Today we’d like to introduce you to Lou Acosta.
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?
I am a native of the Dominican Republic, raised in Bronx, New York. My journey with the arts started in the 7th grade when my Music teacher told me I should be a radio host because of my deep voice and presence. From that moment, my curiosity wouldn’t leave me alone. At home, I sang in front of my family and my grandma would tell me she was going to put me on TV; at the time Sabado Gigante, where contestants would sign for a prize. I’d imitate guys in Spanish soap operas and at one point I parted my hair to look like the protagonist. I was always fascinated with movies and TV shows. I’d get lost in it and always wondered if I could have that same effect it had on me. On TV I could be anyone I wanted, a doctor, father, lover, action here or a villain. early on I noticed how I related to all those characters and couldn’t imagine a better carer that would allow me to do that. I rapped songs for my classmates in middle school, but funny enough I didn’t see myself as an artist because I didn’t know what that truly was at the time. I thought you had to “make it” to call yourself an artist. I thought people had to call you that. It wasn’t something I even thought about. I applied for drama school but didn’t get in because I knew nothing about the industry then. I just knew I wanted to be on TV. There was something captivating about it; something I couldn’t articulate at the time. But life happened and after high school and few college semesters, I joined the US Navy, where I served for 15 years. After Honorable service and several deployments overseas, I decided to pursue my true passion; the arts. I started taking Meisner acting classes in San Diego while finishing my last tour in the military. I currently reside in Los Angeles and am a recent Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio Conservatory graduate (Class of 2022). I have done a few plays and have appeared in several Shorts, Commercials and Print Campaigns. He is passionate about personal development and prides himself in being a professional fun-haver.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. After 15 years I chose to separate and not retire in order to pursue my dream. I didn’t know how I’d financially support this new career, but I just focused on putting one step in front of the other and realized I didn’t need to see the entire path, just what was right in front of me. Just like I arrived without knowing a lick of English at the age of nine, I just needed to apply myself. I am proud of myself for having the courage to make that career shift but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Since then I’ve had loss, my brother in 2019 and most recently, my dad. I dedicated my last show to my dad. Ever since I started, he was very supportive and always offered encouraging words of wisdom. Another challenge has been getting out of my own way. I had this belief that I was too rigid because of my military experience and that I was maybe too old to start acting. The one thing I knew going into acting is that the HOW is none of my business, I just need to take action.
Fortunately, I have a great support group that consists of family, friends and mentors that don’t let me quit. We believe that if you put in the work, anything is possible. With the advice and coaching of my friend Dave Meadows, I decided to enroll in a 2 1/2 years conservatory at Stella Adler Art of Acting Studio to build the foundation of my craft. One of the greatest aha moments was when I realized acting and personal development are synonymous. From there I’ve felt like I have the blueprint; at least the one that works for me. If I take care of me, the rest will come. Mind, body and spirit. So I stay active, connect with people that inspire me and push me to grow, take time to meditate, journal and my hobbies. Also, most importantly, spending time with my loved ones. By now you probably noticed I’m incredibly positive person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Actor known for my discipline. Most believe it’s from the military, and perhaps a good portion is but most of it, comes from my grandmother. She raised me well. She woke me up early on weekends to clean, run errands and do laundry for the entire family; I preferred sleeping in and Cartoon Network but that wasn’t an option. Today I’m thankful for that discipline she instilled in me. She used to say, put in the effort to do it right the first time so you don’t have to go back and do it again. You want people to know you for your work ethic. I approach my acting work like I approach everything else. I am known for my kindness, big smile and often referred as a big teddy bear. I love to help others. I believe my discipline sets me apart from others; a can-do positive mentality. Personally, I am proud of who I am today. As for my work, I am proud of my work in the play The Motherf*ck*r with the hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis. I played Jackie, a former drug dealer who has just been released from prison to join the American workforce. I’m grateful for the cast and director that supported me through it as it was during a very difficult time in my life. Also, I’m incredibly grateful for the teachers at Art of Acting Studio and my close group of friends and loved ones that are always supporting me. Next up is to create my own content, stay tuned on my socials as I embark on that journey.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My peace. It’s priceless. Without it, I feel like I don’t operate at my best. And so that means prioritizing my own mental, physical and spiritual health. It obviously isn’t always there but it’s what I strive for. Having peace allows me to give more not just to my loved ones, strangers but also to my art. I don’t expect an entirely peaceful life because we all need a fair share of chaos but it’s what I strive for. The goal is to live a full life. To leave earth better than I found it. To pour everything I have in me. To better my family’s life. Fail a lot so that I can grow and become the absolute best version of myself. That journey will never end but I’m here for it. I love to improve and help others through it. It matters to have an impact. I may not change the world but I will spark the brain that will- Tupac.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_louacosta_
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10682244/overview
