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Life & Work with Jovan Armand of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovan Armand.

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 started acting when I was about 8. My first job was a commercial — I had a principal role and everything. But when it aired, my scene was completely cut… all you could see was my arm (laughs). I wasn’t even mad though — I just asked my mom, “Did I still get paid?” That’s when we knew I was in it for the long haul.

From there, I did a short film, and things started building. I got into TV, film, commercials and voiceovers — just kept learning and growing. Landing Shazam! as Pedro Peña was huge for me. It gave me a chance to represent something real for kids who don’t always see themselves on screen.

As for music… at first, I wasn’t about it. My mom tried to push me toward it and I straight-up told her, “That’s your hobby, not mine.” (laughs) But she’s smart — she got a friend of ours to ask me to play him as a kid in a music video. I had to learn the rap for the shoot, and honestly? I had a blast. That was the first time I realized music could be mine, too. After that, I started writing, recording, and now it’s just as much a part of me as acting.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road — but it’s been worth it. I was raised by a single mom who made a huge sacrifice early on. She actually walked away from her own career to help me follow mine when she saw how much I lit up in front of the camera. That kind of support means everything, especially in an industry that’s not easy to break into.

One of the hardest parts was school. I was bullied a lot growing up, and honestly, it got worse after my first commercial aired. Kids would act like it was cool in front of teachers, but behind the scenes it was a whole different story. Jealousy, teasing, just feeling like I didn’t really belong.

But even with the challenges, I’ve been blessed to do what I love from such a young age. Every setback just gave me more reason to prove I belonged — not just on screen, but in music and everywhere else I show up.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor and recording artist — most people know me as Pedro Peña from the Shazam! movies, which has been such an incredible experience. But I’ve actually been acting since I was a kid, and I’ve done a little bit of everything: comedy, drama, voiceovers, you name it.

Music is the other side of what I do. I started taking it seriously around 15, and now it’s one of my biggest passions. I write my own lyrics, I rap, I record — and I use music to talk about real stuff that people go through. I don’t put myself in a box, and I think that’s what sets me apart. Whether I’m in a movie or dropping a song, I’m always trying to bring something honest and relatable to the table.

What I’m most proud of is just how far I’ve come — not just career-wise, but personally. I’ve stayed true to who I am. I didn’t let the industry change me or the hate stop me. I’m still learning, still evolving, and still showing people that you don’t have to look or sound a certain way to make an impact.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’d just say this — if you’re chasing something that makes you feel alive, don’t let fear or people’s opinions stop you. Whether it’s acting, music, art, whatever… your story matters. Even if it takes time, even if it’s not perfect, keep going.

Also, big shoutout to everyone who’s supported me along the way — my mom especially. None of this would’ve happened without her. And to the readers out there: thanks for taking the time to get to know a little more about me. More music’s on the way, and I’ve got some acting projects coming up too — can’t wait to share what’s next.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jared Kahn
James Marchioni
Virginia Cornejo

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