MEET MR. ELVIS: An Interview With Chris Collins

I’ve sat down with a lot of interesting people lately, but it’s not every day you meet a middle school teacher who doubles as a professional Elvis- and used to be a pro-wrestler (more of a referee, he clarified, but it’s still wild). I recently caught up with Chris to talk about his journey, and let’s just say, the man is a goldmine of great stories and even better analogies. From Comic-Con run-ins with Time Lords to finding faith in gospel music, our conversation was a wild ride that felt less like a formal interview and more like catching up with an old friend over coffee.

Chris: I’ve been doing this for nine years and it’s been a journey. From comic-cons to fan films, then professional wrestling-

Me: Sorry, what?

Chris: Yeah, I did Doctor Who fan films and my best friend and I were really into wrestling. We were gonna be a tag team.

Me: I have several questions.

I knew right off the bat that interviewing Chris was going to be interesting. Chris and I are both Southerners, and we definitely share a… creative way of speaking.

Chris: When I moved, wrestling just wasn’t worth it financially. My friend had moved on to the NWA, so I was busting my hump to do eight matches by myself for a hot dog and a handshake-and I had to buy the hot dog.

I felt like I was interviewing Ted Lasso, and I mean that in the best way possible. Along with the colorful expressions, Chris has the heart to match. We discussed the true legacy of Elvis versus the caricaturized version of him people often imagine. He’s gotten flack in the past for attending comic-cons as Elvis, but he’s not doing it to make fun of the King. He finds it’s actually a fantastic marketing tool; when a celebrity guest flags you down for a photo, people tend to notice. He’s even landed professional bookings from people he’s met at these conventions.

Plus, there is a hilarious absurdity to the image of Elvis leaning on a smartphone, chatting with a Stormtrooper and the Tenth Doctor. Only at Comic-Con, right? He mentioned that when he's booked for certain shows, the organizers occasionally expect a joke or a parody. He’ll crack the occasional one-liner- after all, the King himself had a great sense of humor- but to Chris, Elvis himself is no joke.

Chris: I’m gonna make you laugh, but it’s gonna be in a way that honors Elvis and carries his legacy forward. You have to understand that while the music, costumes, accessories, and sideburns are important, it would be two-dimensional to say that’s all there is to him. He was incredibly kind and generous. The legacy is more than what you do on stage- it’s about how you treat people in your everyday life. If you come off that stage and you’re not somebody people want to be around, then you’ve just tarnished everything you did under the lights.

Chris is serious about that commitment. He has read everything he can get his hands on to study the man, from biographies to memoirs by those who actually knew him. He feels strongly that you must have a deep understanding of the human being to do the artist justice. That knowledge also comes in handy when fans ask questions. If you take the time to speak with them- especially the kids, you make a lasting impression.

Of course, studying comes easily to Chris; in his "day job," he's a middle school teacher. His students fondly call him "Mr. Elvis." Mr. Elvis has a gift for connecting with the younger generation and sharing the true story of the King. Along the way, Chris has picked up a community that feels more like family. In fact, Chris is close friends with Josh Pack, who was my very first interviewee. It’s no wonder they get along; Josh told me he uses "the Elvis filter" to spread his faith, and Chris does the same.

Chris: That’s one of the first things I do before I go onstage. I know I’m gonna be singing a gospel song, so I ask God to use me. I say, "God, if there’s somebody in this crowd that does not know you, use me to bring them to you. If there’s somebody who feels like they’re slipping away, use me in whatever way you see fit."

Chris credits Elvis’ gospel music as an anchor for his own faith. He hopes he can be that anchor for someone else—or at the very least, bring them a little joy.

Chris: There’s a quote by Kanye West- he meant it in an entirely different context, but I agree with it to an extent.

Me: I’m slightly worried about where you’re going with this.

Chris: My biggest regret is that I’m never gonna be able to attend one of my own shows. Not because I think I’m something special, but because, like all of us, I have a tendency to sit backstage and tear myself apart. I’ll never experience what the fans do, so I can never truly "read the room" to see if I’m getting through to people. If I manage to make at least one person happy or grooving in their seat, I’ve done my job for the day.

Me: I’m relieved. I really wasn’t sure where that was going.

Chris: It’s derivative, but it works!

Chris also performs as Jimmy Buffett and Steve Miller

When it comes down to it, Chris just wants to make an impact. His most important tip for any performer is authenticity. He believes it is vital to be authentic to both Elvis and yourself. On stage, people appreciate seeing a bit of individuality. You aren't Elvis; and no one ever will be, so Chris encourages others not to lose themselves trying to be a carbon copy, and focus instead on being their best self.

If you’d like to catch one of Chris’ performances, you’ll find him year-round in Memphis! He holds a residency at the Arcade Restaurant, a local landmark once frequented by Elvis himself.

Talking with Chris reminded me that being a tribute artist isn't just about the jumpsuits or the perfect hair- it’s about the connection. Whether he’s in a classroom, a wrestling ring, or under the neon lights of a Memphis diner, Chris is proof that you can honor a legend while staying firmly, authentically yourself. He’s much more than just a "Mr. Elvis"; he’s a guy with a huge heart and a hell of a story to tell. So, if you ever find yourself in Memphis, do yourself a favor: grab a booth at the Arcade, order a shake, and let Chris show you exactly why the King’s legacy is in very good hands.

This link will take you to all of Chris' contact info: Click here!