Check Out Vanessa Villegas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Villegas

Hi Vanessa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Vanessa Villegas. I was raised in Rhode Island, basically in a gymnastics gym. Gymnastics was my whole life, my parents were my coach, and all I ever wanted was to be successful as a gymnast. I received regional and national achievements as a high-level gymnast. I was also a dancer, and I did martial arts. From there life sort of took a turn. I got severely injured essentially ending my gymnastics career. I fell into cheerleading because it was somewhat like gymnastics. However, I had a major concussion that ended all activities for about 6 months. And a few years after that I was in a bad car accident with a drunk driver, so life had to pivot. After graduating from the University of Rhode Island I began modeling and I’ve been modeling for now going on ten years. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in the New York market, the European market, including Milan, and Barcelona, as well as in Japan. But my story–I’ve learned, actually started during covid: when I realized I wanted, and have always wanted to be an actor.

Fame was the first musical I ever saw, or at least remember seeing. The first one I gave my complete focus and attention to, and the first one I cried at. I saw it at the Prout School in Wakefield, Rhode Island. They quite literally had an all-star theater program at the time that would blow anyone away. I went because my older sister, Desiree, was in it. That’s where I fell in love with the art of acting and performance. I’ve done my fair share of recitals, and competitions, but this felt different. I often see videos of actors I look up to being asked about the time when they fell in love with the craft of acting. I think that was the beginning for me. It was my sister who introduced me to performance and acting, and I’ll always be grateful for that. After that, I didn’t miss a show at The Prout School. And what probably sealed the deal for me was when Les Miserables was put on at the school and ran for what felt like a month, but not long enough. I never missed a show, and I cried every time.

What I didn’t realize, but my family would tell you was true, was that comedy was something that I gravitated to from a young age. I was always imitating Jim Carrey with the confidence only a child has, and almost perfectly if I can be so bold as to say! I loved Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Rowan Atkinson, but my all-time favorite was Dana Carvey. His Saturday Night Live characters were out of this world in my mind, and when he did the master of disguise, I took that turtle character and made it my own. So much so that my sisters to this day will text me to ask me for a picture of the turtle face, and so much so that my improv teachers are probably sick of me trying to bring my version of that character to every class. If you don’t know The Turtle Man you should definitely look it up. My sisters and I were constantly memorizing movies. Cool Runnings was a group favorite. We’d play off each other, reenacting the funny parts and making each other laugh.

For some reason, in my brain, there was only one place to start my journey officially. That was at The Groundlings School. I am still at Groundlings today. I hope to be able to perform there one day. I keep myself busy, striving to perfect my craft training, doing small projects and commercials. I am currently working on my own short film to showcase myself in the best way I think I possibly can. I am eager and excited for a major opportunity to come my way, and I am working daily to ensure I am ready. I’m continuing to train, I’m remaining open to collaborations and opportunities. I’m very grateful to be with my management at Kreativ Media Partner, and my agent at Peter Kallinteris Agency. I’m still modeling and my rep is here in LA with Evolve X Models. I’ve always been a driven person. I’ve always had a very specific vision for myself. And I’ve always been one to strive to achieve challenging things in life. My dreams have evolved throughout my life, but they have always been big.

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?
There will always be challenges in the pursuit of your dreams. When I started modeling I was too muscular, too short, too this, too that. Acting, I face a new set of challenges. With gymnastics it was always whether or not you can stay healthy for the next meet. I just always do what my mom says to me and it’s “steer the course.” And my dad always tells me to remember why I chose to do this and don’t give up. I wouldn’t be fulfilled doing anything else. Nothing ever stays the same. There will be good, there will be bad, but if I quit there will be nothing.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself to be brandy new to this whole journey. So I wouldn’t say I specialize in anything at the moment, but I would love to be known for my comedy one day.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t have a favorite childhood memory in particular in mind. I had a lot of really amazing times with my family, who I’m very close to. My grandmother passed away this year. She was a huge part of my childhood and life. When I think back to any good memory she was there. She was my best friend, and biggest supporter. I know she’d be so proud of me today. And I wish she could see me today, and all I’m about to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vanessavillegasofficial.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessavillegasofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanessavillegas1542
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esBdok3aBeI&t=2s

Image Credits
Christopher Shintani
Glen Dandridge Jr.