Daily Inspiration: Meet Sina Tadayon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sina Tadayon.

Hi Sina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be in film. I used to walk around my house, stand on the kitchen table, and perform by myself, quoting movies like “Nacho Libre” and “Star Wars.”

Growing up in Virginia, finding ways to perform was tough. I went to some acting classes, did a bit of theater, and even tried out for those Disney Channel auditions that didn’t really lead anywhere. But as I got older, things started to quiet down.

Each year, when I got my check-up, my pediatrician would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always said “a filmmaker” or “an actor” without missing a beat. My doctor and parents would smile and encourage me, thinking it was a cute dream for a kid from Virginia.

As I grew up, those doctor visits got less frequent, but they always asked the same question. My answer was always the same too: “An actor.” But when I got into my late teens, the way my doctor and parents reacted started to change. Their smiles turned into worried looks.

For four years, I left my dream of becoming an actor behind when I went to college in San Diego.

Towards the end of my senior year, I fell into a deep depression simply because I felt purposeless, I couldn’t see three steps in front of me. Then one night, and I know this sounds corny, I had a dream that I was wearing a green velvet suit, a black bow tie, and shiny brown dress shoes, all while holding a little golden man. From that night on, I knew exactly what it is I was going to do.

I began skipping all my business classes and sneaking into all the fourth-year film and acting classes and kept doing so until I was kicked out.

Then, just like every other Don Quixote-like figure, I decided to come to this city, where everyone is playing this game, this relentless mission to grow and better themselves in such an unconventional industry, filled with uncertainty and filled with anxiety. That’s why I love it; who knows what can happen next?

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As an actor, I don’t see acting as some kind of elite or extremely difficult task. In my view, everyone is an actor. The real challenge starts when you add the word “successful” before the actor.

Take my friend Devon, who’s homeless – there are countless roles he could play better than I could. The same goes for my roommate, who works in corporate finance, and my coworker Stephen. Each of them could outshine me in many roles.

What I’m trying to say is that being a successful actor certainly requires talent, but even more so, it requires time or perhaps luck. The real test is in the discipline needed to endure that time, to welcome the rejections, or the challenge might be in creating your own kind of luck.

Beyond that, anyone should feel grateful for the opportunity to pursue such a playful career. They should never get too hung up on the small hurdles or challenges. They’re all part of the journey, part of what makes it so enjoyable.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor, screenwriter, and an advocate for those battling OCD and other anxiety-related disorders.

In my acting career, I’ve been involved in everything from short films to theater productions. One of my most recent roles was in “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh, where I portrayed Michal. Michal is a character with a childlike essence, deeply marked by trauma. Bringing him to life was a rewarding challenge and an immense pleasure.

Beyond acting, I’m driven to merge my passion for film and storytelling with my advocacy work. My goal is to create stories that not only educate and increase understanding about mental illness but also provide therapeutic value for those grappling with OCD. I firmly believe in the power of art and storytelling as vehicles for fostering hope, empathy, and transformative change.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Whatever way the herd is going, go the other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sinatadayon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinaatadayon/