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.
Dear Mrs. Kyle,
My husband and I watched American Sniper’s first showing on January 16th in Wasilla, Alaska. I’ve never seen the theater packed full at noon on a weekday during the school year, but it was that day. Knowing how it would end, we both were in tears as it showed him saying goodbye to go to the range that day… and were relieved by what it did not show.
You are a role model and inspiration. Thank you for your service; we understand you were with Chris in mind and spirit as he served. We also share your grief. Our American Sniper tshirts were ordered from Forged in RED, to Remember Everyone Deployed. As is traditional in our community we’ll wear them on Fridays in honor of your heroic husband and all of our Military.
Thank you for sharing your life experience; I believe that honors your husband’s memory in the best possible way. You and your children will remain in our prayers. As Americans we can never adequately express our gratitude to our military, to our veterans, and to the greatest American Sniper in history… but through veteran causes we will continue to try. God Bless you and all of your family.
Thank you for sharing yours and your husbands story with us. It takes tremendous courage to do what you have done, and hopefully people realize that you are just as brave as your husband! The movie is beyond words and made me cry like a baby, the cast was very convincing:) I purchased a hat, sweatshirt & T-shirt a couple months ago and I wear them proudly & love to explain to people when they ask what it stands for! Stay strong and please continue your work, we need more people like you and your family in our country to represent the rest of us patriotic Americans. The more these liberal idiots criticize your husband & work should make you smile because they cannot stand all the support you have received! Numbers don’t lie! God bless you and your children and I will continue to follow :)
Unfortunately, I never had the privilege of serving our great nation because of the choices that I made at a young age, but that doesn’t discount my patriotism and respect for our military.
I read the book American Sniper when it first came out, before the world knew who Chris Kyle was. I was totally moved by the book and it left me in a state of wanting to know more about the man they called The Legend. After reading the book numerous times and even listening to the audio book I felt like I personally knew Chris.
I had the opportunity to see American Sniper the movie with my wife before it was out nationwide, and I didn’t hesitate to go see it. I even had the flu days leading up to it’s unveiling. Needless to say, I was very moved by the movie and even cried a few times.
I was completely devastated when I got the news of the tragedy just over two years ago. I seriously could not believe someone would do such a thing to a patriot and his friend. I attended the memorial at Cowboys Stadium and was speechless by the presence of supporters in attendance. My wife and I even went to Chris’ grave at Texas State Cemetery because I felt that I needed some sort of closure to being robbed the opportunity to meet The Legend. The anxiety was through the roof while we searched for Chris’ final resting place. After finding it my wife continued to explore the cemetery while I had my moment with Chris. I talked to him as he was standing next to me for a while, as we had the entire cemetery to ourselves. As my anxiety begin to settle, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
Thank you CPO Chris Kyle for sharing your story with the world, I’m certain I will get to meet you one day. Until then it’s my watch now. Rest easy.
Taya, I’ll be 72 in August. Can you imagine how many war related movies this flag waving old gun nut has seen? I freely admit that American Sniper was the first time I had to dry my eyes. A LOT! You see, the firefights didn’t get to me. The personal sacrifice did! And I thought that I was prepared, having already read the book. I do everything but sleep in my “Legend” pullover & wear my “Frog” cap everywhere. They love it at gun shows. Of course it gives me an opportunity to put out the word about your work. I was wearing the cap while I was in line outside the movie theatre & IT WAS NOTICED! Put out the word some more! Going to the range tomorrow. Guess what I’ll be wearing. In my mind, Chris will be my coach. By his character example, he already has been. He has made me see some of my shortcomings that I’ve had too long. God bless you great lady.
I have followed Chris Kyle since his book American Sniper first came out , I had already heard beforehand about his accomplishments and wanted to know more about him , what an amazing man. I haven’t seen the movie because I didn’t want a crowded theater seeing a grown man break down and cry , but I am on the waiting list at Amazon for the release of the DVD on Blue-Ray. I also own 3 of the legend T-Shirts , two of the red and one of the gray , they have got to be the most comfortable material I’ve ever felt, and well worth the money to support a worthy cause. I’d sure like to see you make a T-Shirt with “The Frog Foundation” loge on it , I guarantee I’d purchase a couple !!!!! …. Thanks from a Veteran , and keep up the good work….. My best to Taya Kyle and her family !!!!
Taya-
You inspire me to keep my head up. You have handled this with suck grace of spirit. Keep fighting the good fight. I promise to do my part by supporting our military & first responders each time I’m given a chance. Together we are America Strong.
I read American Sniper after meeting some soldiers staying in a hotel I was working. One was wearing “The Legend” shirt and I asked him about it. He told me the story which moved be beyond words. I ordered the shirts for my husband and myself and when my order arrived it had a photo of Chris inside, it sits on my refrigerator to this day. Yesterday, I saw the movie and again was moved beyond words. Taya, there is no doubt in my mind why he married you. You are a very classy, strong woman and I know he is proudly looking down on you and your family knowing he picked the right woman. Good luck on your endeavors and know I will continue to support your foundation for you, your family and his honor and memory.
I am so thankful for our great men and women that serve this beautful country. I have followed Marcus Luttrell for a few years now. Because of him I found out about Forged and Chris Kyle. All my love to our soldiers from Texas!
Taya:
Your strength, dignity and poise are a lesson to us all that no matter what is thrown at us we can survive and keep moving forward with our heads high. God bless you, your children and your entire family.
God bless your family Taya. My husband & I saw American Sniper (amazing) but had heard of your husband through a friend of ours who served in the marine corp. prior to the movie. We gladly purchased our Legend shirts in support of your family and other families who have and continue to make huge sacrifices for our country.
It’s rare to find women like Taya who will stick by their soldier in the best and worst of times. Being an Active Duty Soldier myself I tip my hat to you, Taya, for being a great wife and mother. I never met Chris but I have the absolute utmost amount of respect for that man and admire him greatly. Thank you Forged for everything you guys do for this family and other serviceman and their families.
I loved both the book and the movie. I really admire Taya’s faith and resilience—it really sums up for me what Forged is all about. I wear my “The Legend” sweatshirt proudly. God Bless ya Taya, the Kyle family & you good folks at Forged..
Mrs Kyle, I was at the Patriot Tour in Pasadena, Ca. I could not talk to you that night. What could I have said that could have made your life better? You have given so much. Thank you for keeping the real Chris Kyle alive. NEVER FORGOTTEN!
As always… Forged steps up, and all class… thank you for the continued awareness and support
I saw the movie in NYC Limited Engagement. And saw it twice after that. Both you and Chris (RIP) deserve every benefit given from the popularity the movie has created. Its about time the military families are being recognized for the sacrifice they have and are making at this moment.
To many people are mezmerized by all these sports figures and pay. Let see how many would do it if paid on a military check!
Taya, if I had to pick 1 word to describe the effect you and Chris have had on my life, it would inspirational. I don’t know you personally, but just knowing a little about you has made a positive impact on my life. I’m sure I’m not alone in that. Keep the faith. God bless you and your family, and all our men and women who sacrifice so much and go through hell to protect us, both at home and at war. You are what makes America great.
Taya,
Thank you for sharing your husband with us. He is a true inspiration to me and I am sure many others. I have signed up on the CKFF website to volunteer wherever help is needed. I am based in San Diego not too far from Coronado, so if you and the foundation are ever out this way, im there to help.
Forged – Thank you for supporting such a great cause and for making some kick-ass apparel. I purchased two of the Legend shirts when the law suit happened and you were raising money for Taya and the family. I just recently purchased the Legend hoodie as well. Keep up the good work!
God Bless y’all.
I’m retired military. I took my wife to see American Sniper. This movie delicately portrays what the member goes through mentally and what the family endures just not knowing. I can relate to Chris’s losses. My wife and I don’t talk about my combat time. After the movie was over, I stood up and quietly saluted, tears running down my face. I turned to leave the theater, and my wife for the first time in 30 years, wiped my tears, held me close and said " I’m so sorry,I never really knew"
I’am so sorry for your loss. I’m angered, I too am hurt. I feel the movie has helped me and my wife grow closer for that I am grateful. God bless you.
Taya – thank you for continuing to be so open with your thoughts and feelings. I proudly wear both my “The Legend” shirt and just purchased 2 shirts from the Chris Kyle Foundation. Watching the movie not only did I walk away with pride and respect for Chris but immense respect for you. What a strong amazing woman you are!!
Taya, through your strength, the leadership of your husband and others, I am now forged! He fought the foreign, everyday I fight the domestic, the way our constitution stipulates we should.
God bless you and your family!
Deuce