Meet Ari Derambakhsh | Actor

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

Hi Ari, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Being fresh out of college, work/life balance is still something very new to me. Especially since my “work” is also my passion, it is easy for me to dedicate all my energy to it, only to realize I have no energy left for myself. To be an actor is to be a vessel of the human experience. So, in my eyes, one limits themselves as an actor if they dedicate all their time to working and stressing over the future. Actors are creative, and although work is a crucial puzzle piece to success, so is spending time in nature, or around those you love, or having organic human experiences! I often feel restless when I am not working. I crave productivity and am always thinking about my “to-do” list. As I navigate the world and post-college life, I am taking time to consciously remind myself that I am moving towards my goals even in the moments where I am not memorizing lines or filming an audition. I am just as complete of a human when I am resting, or laying under the sun, or enjoying the company of those around me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I hope for my art and creativity to always be based in truth. I am myself and I come from my unique line of experiences, just as everyone else does. Art is so subjective: different stories cling to different hearts. I hope for my art to always make my inner child proud, and to tell a truthful story that is rooted in an important purpose. I am at the beginning stages of my professional life, which is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. Through every challenge I’ve encountered, I have relied on my faith in God and been lucky enough to have the love and light of my family to push me forward. I’m sure the challenges will only get more difficult from here, but in each step I take forward, I like to remind myself how far I’ve come. Not too long ago, I was a little 4th grader squeaking out a rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in my school talent show. Now I’m here. A lot of stuff happened in between (obviously). I think about that with everyone around me. We only see people’s successes and highlights. Everything else is behind the scenes. Every step forward should be celebrated.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, where to start. Well, I’ll start with the most touristy thing I can recommend, which is going to The Hollywood Bowl. I become a nostalgic songbird every time I enter that place. And at that point, you might as well go see the views from Griffith Observatory and blast the La La Land soundtrack into your airpods. The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach is another great La La Land classic, and it has live music!!!

FOOD! As an LA Iranian-American, I shall recommend Raffi’s Place to you. Great kabob, great ambiance, but be prepared for a very long wait time. Another food fave is the hot pot spot at Century City Mall- Haidilao Century City. A great place to go with a group of friends.

If you want Malibu but better, go to Palos Verdes. It is elite. It has the best cliffs. It has great hikes. Boom.
If you MUST go to Malibu, then go to the Getty Villa while you are there. Beautiful art and beautiful ocean views!

And then to tie it all with a bow, I of course recommend Disneyland (if you feel like spending a lot of money). It is the joy of my childhood, so I must throw it in. And get a Dole Whip. And a clam chowder bread bowl.

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?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family. Their constant support and love gives me belief in myself and my abilities, and reminds me of the human I am. And of course, my biggest shoutout goes to God. Faith and hope have brought me to where I am today, and the constant miracles around me will always keep me pushing forward.

Website: arideram.com

Instagram: @arideram

Image Credits
Diarmaid Browne, Deven Photography, Alexander Safdie, Chris Jon Photography