Life & Work with Daniel Cohen of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Cohen.

Hi Daniel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Daniel, an LA local from Sherman Oaks. Ever since I was nine, I’ve had a love for acting. For better or worse, I was glued to the television, watching cartoons and becoming obsessed with entertainment. My summers were packed with theater camps, and I jumped into every stage production my high school put on. Continuing the dream, I earned my BFA in Acting from Emerson College in Boston.

I really love Boston and stuck around for a year post-graduation for some regional theater. That’s where I landed my first Guest Star spot on ABC’s “Body of Proof.” After Boston, I took a stab at New York. I struggled to find my footing and didn’t feel like I had a clear direction ahead of me, so I decided to return to LA. Once I got back, I redirected my focus to improv comedy.

Improv became my launchpad, opening doors to agents, commercials, and a whole network of amazing people. After grinding through a few years of commercial campaigns, I found a new home in voice-over. That’s where I really hit my stride—loving the work, the people, everything about it! I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible shows like “BIG NATE” and “LEGO City Adventures.”

Through this wild journey, I created Castingly. Acting can be a rollercoaster ride of inconsistency- I spent years exploring businesses for sale—usually laundromats or vending machine routes—something that could give me stability while chasing this crazy career. I stumbled across a Casting Resources website that didn’t quite pan out, but it inspired me to create my own platform.

I realized that most casting sites weren’t user-friendly or effective. Once I learned I wasn’t alone in this struggle, I jumped at the chance to build a modern website designed by actors, for actors. Which brings me to where I am today. I’m still auditioning and grinding in the entertainment industry, but now I have an even bigger goal in sight—Castingly. A platform that’s user-friendly and beneficial to anyone, no matter where you are on your journey.

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 don’t know any smooth roads in Hollywood. It’s definitely a business full of ups and downs. While I’ve been fortunate during the ups, the downs hit hard. When I booked my first guest star spot, I thought, “This is it! It’s so easy!” But then I faced almost eight years with no television bookings. When I landed my first commercial, I thought, “Alright! This is it!” But then, I went two whole years without any commercial bookings. Those experiences really help you appreciate the jobs and opportunities you do get—and for me, they built a continued sense of “What else can I be doing?”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a Voice Actor, I’m most proud of my work on “BIG NATE.” Being part of such a great show with a hilarious cast truly highlights my growth and passion for the industry. Beyond acting, I’m also really proud of my website www.castingly.com. I’ve never built a business before, so stepping into the unknown has its own excitement. As far as what sets me apart, I generally think life is silly and always look for moments to laugh, which is what truly connected me to comedy. But overall, I really believe that what sets us all apart is the same thing that brings us together—the blend of our unique backstories. My own experiences—shaped by the way my parents raised me and my time living in different cities—shape my point of view and find their way into my auditions and work. It’s the same for everyone, yet different in its own way. Beyond that, it’s just a matter of aligning your take on the character with the director’s vision.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My children and my family are obviously my biggest sources of joy. I have two beautiful boys who have brought me the greatest joy I’ve ever known. Beyond them, I find joy in being part of something successful—whether it’s a fantastic improv show, an episode of a great series, or any experience that fosters camaraderie. That sense of connection helps bring joy and confidence, affirming that I’m heading in the right direction. Plus, getting paid for your work is a pretty great feeling in this business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.castingly.com
• Instagram: @danielmkcohen

Image Credits
Christine Bartolucci, Stephanie Girard, Ed Krieger