Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Dorempz.
Diana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a young child, I used to sing and dance at family gatherings and I remember my mother saying, “You will end up in Hollywood”. At the time, we laughed because it seemed unimaginable, but now I am here, and it feels like a dream!
I probably became an actress because I wanted to be many things in life, musician, teacher, veterinarian, even an astronaut. I am very happy to have the opportunity to interpret and embody different characters each time I take on a new project. My mother has always been a powerful supporter of my passion for the arts. When I was little, it was her that made sure I could participate in any and every creative endeavor that was available for me. She not only earned and spent all the income she made to give me access to classes and experiences, but she also encouraged my somewhat reluctant father to join in on the unconditional love and support of my artistic career choice. Although having an actress in the family was a bit unexpected, my family was quick to understand how important performing is for me. I am so grateful to have such a loving family.
I was born and raised in Caracas-Venezuela. I attended the Juan José Landaeta National Music Conservatory for approximately 12 years, in Caracas, from there I attend and eventually graduated from the performing arts conservatory The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. At the Academy, I was fortunate enough to collaborate and learn in all facets of the creative arts including acting, dancing, music and cinema arts. My time spent at the Academy created some of the best memories of my life. There I was connected and influenced by talented people from all over the world, and with those friends and relationships I learned so much, but most impactful, I was inspired and empowered to create content of my own.
I really love studying, so after graduating from the Academy, I decided to embark on a new challenge and have returned to school for a degree in business, which I eventually plan to merge with my acting career. I think that in life, it is important to expand our knowledge, for example, I try to learn other languages because I have always been curious about cultures that differ from mine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having ups and downs is part of the journey! I try to enjoy the happy moments of my career and learn from the difficult ones.
Being an immigrant carries great responsibilities. If I had to choose, I would say that being away from my family has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I am a family-oriented person, but unfortunately, the current economic and political situation facing Venezuela doesn’t allow me to return home and to the country, I love so, for now, I will have to support my country and my family from my adopted home the United States. I constantly think of ways to support my family and other Venezuelans who are going through hardship due to the humanitarian crisis we live in today. I hope that I can use my talents to be an impactful part of making a difference to the many people that are suffering in my beloved country. Recently, I was inspired to write a one-woman show called “Venezuela” and to produce a photoshoot with Venezuela as the main theme. Each person has different ways of contributing to this world, and I am a storyteller, that’s what I do best. I like to create awareness through my art. I decided to become the producer, director, and artist in the unfolding story of my career.
When I moved to LA, I didn’t know how the industry worked, it was hard to find my style and purpose. More than once I auditioned for roles that were not suitable for me. Later, I stopped worrying about mundane things that prevented me from acting, such as my accent. I embraced my Hispanic accent, and while I work on reducing it, I centered my attention on projects that fit me better. I am also lucky because, in recent years, the Latino community has expanded in film and television, so more opportunities are available.
In this industry, many people will have opinions about how you look or how you should behave. It is important to be honest with who you are and maintain that essence, and not change just because other people think differently from you. For example, I consider myself a healthy woman, but I’m not a size 2 in clothing, and I remember that an acting instructor once told me: “If you don’t lose weight, you’ll never be the protagonist of a movie”, and the same week I booked the lead role in the film ” Coyote ” that ended up winning multiple awards nationally and internationally. And a year later, I was chosen to be part of the cast of ‘Mes de Más’, the first Spanish-language program of Beachbody, an American multinational corporation that sells fitness, weight loss, and muscle building home-exercise videos. I have learned to take people’s positive and constructive advice and ignore the irrelevant or negative comments. I also try not to compare myself with others, particularly in social media. Each person has their own obstacles in life, after all, life is self-paced.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Whenever I can, I join projects that mean something to me, I am drawn to those that could have a positive impact on society. I love diversity and scripts that are more inclusive towards minorities. I want to create content that I expect to see more often. I have made films about human trafficking, special needs, child marriage, and immigration.
A colleague and I produced a pilot for a web series called “Not exactly”, it is a character-driven project that focuses on a diverse group of people dealing with all sorts of different issues that affect youth today, like climate change and LGBT rights. I am very excited about the upcoming post-production process and future festivals. I love collaborations!
Additionally, I was invited to join the Theater Company ’HereAndNow’, which has been commissioned by various organizations to promote causes and awareness about social issues from the community. I was very excited to continue my work in the theatre especially with a company that is driven by projects that are important and impactful. I can’t wait to start rehearsals for my next play!
And finally, I am working on an informative and entertaining project with Family Theater Productions. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Again, I am very grateful for all the blessings these past years have brought me. More than a particular moment in my career, I would say that I am very proud to have carried out many new projects on my own.
I’ve met inspiring people along the way. People who helped me improve my skills and guided me to evaluate myself from many perspectives. Now, I think it’s time to seek representation. I am ready to start building my team, a team that will help me grow in the professional field. As a known proverb says: “Alone we go far, but together we go further.”
*Currently looking for commercial and theatrical representation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DianaDorempz.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @DianaDorempz
- Facebook: @DianaDorempz
- Twitter: Actor Access account only
- Other: Imdb.me/DianaDorempz
Image Credit:
George Simian, Mark Grabianowski, Beachbody.
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