Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayana Rincon.
Hi Dayana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music has always been my first love. I was born in Venezuela, and my culture has had an incredible influence on who I am today. Both of my parents were very musical, and they encouraged my passion for singing. I joined the city choir almost as quickly as I started forming my first sentence.
When I was nine years old, we had to leave Venezuela and move to the United States. It was scary arriving at a new school, not knowing the language, but we were lucky to be in a community that was incredibly welcoming. It was with the help of music that I learned English so quickly. I joined the school choir in middle school, and in my freshman year of high school, I decided to try something new: drama. It was the best decision my 14-year-old self made. I fell in love with acting, and thanks to musical theater, I was able to have my cake and eat it too.
In true fashion, when it came to college, I decided to try something new again: film production. During my four years of college, I got to work both behind and in front of the camera, once again having my cake and eating it too.
Indie films, student films, local theater productions, commercials, and print became my daily practice. But it wasn’t until I landed my first TV role on NCIS: New Orleans that I and this may sound silly, knew that this crazy passion of mine would be my career.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Like many immigrants, the road we took was cracked, bumpy, and full of potholes. Navigating the complex legal system shaped our future here in the United States. My family and I were denied Political Asylum and were given the status of “Legal Alien,” which meant we could stay in the US but couldn’t leave. It was this weird limbo of being legal but feeling illegal. It would take years before we could get a green card, let alone gain citizenship.
It meant missing out on opportunities such as working on productions that were shooting abroad. It was having uncomfortable conversations with agents and colleagues about our limitations. It was feeling like we just fell into quicksand as everyone watched without so much as a rope to toss over. As heartbreaking as it was for me, I felt the burden more keenly for my parents, who had put so much on the line to make a better life for us.
Despite these challenges, we were determined to find a way to gain citizenship. We constantly educated ourselves on new immigration policies and regulations, hoping to find a way to break through the barriers that held us back. It was a long and difficult journey, but eventually, we found the road that led us to citizenship and a sense of belonging in this country.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
From my early days as a child struggling to find my voice to my current career as an actor, I have learned that our passions can be powerful tools for self-discovery and personal growth. Through my journey in the entertainment industry, I have come to realize that acting is much more than just a profession or a way to make a living; it is a form of therapy that has helped me better understand myself and the world around me.
Working on productions such as “The Last Ship,” “Den of Thieves,” “Bosh: Legacy” and “Snowfall” has not only allowed me to pursue my passion for acting but also introduced me to amazing people who have become lifelong friends. In the upcoming year, I am excited for my first supporting role on a feature film “Best Man Dead Man”. I am grateful for the many experiences and opportunities that have come my way, but most importantly, I am grateful for the emotional and mental benefits that acting has provided me.
Through the challenges and triumphs of life, I have come to rely on acting as a powerful tool for self-expression and self-reflection. It has helped me to connect with my innermost thoughts and emotions and to gain a deeper understanding of myself and others. As I continue to grow and evolve in my career, I remain committed to using my art as a means of personal and social transformation.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
LA has been my home for the past four years, and I’m still discovering new things about it every day. I’ve met some amazing people, explored breathtaking beaches, and hiked through stunning mountains. However, let’s be real here, the traffic is another story. I wish I could say I’ve gotten used to it, but honestly, it’s still a struggle!
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/dayanarincon
- Instagram: @thedayanarincon
- Twitter: @thedayanarincon
- Other: www.playthesun.com
Image Credits
Kurt Yue Anthony Mogiello
