Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos J Castillo
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story was birthed in chaos. With loads of potential but lack of guidance, it became all too easy falling prey to teenage angst and ignorance. Went from honor classes to barely graduating. Coupled with some run-ins with the law, my life and story were spiraling to nowhere. Out of these catastrophes it became clear to me that purpose was what was lacking in my life. Being a creative individual I began latching on to all forms of expression through art. It hadn’t been lost on me, the encouragement I received throughout grade school for a writing talent. I began writing short stories and reading as much as I could. Soaking up the treasures left for us by artist that had come before. and it was in those treasures I found meaning and formulated my purpose in life. To tell stories, giving reverence to others struggling for some understanding. This is the approach to my work as an actor and writer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road of an artist in the business of art is never without its struggles, obstacles, and challenges, As a whole its hardest finding your place or how you fit in the machine of Hollywood. On a personal level, the struggles of bias, institutional/ structural racism, separatism have been the hardest to overcome. It’s not my practice or enjoyment to stand on a soapbox about what is widely known and discussed but it’s impossible to ignore that opportunities are often lost to these factors. We still live in a society and perhaps a world that believes we in a vision that’s not incredibly inclusive.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor/writer.
As an actor I have had the great experience of working on the shows American Crime story, 911 and the feature film The Fablemans directed by Steven Spielberg.
As a writer I’ve written mostly for the stage having had two full length plays and several one acts plays produced around Hollywood. I am currently storyboarding a feature film I’ve written that I plan on directing.
Believing in the sanctity of my work I’m not quite sure I’m that different others, at least not the people I respect and admire. The relevance of expression and its ability to educate and inspire are what I’m about. That’s different from seeking profit or popularity without meaning. In this business you definitely need a little of both and a lot of luck.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Study, train, be involved in every way possible.
The best lessons come from failures, mistakes, and defeat.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cjcastillo.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcjcastillo/
- Twitter: https://x.com/cjaviercastillo
Image Credits
Main headshot by David Muller
black and white photo by Mathew Caine
