Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Lopez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janet. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I used to model as a teenager and discovered acting throughout my endeavors. During this time, I was working for a local magazine company in a small town who originally scouted me through a modeling catwalk competition. Sometimes I would work with the talent. At one point, we were helping a director scout talent and one of the actors we requested did not show up, the director asked if I can fill in as an actor and to my surprise, he offered me a two-year contract to be a cast member in the theater production. This was my first gig as an actor and that was not really my intention during that time. However, I accepted the offer. And I am glad I did! It was so much fun traveling with a group of talented individuals and meeting new people during our performances. What brought me happiness was seeing the audience laugh and smile, I knew I brought them happiness and that made me happy. It wasn’t until it ended, that I yearned for more. Ultimately, I found a passion within the entertainment industry. I remember the realization I had, living the life of someone else felt liberating. Throughout the two years, I did a few commercials.
Later, I was working on a local cooking show on UPN13 as the co-host, but one day the main host did not show up, so the producer asked me to take over the show. After that, I became the main host for the next six months until the end of the shows run. It seemed that life was taking me under its wing, Anytime I was toss into a project, I would say yes and just do it, it felt satisfying knowing we created something for people to watch. Even though, I was not able to see people’s reactions immediately, I felt joyful knowing that they would smile. After this show ended, I stopped working in the entertainment industry. But It wasn’t long before I was scouted once again. I was at home when I received a phone call, a random producer was calling me… I know it sounds like a prank, but he was real and apparently, he found my information on the theater site, but my information was listed as talent and got confused. He thought I was an agent, so he ended up hiring me as an actor.
He also called me whenever he needed to find certain stores etc. After this incident or luck? I thought, maybe the universe is telling me something? I had my first film audition ever, prior to this was just getting hired by chance or by referral, and I landed the lead role. I remember memorizing the whole script, everyone’s lines and working on the script several days prior to shooting. I would arrive very early, and ready to film, I remember this whole experience was fun to me. I know I was crazy, right? After working on many sets now, I truly appreciate everyone. Also, I’ve worked behind the scenes because I enjoy working with the director during pre-production or during production. Additionally, working behind the scenes helped me understand and appreciate the hard work that many of us don’t really see on screen. Ultimately, my true passion is acting as it allows me to escape my reality and bring truth to the life of my character.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Acting is never easy. If acting wasn’t my passion, I wouldn’t be doing this anymore because you have to have thick skin, it could be humiliating at times and other times embarrassing. Unfortunately, there are some people in the industry that will try to take advantage of actors and it’s just a tough industry, if anything it’s beneficial to learn about the process and what is the norm to avoid sticky situations. Also, it’s like playing the lottery, When I apply for one role, they are seeing thousands of others for that same role and narrow it down to about twenty people to see in person or even ten, finally they pick one person for that role. So, the process is a bit intense, I learned pretty quick that you have to be ready to spend thousands of dollars throughout the year to keep your materials up to date and your craft. When I first started, I basically threw myself into the lion’s den, just kidding, but you learn as you go and really the best way to learn is on set. In the past, it was a bit of a challenge to balance my life with my acting career, especially if I had another job because you can be called at any given moment. I’m sure many actors can relate. Other struggles have been relationships, it does take someone special to date an actor and I’ve gone through a breakup because he did not understand the long hours, and jealousy was an issue with certain roles.
Please tell us about your work.
What sets me a part from others are my values, hard work and determination.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
When it comes to dating, I am super cautious. Personally, I will not date anyone who gets in the way of my acting career. If I can start all over, I would have only one career path verses two, since I worked in the healthcare industry as well. My dilemma is that I always had two passions, one was the medical field and the other has been acting, which I learned that I cannot let go of. Acting is always going to be a part of my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janetlopezxoxo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actorjanetlopez/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2647980/
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