A Tribute to Chris Trousdale: Remembering My Friend

Originally published by StarShine Magazine on June 14, 2020, this personal tribute remembers my friend and former publicity client Chris Trousdale.

Former Dream Street member and triple-threat performer Chris Trousdale passed away on June 2, 2020, at the age of 34. This news hit me hard because I knew Chris both personally and professionally, which is why it took me so long to write this.

I wasn’t a Dream Street fan, but I was a fan of Chris Trousdale’s—not in the traditional sense. I didn’t meet him at a mall meet-and-greet or swoon over him on television. Chris was a crucial part of StarShine Magazine during its early years, and he became a supportive friend who believed in my dream.

How I Met Chris Trousdale

My first huge milestone as an entertainment magazine editor came on January 29, 2002. I was attending college in Albany, New York. Through StarShine Magazine, which was just beginning, and my position as the Arts & Entertainment editor for my college newspaper, I secured a press pass to an Aaron Carter concert and an interview with his opening act, Lindsay Pagano.

I was full of bubbly, giddy girl energy, which did not bode well for my journalistic credibility, but I couldn’t help it. I was living my dream only six months after graduating from high school! I spent the day hanging out with Lindsay and Aaron.

After the show, I decided to see if I could interview Aaron’s other opening act, Dream Street, because I knew they had a strong fan base among StarShine’s readers.

All of the guys had left to get a late dinner, but Chris Trousdale stayed behind. He was about 16 at the time and as personable as could be.

Little did I know that this interview would help skyrocket StarShine Magazine’s success. Our subscriber list doubled and then tripled as fans of Chris and Dream Street discovered the magazine. I had no idea their fan base was so vast and devoted.

Working With Chris

Throughout the years, I could call or email Chris and ask him to do a new interview or participate in a contest giving fans the opportunity to spend the day with him. He was always willing.

That’s the kind of person Chris was. He loved his fans. He appreciated the support he received from both fans and the media, and he treated everyone like family.

In early 2004, I began doing publicity work for Chris. I managed his mailing list, arranged interviews, and organized meet-and-greets.

I was still new to public relations when I stood beside Chris at a telethon where he was performing. When we received our credentials, mine had the word “publicist” printed beneath my name. Chris was just as excited to see that title on my badge as I was.

That was another special thing about Chris: he supported other people’s success. He didn’t like egos or celebrity attitudes.

These are photos of publicity photos I took of Chris in 2004 since we were in desperate need of a new photoshoot! haha.

All photos courtesy of Sandy Lo.

A Memorable Night With Chris, Anna Sundstrand, and Howie Dorough

Years later, I helped promote a charity event for Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys at the 40/40 Club and invited Chris and Anna Sundstrand as my guests.

There we were, rubbing elbows and smoking cigars, but Chris treated everyone equally—from Howie and the bartender to the fans attending the event.

I was nervous about interviewing Howie, even though I had interviewed him before. I’m a huge Backstreet Boys fan, so I refused to have a drink until the interview was finished. Chris kept telling me a drink might help with my nerves, but I was too worried I would get drunk and make a fool of myself.

Once the Howie interview was over, I joined Chris at the bar. After a few drinks, we remembered that we still had an interview of our own to record.

I later rediscovered the audio from that interview, and the two of us are distracted and laughing throughout the entire conversation.

Those are the memories I will always cherish. We had so much fun together. I could be myself around Chris and didn’t have to hide the bubbly energy I often felt compelled to suppress around others in the entertainment industry to be respected as a young woman.

From the StarShine archives: Read my 2006 interview with Chris Trousdale and Anna Sundstrand about music, charity and giving back.

Related: Read my interview with Howie Dorough from the Dorough Lupus Foundation event.

Chris, Anna and the Friendship That Followed

It was through Chris that I also became close with Anna Sundstrand. I had interviewed Anna several times while she was a member of the girl group Play, but it wasn’t until she began performing with Chris that I truly got to know her.

All photos courtesy of Sandy Lo.

Remembering Chris Trousdale

The last time I saw Chris was in 2009. We kept in touch occasionally over the years, but we had both moved around, and that’s sometimes the way life goes.

It doesn’t matter, though. I will always remember Chris as the amazing showman and supportive friend he was.

When he walked into a room, there was a spotlight that followed him. Now, that light has brought him home.

Gone far too soon, Chris, but never forgotten. You will always be part of StarShine’s history and an important part of mine. I am forever grateful to have been blessed with Chris Trousdale as part of my dream.

Watch Chris Trousdale’s “Summer” Music Video

We miss you, Chris. 💜

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This tribute was originally published by StarShine Magazine and has been moved to SandyLo.com to preserve Chris’ memory and this part of StarShine’s history.