The motion picture American Sniper was released to a nationwide audience in January and has been nominated for six awards, including: Best Actor, Best Picture, Film Editing, Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Best Writing.
In an exclusive interview with Forged, Taya Kyle --- the widow of Chris Kyle, to whom the movie pays tribute --- shared her thoughts and feelings on American Sniper, as well the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation.
You must be somewhat excited and yet saddened to share your and Chris's story, the trials and tribulations of having and raising a family in a wartime scenario, without Chris there to share it with you. How are you holding up?
I am so grateful that we have been able to share a part of our lives with others who are healing through seeing it one step removed from their lives. There is a common thread amongst veterans and first responders and their families. To be able to help the dialogue is such a blessing. I love being able to share more of Chris with the world. I miss him dearly, as do so many others. To have a group of extraordinarily talented people bring the story forward was a gift, to have it well received is still stunning in a beautiful way.
How involved were you and Chris with the initial discussion of making a movie? Bradley Cooper has said that he called Chris on the phone to introduce himself and talk about the movie.
Chris definitely felt good about Bradley playing him. Bradley has depth and humor along with great talent. He went so far above and beyond what I feel anyone else would have done. It couldn't have been a better match.
Were you on set at the movie? What was your working relationship with Sienna Miller who portrays you in the movie?
I didn't go on set for a number of reasons. From what I understand, portraying a real person is hard enough, having family watch you do it can be very distracting. In addition, I was very passionate about the accuracy of our lives being portrayed - flaws and all. Screenwriter Jason Hall did more than he had to do in order to communicate everything I felt and there really wasn't any additional benefit to me being there.
Sienna Miller is an amazingly talented actor and a beautiful person inside and out. We hit it off instantly. She has tremendous emotional intelligence combined with great skill. She understood the emotion when we talked. She FELT what I was telling her in a way that was palpable. We laughed together and cried together as we talked about my marriage and our life. I cannot say enough positive things about her. She had to work quickly to pick up mannerisms and dialect and did it beautifully.
How was it working with Clint Eastwood?
Clint Eastwood is an extraordinary human being. He too has such a witty sense of humor and tremendous heart. He is not afraid to put raw reality on the screen and let audiences take away whatever they choose to. He allows viewers to experience things and have their own conversation afterward. I appreciate that immensely.
Tell us more about the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation and how it came about. Share with us how Chris found the passion to help other veterans. (CKFF)
In January, before he and Chad were killed, Chris was working on a logo that represented his heart. Club Red was a company who he shared his tattoos and ideas with. In March, they came to me and offered to complete the logo at no charge. They also offered to help create a board for a foundation. At the time, I was overwhelmed with work on the movie script, finishing Chris's book American Gun and grieving while raising my kids who were also grieving. I didn't know how I could do a foundation justice, but I welcomed the help with hope for the future. I prayed a lot and I feel God put all the right people in the right place to make the foundation a reality. It requires a lot of money and time to do it right. I found that out along the way. With the amazing team we have, I am in awe of what we have been able to accomplish in what feels like a short amount of time. I couldn't have done it without the people surrounding me who have picked up the ball and run with all their skill and talent to help veteran and first responder marriages. Our mission is to Serving God and Country by serving families who serve. We are so grateful for all of the support we have as audiences understand the toll and the importance of supporting these families. We want them to not only survive their service, but to thrive while serving.
By allowing Warner Brothers to tell Chris's story in 'American Sniper' - and the initial success of the movie at the box office, do you see this affecting your short or long term plans for the Foundation and its programs?
Absolutely. The understanding is pivotal in getting people engaged if they feel led to help.
How can the Forged® audience and others get involved with CKFF?
Sign up at ChrisKyleFrogFoundation.org to get updates on what we are doing and opportunities to be involved going forward.
How do you want Chris best remembered by those who didn't know him?
My passion for Chris was rooted in his humble heart and the way he served others including our family with his charismatic personality, sense of humor and big ole heart. He was an amazing friend, father and husband. As for how he is remembered, perhaps Chris said it best in January 2013 when he said, "I would love for people to be able to think of me as a guy who stood up for what he believed in and helped make a difference for the veterans"
As the provider of American Sniper official licensed merchandise and proud supporter of the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Forged® continues its commitment in supporting the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. For every purchase of American Sniper or LEGEND apparel --- for yourself or as a gift --- a donation will be made to the Foundation. In doing so, you’ll not only enjoy the high-quality lifestyle clothing that only Forged can offer, but you’ll also be supporting the families of service members and first responders who conquer adversity through life’s everyday battles.
Taya is such a strong and amazing woman, and she is a hero herself. And a huge inspiration! Stay strong, Taya.
I still haven´t read American Sniper, but I´m going to buy it as soon as possible. I saw the movie a couple of week ago, and they did a really good job making it! Chris is a hero, no matter what certain people say! He was, he is, and he will always be a hero.
I see I should have placed my order the first time I was here. Now yoursold out of everything. Will you be restocking so I can place and order?
My family and I went to see American Sniper it is an amazing movie it opens your eyes to what our military goes through every day. Mrs. Taya Thank You for letting the story of you and chris be told he was an amazing man he well never be forgotten. RIP Chris and Thank you to our military past and present that still keep us safe each and every day and Thanks to Forged for the shirts and hats that help us support the Kyle family God Bless Yall.
My family and I went to see American Sniper it is an amazing movie it opens your eyes to what our military goes through every day. Mrs. Taya Thank You for letting the story of you and chris be told he was an amazing man he well never be forgotten. RIP Chris and Thank you to our military past and present that still keep us safe each and every day and Thanks to Forged for the shirts and hats that help us support the Kyle family God Bless Yall.
It is sad when a tragedy brings heroes together, but the Chris Kyle story has done just that. We, as a nation (and our sister nations too), need to come together and help and support everything Taya does in the name of Chris. Chris, may God Bless you and your family brother. Semper Fi, you’ll never be forgotten…………Former Marine, retired Police Commander..
Taya: We speak of the heroics of our military, and rightly so. Your heroics of self-discipline through the unimaginable tragedies in recent years are above and beyond understanding. With Chris still by your side and God as your hope and salvation must be the answer.
You’re always in my heart and thoughts. God bless and keep you and yours. Maybe these words help too.
It saddens me to know that Chris is not around anymore because I know he would have done so much more to help veterans. His mission in life was to serve others & I know his life will inspire many others to serve. Taya my heart aches for your loss which is very palpable but I commend you for your faith & your mission to serve too. I hope that our nation will take a lesson from your family. I cannot thank military families enough for the service & sacrifice & I hope that in some small way I can repay their service. I can’t wait to get my “Legend” shirt so I can tell others about Chris Kyle. Thank you Forged for supplying this outlet. God Bless the Kyle family.
Love Chris, Taya and Forged. God Bless everything you all have done and sacrificed. Rest easy Chris & Chad???
I was so overwhelmed by how well both these actors portrayed both Chris and Taya. I was lucky enough to call them friends. This is a painful yet therapeutic journey. In my mind now and always when I think of the definition of American Hero, I will not only think of Chris but also the courage and strength of Taya. Thank you for opening up your life for the world to see. It is a story that needed to be told and it is my hope that great things will be done because of it to improve the effects of PTSD in our returning service members as well as for their families.
Thank you so much forged and everyone else who made this happen to be a known thing and help support those we have lost im in the highest honor to wear the shirts and the gear of forged and the the legend shirts everywhere I go I make it known that I highly support forged and the American legend and legends to come love the company all you you guys have done RIP Chris Kyle Gone but never forgotten
Taya,
Chris and yourself are inspirational to the whole world. Chris did so much for our country he will never be forgotten. Now with you starting such a great foundation and helping our military you are what makes this country great. God Bless you and your family and thanks for what you do for our country.
I took my fiancé to watch the American Sniper film, I’m ex British forces, we were riveted from the outset and the theatre was in silence for the whole showing. True respect to Chris and Taya for allowing the story to be told, Clint Eastwood is a genius in putting you in the line of sight and I have since purchased 2 shirts from forged and bought the book. Best wishes.
Mike
Rushden,UK
No greater sacrifice can be given for those we love and cherish, than our blood and our service. Chris, Taya, the kids and their families are the epitome of the strength, courage, dedication and patriotism that has for centuries made this country strong. Our VETERANS, FIRST RESPONDERS and their FAMILIES are the life-force of this nation. God Bless them and keep them, and God Bless the United States of America.
Taya, you & Chris have been such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us. I read the book, watched the movie & wear my legend-foundation gear with pride & respect. I wish I could have had the privilege to know you & Chris personally as friends. May God bless you & the entire family! Thank you for teaching this country boy what it means to be strong. Cowgirl Up! -Chad.
I was so overwhelmed after watching American Sniper. It touched me deeply because of the similarities of Kyle’s life and my father’s military life. My father served 30 years in the US Army Infantry and retired Lt. Col. He served in Korea, WWII, and Vietnam receiving 3 purple hearts among many decorated medals. After retirement, he went back to school and started his own business. One early morning 3 men knocked on the door to use the phone because their van broke down. Needless to say, as he lead them to the phone, they shot and killed him and shot my mother in a attempt to rob our home.
The story of Kyle’s life has a very special meaning for me and I am PROUD to support the foundation. I just purchased my second shirt… Take care and God bless you and your family.
What a bizzare way of spending life..fighting a war which started on a lie..NO WMD till now has been found…….where us the conscious of americans ……pity on kyle and his supporters…..and let me see will freedom of speech champion post this comment
As a Police Officer and Veteran I know all to well the affects of the Life We Chose on our family and friends.
What Taya is doing is awesome and greatly needed. For Taya To Honor a Man Of Honor, Great Patriot , Husband and Father in this way his legacy will live on forever.
God Bless Taya, The Children, This Great Nation and the Brothers and Sisters who have served and are serving.
Thank you FORGED for embodying the word “brotherhood” and stepping up to raise $1m + in support of the Kyle family in a shameful lawsuit.
Thank you to the Kyle’s for sharing your story in AMERICAN SNIPER which I could not put down. Chris’s narrative made me laugh with tales of BUDs training and a Texan perspective with the “Sea” part of being a SEAL. The SEAL community does not often share their sacrifices but sometimes Americans need to be reminded of the amazing warriors like Adam Brown, Mike Murphy, Marcus Luttrell and Chris Kyle who make unconditional sacrifices for us all.
Thank you Mrs Kyle for sharing your story your sacrifice and your life with this country. Thank you FORGED for supporting the LEGEND. I look forward to receiving my order and supporting both of you,
Respectfully
Will Mc
San Diego, CA
Glad to have helped Forged support and help carry on Chris’s work. I’m so grateful to all those who serve to protect our freedom. I’m blessed to have been born in this beloved country. My father was a sergeant in the Army and survived D-day and WW2 when so many did not. God created men such as Chris to help good prevail over evil. It is through Jesus Christ my savior I pray the evil in the Mid East will be ended. Before more good souls are called home before more of their tasks on this earthly plane have come to fruition. Hence the work Forged is helping is truly righteous. God bless Taya and America!
Thank you FORGED for embodying the word “brotherhood” and stepping up to raise $1m + in support of the Kyle family in a shameful lawsuit.
Thank you to the Kyle’s for sharing your story in AMERICAN SNIPER which I could not put down. Chris’s narrative made me laugh with tales of BUDs training and a Texan perspective with the “Sea” part of being a SEAL. The SEAL community does not often share their sacrifices but sometimes Americans need to be reminded of the amazing warriors like Adam Brown, Mike Murphy, Marcus Luttrell and Chris Kyle who make unconditional sacrifices for us all.
Thank you Mrs Kyle for sharing your story your sacrifice and your life with this country. Thank you FORGED for supporting the LEGEND. I look forward to receiving my order and supporting both of you,
Respectfully
Will Mc
San Diego, CA