Christopher McCombs
Christopher McCombs | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Christopher Brian McCombs 25 August 1980 Geneva, Ohio, U.S. |
| Alma mater | College of Southern Nevada |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, model, writer |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Parent(s) | Karen Callahan David McCombs |
Christopher Brian McCombs (born 25 August 1980) is an American actor and model. He is the creator, star, writer, and producer of the Japanese on demand series The Benza and its spin off series Benza English on Amazon Prime Video. He is known for portraying Michael in the Netflix original series Followers,[1] and for the role of Lucas in the feature film Aichaku. He is also known for stage roles such as Hoteye in the live action production of Fairy Tail.[2] McCombs is fluent in Japanese, and has won several acting awards for his performances in English and Japanese alike.[3][4]
Early life
McCombs was born in Geneva, Ohio, and moved to Cleveland with his mother, teacher Karen Callahan, at a young age. From childhood, he began performing in local church shows and plays. In middle school, he was encouraged to join a high school production of a musical by a director he had worked with as a child. He began acting and modeling professionally at the age of fifteen while still in high school, after his gifted education teacher urged him to audition.[5] He started touring with a theater troupe at the same age and described this time as "probably the most informative experience of my young life."[6]
He credits his father, David McCombs, for his interest in the Japanese language. When he was a child, his father bought him and his brother a Super Famicom and he began playing video games in Japanese. This led to his interest in formally studying the language as an adult.[7]
Career
McCombs relocated to Tokyo in 2010[8] after studying Japanese at the College of Southern Nevada and the University of Las Vegas.[9] Initially drawn by modeling opportunities, he soon transitioned to television, securing a regular role on MX Television's Go Ji Ni Muchu in 2012–2013.[10][11] He became a familiar face on NHK Educational programs, appearing on EiEiGo!, Shigoto no Kiso Eigo, and Omotenashi no Kiso Eigo.[12][13]
In 2016, McCombs appeared in both Chinese and Japanese stage productions of Fairy Tail, playing Hoteye.[14] He also maintained a successful modeling career in Japan, featuring in magazines like Rolling Stone Japan, GQ Japan, and ELLE, and working for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Houston.[10]
From 2015 onward, he expanded his presence in entertainment, appearing in stage musicals, drama CDs, and voice work in commercials, even charting on Billboard Japan as a voice actor.[10]
From 2017, McCombs hosted Television Asahi’s Kodawari Navi weekly[15] and frequently appeared on NHK1’s Bento Expo.[16] He also reported for NHK World’s JTrip Japan.[9]
In 2020, he joined Nippon TV’s morning show ZIP! and continued appearances on NHK Educational programs including Onishi Hiroto’s Basic English Recipes and English Conversation Feelinglish!.[10]
In the streaming space, McCombs played Michael in Netflix’s original series Followers (2020).[17] He also created and stars in the Amazon Prime Video series The Benza (2019) and its spin-off Benza English (2020), both of which he co-writes and produces.[9] In 2021, he expanded into gaming with the release of The Benza RPG, for which he wrote the story and dialogue.[18]
In 2023, McCombs executive produced and appeared in the Amazon Prime Video travel series Getting Dirty in Japan, which explores outdoor adventure and local culture in Japan.[19]
In 2024, he co-wrote, produced, and starred in his feature film debut, the gay romance drama Aichaku.[20]
McCombs is currently represented in Japan by Free Wave Co., Ltd.
Tokyo Cowboys
In 2015, McCombs founded the Tokyo-based independent production company Tokyo Cowboys with the aim of creating more inclusive and representative roles for both foreign and Japanese performers in Japanese entertainment, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. McCombs serves as both producer and head scriptwriter for the company.[21][22]
Initially focused on short films—such as the award-winning LGBT short The Actor and the Model—[23][24] Tokyo Cowboys expanded into serialized content in 2019 with the launch of The Benza on Amazon Prime Video, followed by its spin-off series Benza English. In 2023, McCombs executive produced and appeared in the company’s first non-narrative streaming series, Getting Dirty in Japan, also released via Amazon Prime Video Japan. Tokyo Cowboys’ first feature film, Aichaku, was released in 2025.[25]
In a 2025 interview, McCombs described the production team as “a network of entertainers from all over the world based out of Tokyo.” He explained that Tokyo Cowboys aims to create entertainment that reflects the diversity within Japan while also honoring its culture and traditions. “Tokyo Cowboys is an idea,” he said. “It is a suggestion of how Japanese and foreign entertainers can work together to create something distinct.” He emphasized the company’s desire to make viewers feel welcome, regardless of where they’re watching from.[6]
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Gojinimuchuu (五時に夢中) | Self | ||
| 2015 | EieiGo! (エイエイGo) | Various Roles | ||
| 2016 | Watashi no Uchi ni wa, Nan'nimo Nai (わたしのウチには、なんにもない) | Purse | [26] | |
| 2017 | Shigoto No Kiso Eigo (仕事の基礎英語) | Various Roles | ||
| 2017–2025 | Kodawari Navi (こだわりナビ) | DJ Chris | [15] | |
| 2018 | Omotenashi No Kiso Eigo (おもてなしの基礎英語) | Matthew | [27] | |
| 2018 | Tokyo Eye 2020 (Hands-on Fun in Asakusa) | Self | [28] | |
| 2019–2023 | Bento Expo | Self | Studio commentator | [16] |
| 2019–present | The Benza | Chris | Creator and producer | |
| 2020 | Benza English | Chris | Creator and producer | |
| 2020 | Followers | Michael | [17] | |
| 2021-2023 | Onishi Hiroto's Basic English Recipe (大西泰斗の英会話☆定番レシピ) | Self | Studio commentator | [29] |
| 2023–present | Getting Dirty in Japan (ゲッティング・ダーティ・イン・ジャパン) | Self | Reporter and executive producer | |
| 2023-2025 | English Conversation Feelinglish (英会話フィーリングリッシュ) | Paul | [30] | |
| 2024 | Legendary Games Chronicle: Final Fantasy | Self | Narrator | [31] |
| 2025 | Dive in Tokyo (Gotanda – An Eclectic Town of Hills and Valleys) | Self | Reporter | [32] |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | The Secret-Sharer (カサブランカの探偵) | Alfred | [33] | |
| 2014 | Miracle: Devil Claus' Love and Magic | Carlos | [34] | |
| 2015 | Nagasaki: Memories of My Son | Charles Sweeney | [9] | |
| 2016 | Live Fantasy Fairy Tail | Hoteye | ||
| 2024 | Aichaku | Lucas | [35] |
Music Videos
| Year | Artist | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | RHYMESTER | "Walk This Way" | |
| 2010 | ViViD | "Across The Border" | |
| 2010 | FTISLAND | "Brand-new days" | |
| 2011 | AISHA | "I Wanna Rock You" | |
| 2011 | Kylee | "NEVER GIVE UP!" | |
| 2011 | lecca | "Familia!" (ファミリア！) | |
| 2011 | DJ MAKIDAI feat. Happiness | "Really Into You" | |
| 2011 | Unicorn | "Pig Pig (Butabuta)" (ぶたぶた) | |
| 2011 | ONE OK ROCK | "NO SCARED" | |
| 2012 | Crystal Kay | "Delicious Friday" (デリシャスな金曜日) | |
| 2012 | Namie Amuro | "Hot Girls" | |
| 2013 | Hiromi | "Lucky☆Girl" (ラッキー☆ガール 〜恋のLA・LA・LA〜) | |
| 2014 | Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE | "C.O.S.M.O.S. ~Cosmos~" (C.O.S.M.O.S. 〜秋桜〜) | |
| 2016 | JESSE and The BONEZ | "To a Person That May Save Someone" | |
| 2017 | Edge of Blacksmiths | "Remnant of the War" | |
| 2017 | GALNERYUS | "Ultimate Sacrifice" | |
| 2019 | The Lethal Weapons | "Hoppy de Happy" (ホッピーでハッピー) |
Video games
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Benza RPG | Chris | Writer | [36] |
Theater
| Year | Production | Theater | Role | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Fairy Tail | Sunshine Theater | Hoteye | [37] |
Awards
Able to perform in both Japanese and English, McCombs has won several awards for his acting. Most notably, he won Best Actor for his role in the Japanese short film The Actor and the Model at Formosa Festival of International Film in Taiwan as well as the Rising Star award at the 2018 Seoul Webfest in Korea and the Best Actor award at the 2019 edition for his leading role in the television series The Benza.[38]
References
- ^ Weiss, Hannah. "Netflix's 'Followers' takes viewers inside the glittering world of Tokyo's Instagram influencers". Insider. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ "ライブ・ファンタジー「FAIRY TAIL」 | 日本2.5次元ミュージカル協会". www.j25musical.jp. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ Inc, Natasha. ""壊れた便座"巡る日本発のコメディ「The Benza」韓国の国際映画祭で2冠（コメントあり）". 映画ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved January 9, 2021.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "LGBT映画『The Actor and The Model』が国際映画祭で賞を取ったぞ!!". ちるちる (in Japanese). Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ "Foreigners in Japan Profile - featuring Chris McCombs". The Japan Guy. September 13, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ a b "Rencontre avec Christopher McCombs – acteur, scénariste, producteur… et peut-être votre futur coup de cœur". leternelle-romantique. July 16, 2025. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ "Hamish Downie's Five More Questions With Christopher McCombs". Two Gay Geeks. February 25, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
- ^ Sturdevant, Kayla (April 1, 2018). "Tokyo Cowboys shoot for more diversity on Japanese screens". The Japan Times. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Chris McCombs". Freewave. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ a b c d クリス・マッコームス - Japanese Wikipedia
- ^ "TOKYO MX ＊ 5時に夢中！ - 曜日コーナー紹介". www.mxtv.co.jp. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ "The Benza (Prime Video) : interviews de l'équipe -". smallthings.fr (in French). July 3, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ "The Benza Chris クリス". tokyo-cowboys. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "Fairy Tail Stage Play 2016". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ a b "vivia". www.tv-asahipro.co.jp. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ a b 株式会社フリー・ウエイブ (July 2, 2019). "本日放送！NHK総合「BENTO EXPO」に外国人俳優のクリス・マッコームスが出演します！ | 東京で外国人モデル・タレント・ナレーターをお探しならフリー・ウエイブ". Free Wave (in Japanese). Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ a b 株式会社フリー・ウエイブ (October 15, 2020). "NETFLIXオリジナルドラマ『F♡LL♡WERS』に クリス・マッコームスが出演！！ | 東京で外国人モデル・タレント・ナレーターをお探しならフリー・ウエイブ". Free Wave (in Japanese). Retrieved March 17, 2021.
- ^ "The Benza RPG". Steam. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Getting Dirty in Japan". Amazon Prime Video Japan. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Aichaku Official Website". Tokyo Cowboys. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "外国人もLGBTも普通に生活している、それが当たり前だと思える日本の未来を目指して一" [Foreigners and LGBT people are living normally, aiming for the future of Japan, which seems to be the norm]. Badi (in Japanese). Japan. November 21, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
- ^ "Toilet-seat themed comedic-adventure The Benza breaks new ground for foreign talent in Japan". SoraNews24 -Japan News-. August 14, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
- ^ "アメリカ人×日本人のゲイカップルを描く「The Actor and The Model」12月に上映会へ". genxy-net.com (in Japanese). November 17, 2016. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
- ^ "LGBT映画『The Actor and The Model』が国際映画祭で賞を取ったぞ!!". ちるちる (in Japanese). Retrieved March 20, 2021.
- ^ "新しいスタイルの旅番組『ゲッティング・ダーティ・イン・ジャパン』アマゾンプライムで配信開始！". Kaigai Drama Navi. Japan. April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
- ^ "過去番組表検索 Nhkクロニクル".
- ^ "エピソード５９". Omotenashi No Kiso Eigo. July 24, 2018. NHK E.
- ^ "Hands-on Fun in Asakusa". Tokyo Eye 2020. October 18, 2018. NHK World.
- ^ 大西, 泰斗 (September 18, 2021). "テレビ 大西泰斗の英会話☆定番レシピ 2021年10月号". テレビ 大西泰斗の英会話☆定番レシピ 2021年10月号. Japan: NHK. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
- ^ 投野, 由紀夫 (December 18, 2024). "テレビ 英会話フィーリングリッシュ ～データで選んだ推しフレーズ～". テレビ 英会話フィーリングリッシュ 2025年1月号. Japan: NHK. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "Ep. 1". Legendary Game Chronicle. October 11, 2024. NHK World.
- ^ "Gotanda – An Eclectic Town of Hills and Valleys". Dive in Tokyo. July 16, 2025. NHK World.
- ^ "Mクリス・マッコームス出演「カサブランカの探偵」" (in Japanese). February 20, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ "Miracle devil claus love and magic" (in Japanese). Retrieved September 17, 2021.
- ^ "Aichaku". Retrieved July 9, 2023.
- ^ "The benza rpg」". Happy Gamer. Retrieved July 20, 2025.
- ^ "ライブ・ファンタジー「FAIRY TAIL」". Nelke (in Japanese). Retrieved September 17, 2021.
- ^ "日本発のコメディ映画「The Benza」が海外でダブル受賞！シリーズ化が決定！". ニコニコニュース (in Japanese). Retrieved January 9, 2021.
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