Meet Eugene Nova

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugene Nova.

Eugene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Los Angeles about ten years ago although it feels like two or three years. I moved here after getting fired from my truck driving job while on Christmas vacation. I figured what do I have to lose, and not much was happening for my music career in Detroit, so I just hopped on a plane. No job, Just a few hundred dollars in my pocket and said I would figure it out.

After about six months of managing a small four unit building, I was notified that everyone including myself needed to move within three weeks. I’m pretty sure that was illegal, but I don’t press issues like that. So I found a temporary place, and over the next two years, I started film school. I later bought a van and slept in it as I got my degree.

For some reason, while in school I was repeatedly asked by different people why I wasn’t acting and when school was over, I decided to give it a go. I started taking acting classes and learning a lot while trying to book gigs and freelance as an audio engineer. I began to rack up parking tickets on my van as many people do in Los Angeles and my van/home got booted. I was officially homeless. That leads to the next couple of years looking for meaningful work and sleeping on the Metro.

My mother and I had many conversations about me moving back home to “hit the reset button” but I wasn’t interested, and she was caring enough to be supportive while not totally understanding my position. I learned a lot about myself during that period of time. What really stuck with me was what I say to people when they ask me what am I gonna do about a negative situation. My response is usually ” Well it’s not gonna kill me.” I almost never stress about things.

When you’ve had nothing you get two things out of it: survival skills and the determination to never get back to that space. I’ve gotten to a place now where I’m confident in my skills as an actor and have booked several amazing jobs that my mother can now brag about to family and friends. The real pay off is for her to see why I stayed from the comfort of her living room. I’m also currently redecorating my apartment. My decor wouldn’t have worked in the metro.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think I may have gone out of order a bit. Homelessness has been the biggest challenge. I’ve lived in a van, on the metro, in an office building, and in an auto repair shop.

Trying to work and make time for an actual career can be tough, especially with rent prices in Los Angeles. I also lived in transitional housing twice. Once it was pretty cool. A few drug addicts and some really cool people.

The other time it was with ex-cons and a girl that made it very clear that she was interested when I got there. I don’t remember if she had been in prison. I was bouncing around a lot. Looking back it’s really hard to be focused when you don’t have a true home base.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m an actor and a recording artist. I’ve done multiple film and TV projects. I really love comedic acting although I’ve been booking more dramatic work. I also released an album last summer called “Trained to Explode.” It’s on all streaming services. I will always make music even if I don’t make a dollar from it, but I see acting as more of a career. I would do both for free, but I have to eat so, career it is.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success by happiness. Continued happiness for me and the ones I love is all that matters. I’m not going to lie. I like things. Homes, cars, watches, etc. But it’s just stuff. My family being in a happy space is what matters.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @novatheking1
• Facebook: Eugene Nova
• Twitter: novatheking

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