Rising Stars: Meet Asta Paredes of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asta Paredes

Hi Asta, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a first-generation American, born to two Ecuadorian immigrants. I had an unusual upbringing, moving between the American Southwest—mainly Texas—and Europe, thanks to my dad’s job. This constant moving around taught me early on how to adapt. My parents had high expectations but were also supportive of my artistic side, encouraging me with ballet and piano lessons. While school didn’t always challenge me enough, they made sure I was always stimulated with advanced courses, movies, book suggestions and of course travel. As a result I was always the kid reciting and re-enacting stories on the playground, but it took me a while to discover theater. After school, I decided to audition for the school play as a way to work on my speech, and I’ve been in love with drama ever since. It became the perfect outlet for my instincts and need for expression—a place where studying the human condition wasn’t just acceptable, but encouraged.

I went on to earn my BFA at the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater, then spent a decade in New York City. In NYC, I discovered my love for film and found a particular focus in genre storytelling, but what truly captivated me was the collaboration. Building relationships and crafting stories on screen has become a deep passion. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a project go from development to post-production.

Now I’m based in Los Angeles, where, despite navigating one of the darkest times in the industry, I’ve found an amazing community that makes every step of this journey worthwhile. I feel more connected to my purpose and have found the sense of belonging I’ve always longed for. Especially with my work at Latinas Acting Up, I feel a sense of reciprocity that is truly enriching my dreams.

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?
My career in the arts has been anything but smooth, but that’s where the beauty lies. It’s a non-linear splatter of seemingly random achievements and experiences. The real challenge has been staying true to myself and finding gratitude in what might appear as setbacks—seeing them instead as valuable enrichments that shape my journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actress and producer passionate about fostering connection and healing through my work. I frequently consult on projects and events aimed at inspiring action and engagement. My goal is to unite like-minded individuals and missions, ensuring the success of each story or initiative. I take pride in my ability to navigate diverse roles with a consistent focus on serving the narrative. Often, it’s a simple thread that brings everything together, and I take great satisfaction in finding that thread.

What matters most to you? Why?
Duende. It is defined in Spanish culture as a heightened state of emotion, expression, and authenticity—a certain soulfulness. Perhaps due to my own struggles with disassociation, I believe deeply in the importance of truly living and feeling. Art plays a crucial role in this experience, reflecting and intensifying our emotions. I see this as a vital aspect of our humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.astaparedes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astaparedes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstaParedes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AstaParedes1
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5168039/

Image Credits
Clay von Carlowitz

Luchastyle Studios

Heart of Heart Theatre Company

J.W. Hendricks