Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Yves Lessard.
Hi Sean Yves, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away… Wait. I think that’s taken. Either way, my story began like far too many stories in this country. In poverty. But what that did was instill in me a drive for more, for better and for a future filled with hope and success. I started acting at 12 in local productions and continued performing through high school Clearly bit by the bug. I went to college for music and shortly after graduation, I hightailed it to Los Angeles. I was convinced I would be discovered in a bank, walking down the street or ordering a latte at my neighborhood cafe. But, and this is shocking, nothing happened. I had no clue how the industry or the city worked. Needless to say, I barely knew how I worked. After about a year and a half in Los Angeles and only a student film under my belt, I applied to the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University. And in a crazy turn of events… I GOT IN. But that time of incubation, learning and growth set the groundwork for what would be a busy next 10 years. So, in addition to some lingering student debt, I also have a resume that I am very proud of. And now here we are. Today. This interview. That’s my story in a nutshell.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Was it a smooth road? No. No, it was not. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. The obstacles that feel as though they could break you often are the things that make you. Over the last 16 years, I have experienced, death, heartbreak, poverty, rejection, illness, anxiety, moving and… taxes. Among other things, I’m sure. However, the most significant struggle I have experienced, if I am honest, is self worth. Or rather, lack of self worth. Our concept of self worth is what shapes the world around us. How we see others and how they see us. Tangible obstacles are things that rarely have significant meaning in the grand scheme. They are simply a fact of life. But loving yourself and understanding your worth will color every experience and relationship you have. I spent years accepting less, questioning my intuition, allowing others to treat me terribly in fear of losing them. And it all boiled down to what I was willing to accept. And apparently I thought I deserved it. Not anymore. I have managed to dig myself out of the hole and I am never going back. I love myself. Every quirk, every flaw, every crack, every struggle. They are mine and I am proud of them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist it is often uncomfortable to say what we do or what we are pursuing. Because what we do is rarely tangible. It is often in the background. Our skill, growing in solitude or silence. But I’ve taken my artistry back as of late. I have worked incredibly hard and I feel as though I have earned my title. I am an actor and writer. I broke a sweat as I said that. Oof. But I am. I have had the outrageous privilege of working on television shows and in films with people I idolize and aspire to. I have worked on stages that make me shutter just to think back on it. And what a ride it has been. I would say, I am most proud. not of a specific project but of the perseverance it took to keep me in the game. That is probably what sets me a part. I am like a dog with a bone. This is my dream and nothing is going to stop me. However, I do have a favorite project as of late. I recently completed a film called “Enjoy Your Stay.” It is a 90’s nostalgia, psychological thriller and camp film all rolled into one. It will be out next year. I got to sink my teeth into a character that scared me, made me laugh, cry and explore parts of myself I was nervous to. It was a chance to get under the skin of someone who is wholly different from me. In the film/tv industry it is becoming more and more common place for actors to play roles that are mirrors of themselves in an attempt for authenticity. So, when an actor gets the chance to explore a human experience that opposes their own it creates space for real artistry. But also real empathy.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck. That is tricky. It is essential while simultaneously being unnecessary. For me, luck is created when an opportunity is matched by preparation. I have seen so many people experience opportunities but fail because they weren’t prepared. In my life I have had innumerable opportunities. Sometimes I was ready for them and sometimes I wasn’t. Luck is simply a byproduct of the right opportunity intersecting with how prepared you’re willing to be. So, for me, I try not to get caught up on how lucky or unlucky I am or others are. Instead, I try to focus on keeping myself sharp, prepared and available for when the right opportunity comes knocking. Because you never know when that will be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @seanyveslessard
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4499912/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_Sean%2520yves
