Rising Stars: Meet Gabriela Bonet of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Bonet.

Hi Gabriela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always felt that art chose me before I ever chose it. When I was around four years old, I had a deep, visceral fear of the dark and of death. I’m not sure why those feelings were so present for me at such a young age, but they were real and overwhelming. And yet, even then, I would find myself imagining a stage—bright lights warming my skin, a sense of safety and comfort washing over me. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but the feeling was magical. Looking back, I think my subconscious already knew: I was meant to be an artist. An actress. A singer. A storyteller.

My first official step into acting happened when I was nine years old in Puerto Rico. Acting, quite literally, arrived at my door. My aunt, a playwright, came over one day and invited me to play a game in my living room—what I didn’t realize then was that she was auditioning me. She gave me simple directions, guided me through a few actions, and at the end, asked if I’d like to be in her play. Without fully knowing what I was getting into, I said yes.

I was a shy kid, and that first experience pushed me far outside my comfort zone—but it also opened my heart. I fell in love with the theater, discovering many other parts of me, with connecting to people through performance. That love never left me.

It’s been quite a marathon since then. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Puerto Rico, I discovered I could pursue a Master’s in Acting. I auditioned for several graduate programs across the U.S., and I was accepted into the School of Dramatic Arts at USC.

Every step of the way, art has found me—and I’ve answered its call.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In my experience “The road” is simply the road; it’s the driver’s preparation and skill that determine the journey. I definitely have had my ups and downs. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and coming here I had to adapt to the language and to the culture and it was a little challenging at the begining. The struggle has been more within myself that with the environment. But uncomfortableness always makes me grow and expand. Also, the feeling of serving a bigger purpose—like shedding light on a hidden story, giving voice to a muted experience, or reflecting society’s morals back to itself—is incredibly fulfilling. I get to learn, empathize, educate, and help people process life. I also get to know myself better through my characters, and that’s priceless. I’m proud of that—and also humbled by it.

I’ve learned that pain is my biggest and most honest friend.
It’s the one that floods me with e-motion—a catalyst to keep going. I’ve learned that life happens in the crucible of transitions. Being an artist it’s not an easy path, but it’s been a rewarding one. A journey of both light and darkness, joy and sorrow. I constantly remind myself to enjoy the journey and the process, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s really about.

I’m not where I want to be in my career, right now. But, I’m also extremely grateful for everything that I lived. I believe the best is yet to come—and I’m genuinely excited for that.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress and singer, with my primary focus having been acting. Since graduating from the USC School of Dramatic Arts, I’ve performed in plays, short films, and commercials for brands such as “Ford”, “Tecate”, “State Farm”, “Rocket Mortgage”, and “Walgreens”, among others.

Recently, I filmed my first “Guest Star” role on the Amazon Prime series “Ballard”, an experience that was truly magical. In November, I also performed in “Mariology”, a devised piece I’ve been developing with “Critical Mass Performance Group” since 2019. The production had its East Coast world premiere at” Mixed Blood Theatre” in Minneapolis, followed by performances on the West Coast at “Boston Court Theatre”.

Lately, life—and God—have been gently redirecting my path.
Without actively seeking it, singing has taken on a much larger role in my life, bringing a new and deeply fulfilling sense of purpose. I’m part of a plena group called “Plenazo Tribe”, where artists from across Latin America come together to sing folkloric Puerto Rican music. The experience has been soulful, joyful, and profoundly connecting.

We are going to Puerto Rico now for “Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián” to play and also have a tour around the Island.
I also sing salsa every Friday at “Mama Juana in Studio City.” Using my voice in this way has brought me immense bliss and empowerment—it feels like a beautiful gift.

As I’ve learned, it’s truly about the journey, not the destination. And this chapter of the journey has been filled with rhythm, community, and unexpected grace.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
It makes me happy to feel the sun on my skin every morning.
The smell of rain.
Laughing with the people I love.
The warmth of my coffee tickling my nose.
Making people smile—or laugh—through my work.
Knowing I gave it my all.
The laughter of my students.
Going back home.
Hugging my parents.
Calling my mom in the middle of traffic so she can keep me company.
Giving a concert in the shower.
Singing in the car at a red light.
Good food.
Being useful to someone.
Dancing salsa.
Reminding myself to be grateful. Because to me, the simplest things are the most majestic of all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielabonet/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmbc20/?locale=es_LA
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/plenazotribe/?hl=en

Image Credits
Alessandro Elena
Corran Villalobos
Santiago Benet Mari
Rich Ryan