Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Vildasol.
Hi Eduardo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.I joke with people that I’ve had a lot of plot twists along the way. Odd as it sounds, I actually started off as a marine conservation sciences student, and within a year (and several different majors later) I somehow segued into acting. Originally, I began with theater and found that I could dance well enough to land roles in most of the musical theater auditions that came along and so that’s how I managed to build up my first resume. Side note, I grew up doing ballet for a number of years but shelved that when I realized I wasn’t going to get any taller than 5’6.
Thankfully height didn’t matter so much when it came to being on camera. So, when I made the decision to give film acting a go, I fell in love pretty quickly with it all. There’s been twists and turns, but over the last few years I’ve had the pleasure of getting to act on network TV shows like “NCIS: New Orleans” as well as work on major campaigns for companies like Hulu, Nissan, and Whataburger. I’ve even had the pleasure of getting to voice recurring characters on animated series like “Aoashi” and “Requiem of The Rose King” with Crunchyroll, too!
Whether it’s in a rehearsal room, VO booth, or sound stage, there’s something fun about getting to “try on” different people’s lives and become immersed in their worlds. It’s part catharsis, part empathic, and in all of that you get to create something that hopefully has meaning and value to others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s had its ups and downs, but also filled with opportunities to learn along the way. I think for every actor it’s important to come to the realization that there are a myriad of factors beyond their control as to whether or not they will book work. I get it, it sounds scary and not the least bit motivational, but there’s redemption here.
Having worked in commercial casting and in front of the camera, I’ve seen first-hand a multitude of reasons why someone might not book a job and it doesn’t always boil down to their talent or ability. And while it can be tempting to obsess over why something didn’t pan out, it’s not a wise area to tread.
When we choose to redirect our energy and focus instead on what is within our power – our training/education, marketing, networking, creating our own work, learning to be present in all facets of our lives– it liberates us from trying to “get this or that right” and instead makes us stronger, more confident creative professionals.
For many actors, I think a big part of this work is learning to confront our internalized conversations surrounding fear, insecurity, and scarcity. We need to remember we are enough as we are. That’s not easy to do in a job that naturally has more rejection than just about every other field of work out there, but learning to surrender that control is like being able to drive without having the parking brake on.
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 actor and producer working across television, film, commercials, and voiceover. Believe it or not though, my professional journey started in the circus. I was fresh out of school and had the chance to join the ranks of a Canadian circus company. Almost immediately I went on tour for my first professional show. In every way, it was a dream come true. I met people from all over the world, saw new sights, and of course, had a blast getting to don crazy costumes while entertaining audiences. Looking back that still stands as one of the best and toughest jobs I’ve ever had – between living in close quarters with twenty-nine other cast members, intense daily rehearsals coupled with conditioning, and evening shows, I was fulfilled on a soul level, but also very sore! I remember waking up one morning on tour somewhere in the bayou of Louisiana, surrounded by beautiful marshland, muscles aching from the previous day’s show, and thinking, “This has been real.”
Shortly after, I packed my bags and made my way to Texas. Through trial and LOTS of error, I found my feet and while my journey hasn’t been a linear path, I feel lucky to say that I’ve been able to find my way on different sets for network television series like “NCIS: New Orleans”, “Queen of the South”, and “Lonestar Justice” as well as projects for film, commercials, voiceover, and theater.
I think the best part of an actor’s journey is being able to build relationships with other like-minded creatives through a shared passion for work. Maybe it’s cliche to say, but the energy of being on a set is such an invigorating experience and despite how hard the work can be, it’s a great reminder to keep your perspective positive.
Outside of acting, I enjoy volunteering with Plague Mask Players, a non-profit theater company dedicated to making Shakespeare and classical theater productions accessible for all through virtual programming and education.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Probably a little over the top. I grew up in a single-parent household in El Paso, TX. Most days after school my brother and I would be looked after by our grandmother who was religious about watching her daily telenovelas. We’d settle into her sofa still wearing our Catholic school uniforms complete with clip-on ties and watch re-runs of her favorite shows while we did homework. The show I personally latched onto was called, “La Usurpadora”. It’s kind of like “The Parent Trap”, but without the parents, and they’re much older and totally not appropriate for kids. That aside, it was rife with drama and stock characters and became a low-key obsession for me. Thankfully, my mom made the call to put me in acting classes and that obsession for drama made its way on stage instead of real life!
Contact Info:
- Website: eduardovildasol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduardovildasol/?hl=en
Image Credits
Bryan Chatlien
