Check Out Jon Awit’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Awit.

Hi Jon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey toward becoming an actor began in 2016, when I first moved to the United States. I arrived in Los Angeles with little more than a dream and a deep passion for storytelling. With no connections and minimal knowledge of the industry, I found myself navigating an unfamiliar city and culture.

Fortunately, two individuals—Caleb Pierce and Chase Del Rosario—helped me find my footing. Through them, I was introduced to church communities, acting classes and offered opportunities to work as a background actor in short films, major movie productions, television shows, and music videos. These early experiences became the foundation of a new life, one that balanced my creative pursuits with a full-time job in the hospitality industry.

The breakthrough came in 2023, when I booked my first principal role in a feature film: The Master Chief. This powerful trilogy explores the journey of a young sailor confronting racial tension aboard a naval ship. It also pays tribute to the resilience and unity of Filipino service members in the U.S. Navy. The first installment is now available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, with Part Two currently in production.

The premiere of The Master Chief opened doors I had only dreamed of—introducing me to a vibrant community of filmmakers and creatives. More importantly, it solidified a truth I had long believed: with hard work, dedication, and the right support, the dream of becoming a working actor and filmmaker is not only possible—it’s within reach.

In 2025, I chose to pursue another long-held aspiration: serving in the United States Marine Corps. After earning my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, I’ve proudly served for nearly a year. This commitment had been on my heart since 2016, and fulfilling it has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life.

However, during training, I suffered a shoulder dislocation that will soon lead to a medical discharge. While this unexpected turn brought challenges, it also offered clarity. I began reflecting on how I could merge my passion for film with my experience in uniform. That reflection became a new mission: to create a feature film inspired by my time in the Marines.

That project is now in development. It will aim to tell an authentic story about service—one grounded in truth, shaped by lived experience, and dedicated to honoring the bravery, sacrifice, and humanity of our military community. I am committed to producing stories that elevate the voices of service members and bring their journeys to life with honesty and heart.

This path has never been linear, but every step—whether on set or in service—has brought me closer to my purpose. I look forward to continuing to tell stories that matter, and to honoring the communities that have shaped me.

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?
Breaking into the Hollywood industry was never a smooth road. In order to survive and sustain my life in Los Angeles, I juggled multiple jobs while chasing every opportunity I could find. When I first arrived, I worked as a hotel housekeeper, eventually transitioning to a front desk agent. On days when acting roles were scarce, I drove for Uber, took on modeling gigs, and pursued any kind of work that could help me cover my rent and basic needs. Every dollar I earned went toward investing in my dream—paying for acting classes, professional headshots, and attending industry events where I could learn more about the business of film. Each hustle was a step forward, building both resilience and a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to carve out a space in this competitive industry.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As I prepare to transition out of the United States Marine Corps, I’m once again turning my focus to my work as an actor and filmmaker. While this chapter of military service is coming to a close, it has deeply shaped the stories I want to tell—and the kind of artist I strive to be.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is The Master Chief trilogy. Working alongside Director Chris Soriano and Executive Producer Hillary Soriano was a pivotal experience. Not only did it open doors for me in the industry, but it also helped clarify the kinds of stories I feel called to tell—particularly those rooted in military life, resilience, and identity.

What sets me apart as an actor is my willingness to take creative risks and fully immerse myself in the roles I take on. When I decided to join the military, it wasn’t just a personal calling—it was also a way to gain authentic insight into a world I wanted to portray truthfully on screen. I’ve come to embrace a method-acting approach, drawing from real-life experience to inform my performances and bring genuine depth to each character.

I’m not interested in being confined by what casting directors see in a headshot. I want to show Hollywood—and audiences—that I am capable of more than stereotypes or surface roles. My goal is to create and star in films that reflect the complexity of human experience, especially those often overlooked or misunderstood. The journey ahead is still unfolding, but I’m more motivated than ever to bring meaningful stories to life.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As I navigate both my personal life and career, my faith in Jesus Christ remains my strong foundation. I draw inspiration and guidance from Christian podcasts and through being an active part of my home church, Oceans Church in Orange County. I also enjoy industry-focused content like SKS: Where Working Actors Work—a podcast from Stan Kirsch Studios, where I’ve trained for over five years. I highly recommend Stan Kirsch Studios to any actor aspiring to build a consistent, professional career in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pro.imdb.com/mobile/name/nm11849721/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awitjon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JONELSALESAWIT/

Image Credits
Kate Kipfer
Dinara.Photos on instagram
Sthanlee Mirador