Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gatpo
Hi Michelle, 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?
Here’s my best brief walk through my story:
When my twin sister and I were four, we were discovered by a local photographer. He took a photo of us at a county air balloon event. Since then, we have been modeling casually for lifestyle photos.
After watching Spy Kids in 2001, my siblings and I were entranced with the kid spy storyline and the idea of acting. My sister really pushed us to delve into acting and modeling. Through high school, we went to a small modeling program. At the same time, we took acting classes in high school. Post high school, I moved from the Poconos, Pennsylvania to NYC to pursue acting. At first, I took commercial acting classes and participated in independent improvisation classes. I think the scams of agents and gigs pushed me into a different direction of going back to college and working in hospitality.
In my late 20’s, I realized that I was not happy with my life and returned to acting. It was almost a 10 year hiatus where I put acting in the back burner, thinking it was only a phase. But after getting back on the acting horse, I took Meisner and improv classes. Then, transitioned into full-time self-submitting to a myriad of various acting gigs. I have been doing this since 2020.
My overall goals are to be co-lead or lead roles in major, high-profile TV and film productions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh my goodness, no, absolutely not.
There were definitely a handful of struggles along the way.
I come from a family where no one took up the arts until me and my siblings. So, we had to navigate these obscure waters the best that we could.
We battled with scams, fake reps, people who only wanted your money.
We struggled financially, emotionally, psychologically.
We let down ourselves, but what was more important to us were letting down our parents.
But, we had each other to support, lift each other up, and encourage each other to keep going.
And that is all I could ever ask for.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am pursuing acting
I specialize in commercial acting although my main goal is to become successful in theatrical acting in TV and film
I am known for lifestyle commercials
I am most proud of having the strength to keep going
I maximize on my time, finding balance along the way, and making sure I live a healthy, active, happy lifestyle
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books:
Meisner Technique
William Esper
Michael Cain
Game of Thrones
Podcasts:
Meisner Technique
Speaking of Psychology
Think Fast, Talk Smart
The Mindset Mentor
10% Happier
Relationships Made Easy
Relationship School Podcast
Youtube
Interviews with actors
Actors Roundtable
Actors on Actors
Behind the scenes of TV shows and Films
People
My brother, Chris
All time best resource
Bible
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12844269/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.gatpo/?hl=en
- Other: https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/public-profile/0add06a0-03c2-11eb-95bd-0291f623b406
Image Credits
Gatpo Twins for Vogue by Jesse Martinez
Melynda Choothesa
Jonny Monasterio
Halls by Jared
