Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Rendon.
Hi Joseph, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve told my story in this magazine before, but here’s the short version for anyone just meeting me: I’m a playful, loving, artistic soul who landed on this earth in 1981. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, with grandparents from Spain, I grew up in a home where forgiveness and respect weren’t just words—they were daily practice. My parents are still together today because of that, and I carry those values everywhere. Family comes first, always. Acting and directing weren’t hobbies for me—they were instincts. At five years old, I was already staging plays for cousins and classmates. And yes, I was that kid who got mad if people didn’t play their roles right. Some of them flat-out quit my “productions” because I was too demanding. Looking back, it makes me laugh, but the truth is, that’s when I knew storytelling wasn’t optional for me—it was oxygen.
I started formal training at 13, and I haven’t stopped since. Acting isn’t just something I do—it’s where life makes sense. The community, the craft, the misunderstood tribe of artists—it’s where I belong. I’ve had the honor of working alongside Wilmer Valderrama, Renée Zellweger, Reese Witherspoon, Colin Farrell, Seth Rogen, Jennifer Garner, and more. What they all share—and what I respect most—is passion, professionalism, and a certain fire for the work. That’s the common thread at every level.
In 2024, I stepped away from sets to focus on my next chapter. I left LA, moved to Dallas, and dedicated myself to writing Cliff Walk, a script I’ve been refining with coaches at UCLA. At the same time, I pushed deeper into my craft, working with top-tier acting coaches at KD Conservatory. Accent, pronunciation, method—the details that separate good from great—I’ve been sharpening them all.
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t forget the kid you once were. Make them proud. Sometimes stepping away is what allows you to come back stronger. That’s what I’m doing. And at 44, I feel more dangerous, more ready, than ever. Success hits differently when it comes with wisdom. Honestly, I’d rather be here now than be another actor people only remember from “that one role” as a kid.
God gives blessings when you’re ready—or when He wants to teach you a lesson. I’ll take mine now.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think life is easy for anyone. I believe we’re here to experience it all—pain, regret, hate, compassion—and most importantly, love. Struggles are what teach us that love is the answer.
I’ve been through a lot. I lost a marriage. I lost a girlfriend I was deeply connected to. And yeah, I’m still single today. The truth is, my career has always come first. That’s something I carry guilt for because people love to say, “family first.” But I can’t buy into the idea of building a family just to then push aside the very thing that drives me. Too many people change their priorities after marriage. I won’t.
I’m determined to die for my path. So, the only way I’ll ever marry is if she complements this journey, not competes with it. I want that, believe me—I dream of her. I have visions of our success together, of our kids growing up in harmony and prosperity.
Career obstacles? Of course. But every one of them has shaped me into a sharper, more prepared version of myself. Covid hit hard. The strikes after that too. But all of it led me here—to a moment where I’m making real progress and good money, with a clear road back to LA. And when I return, it’ll be with a finished script, a new podcast, and my production company, Spellbind, ready to shake things up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an actor, writer, and director, but more than anything I’m a storyteller. I specialize in cinematic storytelling that feels alive — stories that pull you in with raw emotion, sensory detail, and truth. I’m known for being fearless about diving into the deep end of a character or a scene, and for my ability to merge acting and directing into one vision.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve never stopped. I started acting at 13, and decades later I’m still studying, still hungry, still pushing my limits. I’m proud of Cliff Walk, the script I’ve been developing with UCLA coaches, and the upcoming launch of my production company, Spellbind. I’m proud of my podcast where I get to talk with artists I admire. But honestly, I’m most proud that I never quit on myself — not when life hit me hard, not when the industry slowed down, not even when I had to step away from LA.
What sets me apart? I don’t just want to entertain — I want the audience to feel. To feel the heat in a scene, the smell of a room, the weight of silence. I believe movies are memories, and I want to create the kind you carry with you long after the credits roll. That’s what Spellbind is about — cinematic storytelling that holds you like a spell.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Uh, good question. Risk is a strong word — it almost carries a negative connotation. I prefer to see it as the very thing that makes dreams come true.
I’ve risked a lot. I’ve risked a marriage, friendships, and family ties. I’ve risked stability and comfort. But to me, that’s the price of living true to yourself. Life isn’t meant to be played safe — it’s meant to be lived.
I’m driven by the stories of heroes who gave everything for a purpose — Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali. People who emptied their souls and gave every bit of themselves to their art, their people, their mission. That’s the level of risk I respect — when you put your entire being on the line for what you believe in.
For me, risk isn’t about gambling with loss — it’s about betting on your truth. And every time I’ve bet on mine, it’s led me to growth, wisdom, and a deeper sense of who I am as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.josephrendon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjosephrendon
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rendonjose
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thespellbindnightshow
- Other: https://www.spellbind.studio
