Meet Agustina Alvarado of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Agustina Alvarado

Hi Agustina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a Chilean actress and journalist who moved to LA to chase my dream of becoming a performer. My heart beats for thrillers, drama, and comedy—genres that not only captivate me but fuel my passion for storytelling. I’m always on the lookout for projects that push me emotionally and give me the chance to explore a variety of roles and genres.

Back in Chile, I was rooted in theater, but since moving to LA, I’ve been diving headfirst into on-camera work, which has become my true love. I initially came to LA to earn an acting certificate at UCLA Extension, and along the way, I’ve been lucky enough to meet amazing people who’ve become friends, mentors, and a source of inspiration. They’ve helped me build the confidence to tackle the challenges of this industry and made me feel less like a solo traveler in this wild journey.

Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy, but last September, I landed a role in a horror short film—one of my all-time favorite genres. That experience was everything I’d hoped for and more! Being on set reminded me of the magic of acting, how exhilarating it is to step into someone else’s shoes and bring a character to life in a story that’s so different from my own reality.

One of the most surreal moments of my career so far was getting the chance to be part of an episode of Grey’s Anatomy—my all-time favorite show—as a background character. Being on the set of a series I’ve admired for so long felt like a dream come true!

In addition to acting, writing has always been a huge passion of mine. Right now, I’m working on a blog where I share personal stories with a comedic spin, and I’m even toying with the idea of turning some of them into scripts. It’s a project that’s still in development, but I’m incredibly excited about it and can’t wait to share it with the world soon!

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?
Back in Chile, I studied communications and journalism, but I always had a deep love for acting and the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, opportunities in Chile are quite limited, and while breaking into the industry is tough anywhere, it feels even harder there. Even small opportunities are rare, especially in film, as the focus tends to be more on theater. While I enjoyed theater, it didn’t capture my interest like being in front of the camera did.

After taking a few acting courses in Chile, I realized that acting was my true passion. That’s when I decided to seek out bigger opportunities, more aligned with my desire to pursue film. I found an acting certificate program at UCLA and made up my mind—I was going to save up for it, no matter how long it took. But while I was working, things kept getting more expensive, and as the pandemic dragged on, the jobs I had were far from stable. Saving became harder, and my dream of moving to LA seemed more distant than ever. I had to accept that it would take longer than a year to get there and develop a patience I never thought I had.

For a year and a half, I worked various jobs, and when I finally had enough, I packed my things and moved to LA.

Arriving here can feel isolating, and it’s definitely not easy to start from scratch. During my first year, meeting people was tough, and many days felt heavy, especially being so far from family and friends. Another struggle has obviously been the language. I have a good level of English, but it’s not my native tongue, and people here often judge you for your accent or if you use the wrong term. I’m not too worried about saying the wrong word, but when an accent limits you for a role, it’s hard to accept that there’s yet another challenge to overcome when starting a career in a different country. Money can be tight, and the fast pace of life in this city can be overwhelming. As I’ve adjusted, every day still feels like a rollercoaster—some days are smoother, and I feel like I’m moving forward, while others make me want to pack up and head back home to hide under my bed.

That said, even though the road is still bumpy at times, and I know I have a long way to go, I love where I am now. I used to dream of being where I am today, and I’ve already achieved so much of what younger me once wished for.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Im a performer and I believe that what sets me apart as an actress is my determination and passion for storytelling. After facing limited opportunities in Chile, I made the bold decision to move to LA, working tirelessly for a year and a half during the pandemic to save for this dream. That experience strengthened my resilience and taught me how to adapt in challenging situations, a quality I bring to every project.

I thrive in collaborative environments, especially on small-budget projects, where I believe real creativity and growth happen. I’m always excited to meet directors, producers, and writers who are passionate about complex characters and emotional depth, because that’s where I feel I can truly showcase my range as an actress.

My background in theater gave me a solid foundation, but I’ve now shifted my focus to on-camera work, exploring new ways to connect with audiences. I also enjoy bringing a creative spark to every project. Whether I’m acting or writing, I love pushing the boundaries, whether through exploring intricate emotional arcs or weaving my personal stories with humor into potential scripts.

I think my ability to face challenges, adapt, and stay committed to growth is what makes me stand out. I’m constantly evolving and eager to work with others who share that same drive.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m still in search of a mentor within the industry, but I believe inspiration comes from many different places in our lives. I see how my sisters and friends work passionately toward their own goals and thrive when they achieve them. I watch my favorite actors and performers move forward in their careers after overcoming major challenges. Even when I’m at a coffee shop or on set, I notice strangers talking about their own little wins, and I choose to see that as an opportunity to view my life as an incredible journey—one where I can learn and grow at my own pace. Every day has the potential to bring a new and better opportunity in every aspect of my life, as long as I keep putting myself out there and working toward what I love and what my soul craves. So, my advice would be to look for inspiration everywhere, even in the people you never thought could provide it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chuchuagus.wixsite.com/agustina-alvarado
• Instagram: agusalvaradol

Image Credits
Steve hull and Helena Lu