We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Vaccaro Actor / Model / Writer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael Vaccaro, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Perseverance!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I’ve been doing this my entire life. I started as a child actor in New York City. I got my first professional acting job in the 1970s. I got here today by never giving up. It’s never been easy. There are always people who not only will not support you, but go out of their way to try to hold you down. It’s very threatening to some people when you take risks and live your dream. I somehow was lucky, maybe, and always was able to ignore all that and just keep moving forward. I knew as a very small child that I would never give up. And I never have. I figured out how to walk through my fear, and how to take care of myself. How to not be afraid of pain. We’re all taught that pain and conflict should be avoided at all costs. But, I’ve learned that dealing with the pain, looking at it right in the eyes, makes you stronger. It’s literally like growing muscles. You have to experience some pain in order to get bigger, stronger. Now I’m in a place where I couldn’t be happier about who I am as a person. And my career is in an amazing place at the moment. I have a horror film, “The True Blue Ripper,” that just was released on Tubi, and three other films that will be coming out in the next few months, “Eat Your Heart Out,” “The Other Side of Infinity,” and “You Can’t Say Here,” and I’m currently working on a new web series, “Good Werks.” One of the most fun jobs recently was a spectacular photo shoot with world-renowned photographer, Cody Cloud.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I was born and raised in New York City, so I love a city atmosphere. I really dig downtown LA. It’s got such a great vibe right now. So many great restaurants and clubs. I love a rooftop bar! Perch is still one of my favorites. And I’m Italian, so I love to eat, and Grand Central Market is great. I’m a vegan, and there are tons of options for me. Actually, LA in general is really a great place for vegans. Monty’s God Burger, the all-vegan fast food joint, is fantastic! I also love West Hollywood because it’s party-town, and I’m always pretty happy at a party. But I also love real LA chill vibe things, like the beach, of course. I would hate to not live near water. There are actually people who live their entire lives an never see an ocean. One of my goals in life is to swim in every ocean on the planet. I also love the Venice Canals, they’re so beautiful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dedicated to the greatest living actor, Al Pacino, who I saw in the play, “American Buffalo,” when I was a young man, which changed the trajectory of my life forever.

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MichaelVaccaro

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ABBmYG5PSdwAydSLOo82w

Image Credits
Thomas Rihs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.