Conversations with Diego Fraustro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diego Fraustro.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has felt guided by a series of unexpected moments. My name is Diego Fraustro, and acting came into my life in a way I never could have planned.

I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, in a humble environment where I always valued education and creativity. Acting had always been a dream of mine, but I believed the odds were against me. At the time, I thought the only realistic path would be moving to Mexico City, which wasn’t financially possible, so I chose to pursue visual arts instead: graphic design, illustration, and photography.

A few years ago, I moved to the United States and had to start from zero, something I’ve never been afraid of. Through my husband and the community around him, I had the opportunity to participate in an event hosted by the City of Southfield, where actress Selma Blair was an honorary guest. This happened in May 2025. We spoke for a couple of days, and I asked her honest questions about her career, about the long hours, and whether she felt self-conscious watching her own work. That conversation stayed with me. Before we parted, she encouraged me to try acting and to enroll in classes as soon as possible.

The very next day, through a series of unexpected circumstances, I met Rob Winkworth, who owns Wink Talent Agency. I took it as a sign. I auditioned for him on the spot, and he decided to sign me. From there, everything changed quickly: auditions, acting classes, script study, and eventually, booking work.

Since then, I’ve worked on five commercials, four short films, one feature film, and a stage play. What started as a distant dream has become something very real, and I’m still at the beginning of that journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what has made the journey meaningful.

One of the biggest challenges has been starting over from zero after moving to the United States. Leaving behind everything familiar: my home, my family, my network, and any sense of stability, it all forced me to rebuild not only my career, but also my identity in a completely new environment. That process requires a lot of resilience and patience.

Another challenge has been navigating an industry I didn’t originally train for. I come from a visual arts background, so stepping into acting meant learning everything from scratch: auditioning, script analysis, and understanding the business side of the industry. There’s also a constant level of uncertainty that comes with it, where you have to stay grounded even when opportunities are not guaranteed.

On a more personal level, I’ve also had to work through self-doubt. Pursuing something that once felt out of reach can bring moments where you question whether you truly belong. But over time, I’ve learned that growth comes from embracing those moments rather than avoiding them.

Overall, while the road hasn’t been easy, every challenge has helped me become more adaptable, disciplined, and certain about the path I’m on.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor with a background in visual arts, including graphic design, illustration, and photography. That foundation has shaped the way I approach acting, because I tend to see performance not just as dialogue, but as composition: how a character exists visually, emotionally, and rhythmically within a scene.

I’m still early in my career, but I’ve had the opportunity to work on commercials, short films, a feature film, and theater. Through these experiences, I’ve started to understand the kind of presence I bring to the screen and stage. I’m often drawn to roles that require emotional depth, subtlety, and introspection. I’ve been told that I have a natural ability to hold space and bring a certain realism to my performances, which is something I continue to develop with intention.

What I’m most proud of is not just the work I’ve booked, but the way I’ve built this path. Transitioning into acting without a traditional background required me to be committed, adaptable, and willing to learn quickly. Every project has been a step forward, and I take pride in approaching each one with professionalism and respect for the craft.

What sets me apart is my perspective. Coming from a different country, starting over, and having a multidisciplinary artistic background allows me to approach roles with a unique sensitivity. I don’t just focus on performing a character, I focus on understanding them. When I’m assigned a character I would always do a thorough breakdown. I would explore the psyche behind it, their backstory, what led it to be in the position of the project. That curiosity, combined with a strong sense of discipline, is what defines me as an artist.

As for actual titles, I think I’m better known for playing Damian in ‘Biophilia’ directed by Stephen Caver. I play the lead character who is a narcissist and plays petty games with his love interests. I think something worth mentioning is that ‘Biophilia’ premiered at the ‘Motion Picture Institute Film Festival’, and I was awarded “Best Actor” by the committee. I also had the pleasure of portraying Pierre Michel, conductor of the Orient Express in a stage adaptation of “Murder on the Orient Express”. in which I also had another role which allowed me to show my range. One of the parts that I enjoyed about this project, was the opportunity to speak in a French accent for the majority of the show.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned several lessons along the way, and I honestly don’t consider one more important than the others, they’ve all shaped me in different ways.

The first one on the top of my head is that you don’t need to be fully ready to begin. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen before you start, it happens through the process itself.

I’ve also realized that while we may have ideas about how our lives will unfold, life often redirects us in unexpected and meaningful ways. One day, I am this person drawing furiously in his bedroom, thinking about making a living as an illustrator for hire in the future. Years later, I’m attending a film festival, receiving an award for “Best Actor”. And who knows what the future awaits!

Another key lesson for me has been that starting over is not a setback, it’s a skill. Real evolution often comes when you’re willing to let go of old patterns and rebuild from a new place. And by new place, I mean mentally.

I’ve also learned that self-doubt doesn’t disappear. Instead, you learn how to work with it and continue moving forward despite it.

And finally, I’ve come to understand that what makes acting truly fulfilling is not the outcome, but the ability to honor the craft itself. The process of creating and being present in the work is what I enjoy the most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fraustro.art/

Image Credits
1. Headshots with several expressions: Nando Garza.
2. Headshot wearing a white shirt with stripes: Nando Garza.
3. Editorial shot with crow: Nando Garza.
4. ‘Biophilia’ official poster: Stephen Caver.
5. Headshot with yellow background: Nando Garza.
6. Flood Law Firm commercial screenshots: Anthony Ernest Garth.
7. ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ stage play as Michel the Conductor: @bureaudetroit
8. ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ stage play as the Head Waiter: @bureaudetroit
9. ‘Biophilia’ screenshots: Stephen Caver
10. ‘Biophilia’ screenshots: Stephen Caver
11. ‘Biophilia’ screenshots: Stephen Caver