Today we’d like to introduce you to Leonard Acosta.
Hi Leonard, 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?
Born and raised in California, I’ve lived a life of transformation, from the streets to the screen. After spending eight years incarcerated in the California Department of Corrections, I made the decision to change my life and focus on building a positive future for myself, my family, and my community.
Today, I’m an actor, student, husband of 39 years, proud father, and grandfather of two beautiful granddaughters. I hold two associate degrees, one in Studio Arts and another in Multimedia, and I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Television and Film at California State University, Los Angeles.
As an actor, I’ve appeared in the hit Hulu series This Fool and in the newly released film A Higher Power alongside Mr. Homicide. Beyond acting, I use my platform to motivate and inspire others through my YouTube channel, The Streets Ain’t Loyal Show, where I share my story of redemption, growth, and the power of positive change.
My journey is a testament that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, you can always rewrite your story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Turning my life around hasn’t been easy. For years, I was caught up in the streets, drinking too much, running with my old gang, and making choices that only led me deeper into trouble. I spent years in prison, struggling to find meaning in a life that felt trapped by pain, anger, and bad decisions.
While incarcerated, I faced one of the hardest moments of my life, losing my mother and not being able to say goodbye. That loss broke something inside me but also opened my eyes. I started to reflect deeply on who I had become and realized that no one else could change my circumstances but me.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis has been another battle, one that constantly tests my strength and patience. But instead of letting it define me, I use it as a reminder of how far I’ve come and how strong I truly am.
Over time, I’ve worked hard to make amends, to myself, to my family, and to my community. I’ve learned that true change starts with accountability, forgiveness, and purpose. My past doesn’t define me anymore; it fuels me to be better every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full-time Television and Film major at California State University, Los Angeles. I’ve had the opportunity to appear in several shows as an actor and to share my creativity as a YouTuber. Some of my proudest accomplishments come from the art I created while studying multimedia at East Los Angeles College, where I developed a deeper appreciation for storytelling and visual expression.
I take pride in being respectful of others and in continually expanding my educational and creative goals. My journey in higher education has been deeply personal, not to prove anything to others, but to prove to myself that I am capable of learning, growing, and coexisting with others while building a better life.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The most supportive people in my life have been my wife, Alma, of 39 years; my son, Michael; my daughter, Cecilia; and my only brother, Robert, although we’ve been estranged. Each of them has had a positive impact on my journey of personal growth and change.
My friends Paul and Joe Castro have also played an important role in guiding me in the right direction. They’re quick to call me out when they see me slipping into old habits, and their honesty has helped me stay focused on becoming a better version of myself. After living a certain way for so long, it takes time to change both habits and mentality, and I’m grateful for their patience and support.
Another close friend, actor Adam Mendoza, has been a mentor to me in my acting career. His guidance and encouragement have helped me grow as both a performer and a person.
Contact Info:
- Youtube: The streets Ain’t Loyal show
