Today we’d like to introduce you to Haysam Ali
Hi Haysam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Haysam Ali, a Brazilian-American actor with a deep passion for acting and connecting with people. My parents are immigrants from Lebanon and Italy, which has given me a pretty unique perspective that I try to bring to life.
I’ve loved acting ever since I was a kid. I’m all about telling real stories that make a difference and bring some authenticity to the screen. I think it’s important to help people understand the world a bit better through storytelling.
In 2013, I joined the cast of the Brazilian reality show A Fazenda. Living on a remote farm with 15 strangers for three months was wild, but I quickly I tried my best to be honest and transparent in the show. I believe it paid off, as it led to more opportunities in the entertainment industry.
After the show, in April 2014, I started hosting a TV show called Sem Censura (Uncensored) for R7.com, the online portal for Rede Record Communications in Sao Paulo. I had a blast getting celebrities to open up and share their lives in a fun and engaging way. I hope my charm and wit helped make the interviews enjoyable and insightful for our viewers.
However, I was still very young and did not know how the world really worked. I was going through a very bad depression that had accumulated throughout my life for being homosexual. My panic attacks were so intense I was scared to leave my home. So one day, I decided to leave everything behind and move to New York to start over. I spent nine years there, from 2015 until February 2024, trying to run away from my true passion. I worked a corporate job during that time, but acting kept calling me back.
In February 2024, I finally made the bold decision to quit my job and move to Los Angeles without any financial backup to follow my dream at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. The training at Stella Adler has not only transformed me as an actor but also as a person. The support I get from the community here makes a big difference and keeps me fighting for my dreams.
It’s been a year since I made that big move, and it’s been incredible. I’m excited to say that I have my first short film coming up in October 2024. This short will run through festivals all over the USA and carries an important message about childhood bullying and how it can change someone’s life forever. We want to bring awareness and help educate people through art.
I’m here in LA chasing my dream of becoming a great actor and hoping to be an example for others to never give up on their dreams. I know sacrifices are necessary, but they’re worth it. Right now, I’m just a small fish in the big Hollywood sea, but I’m a hard worker and I know where I want to get one day.
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?
I am very grateful, but journey hasn’t been easy. I have faced significant challenges, including severe anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. This was a time when mental health wasn’t as openly discussed or understood as it is today. My struggles with being homosexual added to the weight, and the intense panic attacks made it difficult for me to even present myself to others and find opportunities to work just to pay for my bills. When George Addair said “Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear” – it really is true, today I realize how much I gave up when I wasn’t mentally mature and how that affected my life tremendously, and all starting with an imaginary fear that we create in our minds.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As I previously mentioned, after over a year at Stella Adler Professional Conservatory, I’m proud to announce that my first short film is coming up in October 2024. This film will be featured in festivals across the USA and carries a crucial message about childhood bullying and its profound impact on someone’s life. We aim to raise awareness and educate people through art, highlighting how these experiences can shape and change lives forever.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Absolutely, people can reach out to me via instagram @haysamali
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haysamali.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haysamali
