Today we’d like to introduce you to David Ung.
Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area until I moved here about a year ago. Growing up, I was fond of playing video games and watching animated shows. To this day, video games particularly have been an ideal pastime and form of relaxation while keeping my imagination alive. After a long or stressful day I look forward to video games as my absolute happy place.
Being a shy person, I would often avoid social situations. Video games gave me an opportunity to watch and observe entertainment before the internet was available in our back pocket. Oftentimes I would repeat my favorite lines to friends and siblings and would enjoy the brief amount of joy that brought them. And if I wasn’t reenacting what I saw in public, then I was reenacting what I saw on TV or from my video games.
Fast forward to my early community college days at Diablo Valley College, where I struggled finding what I was really passionate about and what direction I wanted to take my life. I started looking into video games but from an animation or design side, which ultimately did not resonate for me. I decided to return to my brief acting stint from high school drama and explore some acting classes.
In 2010 I eventually found myself in an Acting on Camera course. While still shy, my instructor Lisa guided me through my early stages of acting. This course reignited the thrill of entertaining and performing, leading to my pursuit in acting. My fondness for many things silly, geeky, nerdy, and acting very quickly brought me to the world of voice-acting where I truly felt I belonged.
With Lisa’s help with a letter of recommendation, I was accepted to both San Francisco State University (SFSU) and Cal State University of Los Angeles. At the time, I felt it was best to remain in the Bay Area and so I ended taking classes at SFSU. All the while, I kept the dream of moving to LA in mind for the future.
After graduation in 2016, I continued trying to pursue acting as a full-time role but the reality is like many other actors, I could not sustain with just the occasional gigs. But, I continued my education by taking voice acting courses at Voicetrax San Francisco and working closely with the founder, Samantha Paris; who became my private voice acting coach. It would be a few years plus the pandemic before I suddenly had a vivid dream about meeting one of my favorite voice actors. Silly as it may sound, that dream made me wake up that morning and say to myself, “I have to move to Los Angeles!” The flames of my long-lost desire to venture to LA had been rekindled, and with a new passion it only took me a few months to make a new home in SoCal at the beginning of September 2024.
I am so thrilled to start a new life here in the Valley and meet many new faces. While my journey took me over a decade to finally make it down here, I absolutely have no regrets. The years it took to move I have grown with trial and error, made wonderful friends, and feel like I’m making headway to a bigger plan. I’ve set up a recording booth in my walk in closet and have begun auditions. Networking is still difficult because I am still at times shy, but it is an important skill I am working to hone.
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?
While I can’t describe my journey as smooth, there is always some good with the bad. As I was growing up I had often struggled with low confidence. Bold decisions were never easy to make. As I’ve gotten older and survived trials, I have found being a risk-taker isn’t as scary, and there’s some excitement in jumping right in and seeing what happens.
One of the biggest hurdles has been doubt not just from myself but from loved ones. These experiences have built strength for my resolve to take risks. The biggest reminder I needed was that I have a support system and that I can rely on myself. And this is still true as I work through audition rejections.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I’m just starting my career in voice acting, I am making it through day by day. When I am not working my full-time job, I am in my walk-in closet auditioning and practicing for gigs; with the occasional reminder that I need to reduce the size of my clothing collection. I also love going to nerdy conventions to see like-minded people’s passions come to life as well as occasionally cosplaying.
I am most proud of myself for following my dreams and getting closer to making it a reality. My younger shy self would be amazed at what I’ve accomplished so far.
Growing up feeling a bit different from others has given me a unique perspective on getting comfortable with the unknown. My imagination and personality are not always easy to connect with, but when I do connect with people it feels authentic.
What matters most to you?
I’m big on “taking life seriously, one joke at a time”. Facing everyday life and problems with some humor can be rejuvenating. Sometimes even in my darker moments in life, I try to shed a bit of light with some humor–whether it’s relevant to the situation or just a moment to take a breather and laugh at something or with someone. As they say, laughter is the best medicine!
I also believe kindness is something that should always be the priority. In every action I take I try to lead with kindness in hopes to make my life and others better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davidungvo.com/
Image Credits
EJ Lewis Photography
