Meet Daniella Mendoza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniella Mendoza.

Daniella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am born and raised in Peru. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications but after working in advertising for a while, one day I went to an open audition for a movie in my country and got the protagonist role for the first 3D horror movie in Peru. Ever since my life turned 180 degrees. I quit my advertising job and moved to The States four years ago and chose Los Angeles so I could make a Masters in Acting for film at the New York Film Academy which I finished two years ago.

Since graduating, I’ve had the pleasure of being part of many short films and local commercials. And currently (aside from quarantine) I am working on the first season of the Hispanic series “Life in Heels”, which follows the life of the Mexican entrepreneur Adriana Gallardo, who starred the Nextflix show, “Rich and Famous Latinas”.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been smooth at all. I can start talking about the cultural clash and the struggles as an immigrant in film, such us hearing from teachers and accomplished people that I needed to improve my accent or literally “style myself less Latina”. And I get it, they wanted me to be as versatile as possible, and after taking several accent reduction classes in the academy, I realized I had improved it to be as clear as possible. But I wasn’t ever going to be able to not have an accent, because I choose not to, that’s who I am, along with my hoops, my red lipstick and my long black straight hair, and I’m glad I embraced it.

Another huge thing that I still struggle with is the SAG factor. I’m not a SAG actor and in order to be one, you have to be casted in at least one SAG production (theatrical or commercial) but they wouldn’t cast you in it unless you have a very specific talent or feature or something really hard to find. So it becomes a vicious circle where SAG only casts SAG but in order to be SAG you have to work in a SAG project. Yes, it’s very discouraging to know that until something amazing happens, you’re pretty much just waiting for that miracle and the big step of your career depends on that.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am an actor. I started in theater. After quitting my job in advertising, I went to the only Meisner specialized school in Peru and I feel in love with acting. However, I’ve always loved film and that’s why I specialized in Acting for Film. I’ve worked the most in dramatic roles and I can say that drama is my specialty. As of late, I’ve found myself being cast for the antagonist roles and well, I enjoy it! Maybe it’s my witch resting face but I’m glad that at least that sets me apart 🙂

What were you like growing up?
I was a very peculiar kid. I was like a tomboy/nerd through my whole childhood. I was raised by my grandparents in a small fishing town in the North of Peru where there weren’t many cool western stuff to do (literally the first mall was built like 15 years ago), but to play with your neighbors. And oh boy, I played a lot! I played every sport, every game, I climbed every climbable tree and rode my bike to the ‘non allowed areas’. I had a beautiful childhood and I still have a very solid friendship with my homies from back then. I moved to Lima (the capital of Peru) when I was thirteen and made some other very solid friends. I was social but I never neglected my studies. My grandma made sure to raise me very goal-driven and I actually liked school. I was into math, science and I was good in every subject. Even after getting into the drama club which changed my life forever.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 8184341370
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: daniella.mendoza
• Facebook: Daniella Mendoza actriz
• Other: IMDB: Daniella Mendoza

Image Credit:
All the pictures are from Stephanie Girard

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