get my voice. Brené has given the world a language for shame and vulnerability, which are the deeper themes in my work. My book feels like a comedic extension of her mission. Together, they represent the exact blend of impact, humor, and heart that I hope defines my career.

Connect With Kristina Denton

Instagram: @kristina7denton
Website: kristinadenton.com

actress Featured Interview heartbreak Humor producer storytelling writer

Last modified: September 18, 2025