Actor Chance McCoy chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing Utah in the 2026 Mister USA competition.
Vince Lombardi once said: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” This quote applies to Chance McCoy.
Daily motivations
On his daily inspirations as an actor, he shared, “What inspires me is the chance to better understand people and myself at the same time. Acting forces you to slow down, observe, and sit with complexity. It gives you the questions on why people do what they do, what they avoid, and what they’re willing to risk. That process of exploration, both internal and external, is what keeps me grounded and motivated every day.”
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, he remarked, “It’s both empowering and challenging. The digital age has expanded access to storytelling through streaming, technology, and social media, but it also demands more intentionality.”
“You have to stay focused on your craft and your truth while navigating a world that moves fast/rewards surface-level attention. I see it as an opportunity to stay adaptable while remaining rooted in authenticity,” he added.
Future plans
Regarding his future plans, he revealed, “My future plans are intentionally diverse. I want to continue acting and telling meaningful stories, but I’m also deeply interested in service and scholarship. I plan to pursue smokejumping, work that demands discipline, courage, and presence in the real world.”
“Alongside that, I aim to earn a PhD in philosophy. For me, physical challenge and intellectual rigor complement each other. Both are ways of confronting fear, responsibility, and purpose head-on,” he added.
2026 Mister USA competition
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment.
It believes in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.
On being a part of the 2026 Mister USA competition, he shared, “I am very excited! Mister USA is an opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and test myself in a completely different arena. I’m not drawn to it as a title, but as a challenge. You can expect commitment and someone who takes the platform seriously as a way to grow and contribute to society, not just compete.”
The 2026 Mister USA competition will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 18th to 25th, 2026, at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Representing Utah and his personal connection to the state
On representing Utah and his personal connection to the state, he revealed, “Utah is deeply personal to me. My grandfather lived there, and I spent time visiting him growing up. He is buried in Park City, which makes the state feel like a place of both memory and grounding for me.”
“I also worked as a wildland firefighter in Vernon, Utah, which further connected me to the land and the people there. Utah isn’t just a location, it’s tied to family, service, and formative experiences in my life,” he added.
Chance opens up about his advocacy
Chance opened up about his advocacy, which deals with men’s mental health awareness. “Mental health awareness, especially for men,” he underscored.
“I care deeply about breaking the stigma around vulnerability and emotional honesty. Strength isn’t about suppression. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and having the courage to ask for help or speak openly when it matters,” he elaborated.
Career-defining moments
On his career-defining moments, he disclosed, “Periods of uncertainty defined me. Times when there was no clear validation or guarantee forced me to decide who I was without external reinforcement. Those moments shaped my resilience, my work ethic, and my understanding of why I choose the paths I do.”
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, Chance said, “Respect the process. Build your craft patiently, stay curious, and don’t chase shortcuts. The industry rewards longevity, consistency, and people who are willing to grow rather than rush.”
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, McCoy shared, “Success means alignment. That means between what you do, what you value, and who you’re becoming. If you can look at your life and feel integrity across those areas, that’s real success to me.”
To learn more about Chance McCoy, follow him on Instagram.
