Today we’d like to introduce you to May Perez
Hi May, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is May Perez, an Israeli actress, singer, and dancer. From the age of 3, it was clear this would be my profession. Throughout the years, I always acted, sang, and danced wherever I could. Additionally, I focused my singing on jazz and soul, inspired by legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, and received an excellence certificate for a recital I performed.
After serving two years in the army, I went to study at a prestigious school in Israel for acting, singing, and dancing. Through the years I was honored to play exciting roles that I still feel privileged to have portrayed today. From the Duchess of Amalfi in John Webster’s play—a story still relevant despite being written so long ago, addressing women’s power and a patriarchal society, and what happens when a woman follows her heart—to the incredible character of Masha in the play “Enemies, A Love Story” by Isaac Bashevis Singer, which deals with trauma, survival after the Holocaust, and the journey survivors took after enduring the horrors.
I’ve also featured in the award-winning comedy show “Back of the Nation” and had a leading role in a prestigious short film called “the Battle” that discusses sexual harassment in sports and the culture of silence surrounding it , among many other productions. I also had the privilege of performing throughout South America—in Argentina and Brazil—which was a huge honor. I had the honor of being the face of a critical campaign to raise awareness about violence against women. The campaign gained such significant attention that one of Israel’s leading publications featured an interview with me to discuss its impact.
I believe I am a messenger, and the talents I’ve been given are for a reason: to do good, shine light into this world. I always knew my next step would be Hollywood. I speak three languages (Hebrew, English, and Spanish), and the international industry has always inspired me. Today, I have the opportunity to work on incredible projects in Hollywood. I can’t say much more at the moment, but there’s a lot to look forward to!
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 journey wasn’t easy, yet it was filled with magic and incredible moments. After all, that’s how life is. There’s this perception that this profession is not simple, but in my eyes, every path you choose has its difficulties and successes, its ups and downs. If anyone reads this and is unsure whether to follow their heart and chase their dreams, I would tell them without a doubt: do it! Just as there is a price for following your heart and achieving your goals—it won’t always be easy, of course—there is also a price for not doing it.
In my opinion, the main difficulty was when I took the step and moved to LA . The transition was a shock. Beyond the hard work on self-fulfillment, I had to survive. I had to adapt to life in a different country, to a completely different culture. This change wasn’t easy; it took some time. But on the other hand, it gave me great gifts. Today, I feel at home everywhere, and that’s a gift for me.
Additionally, the move gave me the biggest opportunities I could ever imagine for myself worldwide. I am thankful every day for my hard work and the amazing opportunities I’ve received and continue to receive daily. I thank god for the good people surrounding me. Overcoming difficulties is not just about your inner strength (which is a big part, but not the only part); it’s also about carefully selecting the right people to surround you. It’s important to be surrounded by positive people with good energy, ambitious people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actress, singer, and dancer; I do it all—films, TV, theater, and musicals. It’s something that excites me very much. I am grateful every day for the opportunity to move people, to help them connect and understand things about their own lives through art. For example, I participated in a play called The Laramie Project, which deals with the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old gay student. Beyond the fact that the production received much acclaim, the audience would come up to us afterward and share how deeply the play moved them and opened their eyes. It’s such a difficult and important story, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility to be part of passing it on. To me, being an artist is a calling. The fact that, through your profession, you can make someone smile, identify with and connect to what they see, or release tears and struggles they’ve been holding in their heart—you’ve already done something good.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I really love the city; you can feel its magic in every corner. This city is so special to me because of the opportunities it offers and the incredible people who come here. Moving to the U.S. allowed me to meet amazing, ambitious people, all with one goal—to do what they love. It creates a very unique environment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mayperezz?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabdiegXpvJ6gYD5kAhZXkuksXAb8mbFRerxrQYcVHpGBx6jCrBE01IsdKk_aem_sae3ZTLvxPHsPA2dhGOawA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayperezofficial/profilecard/?igsh=MWtveHBxd29kZ2djcg==
Image Credits
Photographer: Or Danon
