Meet Paolo Laskero | Actor and Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paolo Laskero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paolo, why did you pursue a creative career?
It never really felt like an option for me. Of course it was, I had a very privileged upbringing and had every opportunity to choose something more stable. But I started acting young, and I could never imagine doing anything but telling stories. I didn’t always know what that would look like (and still don’t sometimes), but it never felt like there was any other path for me. To me storytelling is an essential part of the human experience, and to participate in that; to be a part of the conversations that help us rationalize why we are here, was a need more than a want. I’m still working on figuring out how to make that a sustainable career in our capitalistic, monetarily driven society, but I am extraordinarily lucky to be able to say that I am proud of the work I have done and the stories I have told.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think that there are a lot of aspiring artists/actors in this city that can’t say they are particularly artistically fulfilled by the work that they do. Between tedious self tapes, bit parts, extra work, commercials, etc, it can be an incredibly draining and frustrating line of work. I am extremely lucky to be able to say that I am incredibly proud of the work I have done. Since graduating college, I have put up a play that I’d wanted to do for years (as a producer and lead actor), directed two short films (writing and starring in one), saw the release of my first feature film (as lead actor), spent time as a teacher of the arts, and developed and directed an acclaimed one man show. All of which was done with very little money and resources behind me; just desire and the support of hardworking and talented friends and colleagues. And I’m really proud of all of that. I’m still working on finding ways to get paid for my work and how to market it to people. But I think that all I can do is continue to do things that fulfill me and build a body of work that speaks to my artistic sensibilities. As long as a do that, I don’t think any of the rest of it matters.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think the best thing about LA is that anything you could possibly want, this city has it. The city doesn’t always make it easy to find those things but it is out there. I love when people visit me here because I can cater the experience to the person. I live and work in silverlake and I think this is one of the most alive and vibrant areas of the city. There is a wonderful social scene, excellent food, great nature and hikes nearby, and close proximity to other interesting and exciting parts of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I was a kid, I loved swords. So my mother signed me up for a Shakespeare Camp because she saw that you got to decorate your own sword and learn stage combat. I came for the swords and stayed for the stories. So that’s why I am here. My parents have been incredibly supportive and I owe everything I have and everything I am to them. I am also incredibly indebted to the many teachers, collaborators, and friends that I have had the pleasure of working with along my journey.

Instagram: @paolo.james32

Youtube: https://youtu.be/cF2_1aFVIK4?si=jkFZmtiHbTYRi0SU

Other: https://youtu.be/h8jyJg_gJ8M?si=vNwyleYADZLPNRJe

Image Credits
N/a