Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarrett Mateo.
Hi Jarrett, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a single-parent household, it being my mother and I. Starting at a very young age, I realized that I was a true DREAMER because I always imagined myself as someone that can inspire an entire community and create. This is where my love for acting and performing came from. I was the normal kid that would dress up and create my own imaginary world and act it out based on ideas I got from movies and TV, but one thing I knew is I was always too shy to do it in front of others. At the age of 11, I was provided the opportunity to chase my dream when my mom and I were approached by an agent searching for young/ new talent to put on display. At my first showcase, I froze with stage fright and it was at that moment I felt that maybe I was not cut out for this dream; I mean what artist hasn’t felt that way at one point in their lives? So throughout my teenage years, high school, and college I just focused on my education and sports where I learned to build my confidence and work ethic. Throughout those years, my yearn for acting always popped up constantly and the time that it came back and set my journey in motion was my final semester in college. I was invited by a good friend to attend his play that he was in titled “Fences.”
I was absolutely blown away and from that point on, I knew I had to chase my one and only dream. I was connected with the best acting coach in LA John Lacy and he has personally helped develop me into a better actor than I could’ve ever imagined.
Over the last two years, I have put my time and heart into the craft and thanks to my Manager Chris Roe, I have been able to put my talents and gifts on display.
So as I’m writing this now, I continue to work as hard as I can daily and keep on dreaming because it’s important to feel like you are doing exactly what you were born to do when you are chasing a dream.
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?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. When it comes to acting, you get auditions and you put all your time and effort into giving your best self and hoping that Casting Directors and Producers see you for their projects. But any actors out there know that you hear the word “No” almost 99% of the time, but we live for that one “Yes” that we receive through all of that. Some of the other struggles that I’ve experienced along the way include financial stability because acting is a full-time affair and balancing that with trying to pay bills can bring some stress levels up.
At the end of the day, I have learned to see beauty within the struggle because I’m doing the thing I love to do and I’m proving I’m capable of anything every single day.
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 am an actor based in Los Angeles. I do hope to move into Producing and Writing as my career moves forward. One of my most proud moments of my early two years career so far is booking a role in an independent film titled “Reminisce” directed by the amazing Mädchen Amik. It was a brilliant experience to be a part of and I hope to continue those special experiences as the years go on. I believe want sets me apart from others is my drive and my determination with hard work. I remain enthusiastic with every opportunity that comes my way and I will stay humble and find blessings through everything I achieve no matter how small it may seem.
Any big plans?
In the future, I look forward to just telling amazing stories and bring the things that make me unique out for the camera and audiences to see. I do hope to inspire younger generations to show them that anything is possible and no matter what their dream is, they should go for it because dreaming is what keeps us moving forward. I also hope to create by writing and producing. I want to create opportunities for other artists and creatives because I feel that everyone has a story to tell.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: imdb.me/JarrettMateo
- Instagram: @_mateotheofficial
Image Credits:
Bart Mastronardi Photography
