Today we’d like to introduce you to Felipe Chavez.
Felipe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A Mexican native, born and raised till the age of seven, I migrated to the United States in 2004. As a kid, you aren’t aware of the magnitude that is coming to United States. Growing up, you dont know or care about legal or illegal status, I didn’t. Until middle school you start to notice, question and learn about your situation. In 2012 Obama introduced DACA allowing thousands and thousands of young immigrants like myself to attend College, work and have a sense of hope and value. Thanks to DACA it has allowed me to do what I love most, Acting in film/TV. I didn’t fully commit till after I attend an acting class in college thats when I decided to make it into a career. While attending college, I worked full time to pay my tuition since I can’t get any FAFSA. Also trying to book roles to build my resume. With what little I was given [DACA] I have taken full advantage of it, nothing for granted. I’ve driven miles and miles just for auditions no matter how big or small. I take every opportunity that comes my way!
That hard work has paid off, one of my first acting gigs I landed was a role in a Docu-film on CBN “Pocahontas Dove of Peace” the irony of an undocumented immigrant playing a native American. I went to do extra roles here and there. I later went on to book roles on Investigation Discovery hit show “Homicide Hunter”, “American Nightmare” and TVone’s “For my man”. I will also start working with best selling author Ken McArthur on his film “The impact Factor”. All of this wouldn’t possible if it wasn’t for Obama. What I want to accomplish here is to inspire young dreamers (DACA) to follow their dreams! Yes, we’ve heard of successful doctors, lawyers, etc. but I personally haven’t heard of a dreamer trying to make in the entertainment business. If so I wish I had them as an example to follow. I want to be that person to inspire them and show them that anything is possible if you believe. I want to pave a path for my fellow dreamers[DACA] so they don’t get lost chasing their dreams and fall into bad habits. Dream Big
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all, since I’ve had to pay my tuition all out of pocket I had to work at a landscaping company for about six years and having to attend classes part-time at the same time. When it came to auditions or filming I would either leave town for a bit, I’d miss out on work and classes leading to failing at times. I finally decided to quit my job [2018] and start my own little landscaping company. So now I work on my own schedule and earn enough to get by and pay tuition. Lot more flexible when it comes to shooting projects.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve been acting for about four years now. During that time frame, I’ve done hundreds of auditions, and of course landed the few roles I’ve done. Which for me means alot. You become so numb to “NO” that when you get that “yes” it’s greatest feeling ever!
Worked on “Pocahontas dove of peace in 2016 for CBN
Few extra roles, through those I’ve met actors such as Ron Canada, Danny Trejo, Mark Boone Jr. and many more.
I wrote and starred on my own short film “American Dream” 2018 that I wrote at the heat of the moment. When Trump announced that DACA will no longer be in effect.
I’ve been on a total of four episodes of “Homicide Hunter” 2018-19 for ID Channel and a new series called “American Nightmare”. Couple others such as; For my man, A Haunting, and soon will start filming “The impact factor” film by Ken McArthur.
What I think has set me aside from the other actors is just the thought of standing there on set and thinking to myself “wow here I am an undocumented immigrant and I’m on TV!” who knows maybe I’m the first DACA recipient to have been on the Investigation Discovery, Destination America, CBN or TVOne. Who knows. Just knowing that inspires me to keep going! That’s what I want other dreamers to see and hope they’re inspired.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
California has a large population of the Latino community. Without a doubt, many are Dreamers [DACA] like me. Los Angeles, many talent people live but are to scared to pursue an acting career for X reason. I think my story will have a huge impact on the Latino community. I want to motivate my fellow dreamers to go out there and make it happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8646055/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @felipe_chavez6
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