The following Career Dispatch essay was written by Alondra Delgado, who stars on The CW hit “All American” as well as on the FX sensation “Mayans M.C.”
Acting has always been my passion. When I was 2 years old, would tell my mom I wanted to be on TV. I was born in Puerto Rico and started acting when I was 4, doing theater. At 7, I started on my first feature film. Acting was always something normal and fun as a kid. When I was in my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to continue acting and make it my profession, so I had to make a decision. One month after graduating from high school, I moved all the way to Los Angeles with many bags and one big dream.
‘Mayans M.C.’ Creator Kurt Sutter’s Requirements for the Audition Room Might Surprise You It was scary and difficult—I didn’t know anyone here! I didn’t even have headshots! In Puerto Rico I had done five feature films and a couple of TV shows so I thought it was going to be easier. It wasn’t. I didn’t have credits here and I wasn’t even part of SAG, so I had to start from the ground up. The culture was different, and it was hard to make friends that could relate.
After settling in, I got my headshots done and started sending hundreds of emails to get representation here in the United States. Many didn’t reply, but my current managers did. They believed in me and gave me a shot. Between getting my bachelor’s degree, working a part-time job, practicing my English, and going on auditions, I was going crazy! I finally had my first big break when I booked my first co-star role on “Mayans M.C.” That changed everything.
I got into SAG, started auditioning for bigger things, and soon after I booked another co-star role on Starz’s “Vida.” Working on “Mayans” was a great opportunity and it was a great experience to be on set with so many Hispanic people who were successful. It gave me hope and strength to continue fighting hard. Everyone was so humble and passionate. My co-star role turned into recurring, and I ended up being part of Seasons 2 and 3.
READ: How Fear Informs J.D. Pardo’s Performance on ‘Mayans M.C.’
There was a period where I wasn’t really booking anything and getting discouraged—and that’s when I booked my role as Vanessa Montes on CW’s “All American.” This role has changed my life and has made every single struggle worth it. Coming from a tiny island to a big city was a big change and I still struggle. I feel the responsibility of making my people and my family proud. But the struggle has made me appreciate every step a lot more and to be more passionate in what I do.
I always encourage others to fight for what they want and work hard. It is actually possible. It is not easy or fast. It is a process but a meaningful one, full of experiences and it is so worth it. I will always cherish my journey.
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