Daniel DelHoyo
We recently sat down with extremely talented and down to earth actor Daniel DelHoyo about the highs and lows of being in the entertainment industry and his plans for the future. Here is what he had to say:
Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when did you first get into performing?
My name is Daniel DelHoyo. I started acting in high school, I was failing almost every subject and if I failed art class I would have had to start over my sophomore year. We had these yearly competitions that consisted of writing and acting in small comedic plays, and that would be the only way for me to save my school year so I wrote and acted in it. So many people loved it and that’s when I realized I was kind of good at it. Also, so many people encouraged me to try acting because I used to be the funny guy back in school, doing stand up routines when the teacher was gone. I guess I was always a natural performer.
What inspired you to get into this industry?
I was actually five years old, and the Back to The Future Saga’s were my favorite movies, especially the second one. I found it fascinating the idea of being able to be somebody in the future, like living in an imaginary world. I secretly always wanted to act, but I guess it took me 10 years to actually try it seriously.
What kind of training have you had, if any?
I studied at The Stella Adler Theatre Conservatory here in LA.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
It’s funny because so far, it’s been a role that I actually played in Drama School. I played Chance Wayne from the Tennessee Williams play “Sweet Birth of Youth”. I was a hustler trying to take advantage of a washed up old actress in order to make it big. It’s interesting because usually as an actor you like the roles that you can actually relate to on a personal level. Although this was not me, I felt so compassionate for the character and his needs, plus Williams writing is incredible.
What has been one of the biggest achievements of your career so far?
I’d say being signed by my first Theatrical agency 2 years ago. I was back in Mexico living a common life, going to college and now I’m about to sign with a renowned Hollywood Agent and continue auditioning for movies soon. I guess it hasn’t been such a bad deal.
What projects do you have coming up?
I’m in the pre-production stage for a short film that I actually wrote myself. It should be ready for festival submission by January of next year.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Martin Scorsese. No question. I’ve seen all of his movies and I consider him the best. No matter what story he’s telling you, you won’t stop following every detail of it even if the movie is 3 hours long, and I think that’s extremely complicated.
What are your plans for the future?
My main priority right now is the short film I’m working on. Besides that, I will continue training and auditioning. I have another movie in the works, but that’s not till next year so I cannot talk too much about that.
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring performers?
What I really recommend to everyone starting in this industry is not to underestimate the value of preparation. It’s insane how many people live in Los Angeles saying they’re actors and don’t even know how to read a script. Preparation is everything, and I don’t mean classes only. I mean being prepared and always ready, one 3 minute interview or audition can seriously change your life forever.
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