Meet Crystal Bernardo | Actor & Media Creator

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

Hi Crystal, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My mom told me that on the day I was born, her doctor joked about wanting to be my talent manager when I grew up. I feel like the course of my life never strayed far from naturally gravitating toward the idea: singing lessons, Colorguard, making silly YouTube videos, becoming the president of my high school’s Drama Club, writing my own music, executive producing my university’s TV station, graduating film school, and eventually, pursuing acting as a career. My life has never not been about art.

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’m a 22-year-old rising actor based in the LA Metropolitan Area. Throughout my time in college, I led two short films – one of which (Take Care, directed by Hayley Garcia) has been selected by four film festivals and counting. The Amor Film Festival recently awarded me “Best Actress” in August for my performance, which is still very surreal. My acting has always been so personal to me, and I love stories like Take Care because they’re so grounded in real life. I think, in life, I have a lot of reservations and nowhere to put the remaining energy. I think acting is so beautiful in the way that it intertwines the imaginary with humanity. It allows me to access my already wide range of emotions and give them space to live through me. It’s chaotic, cathartic…even therapeutic.

Aside from acting, my YouTube channel has gained over 1.2k subscribers, and I also write music. Although I don’t have any music out right now, I feel like it is still a big part of who I am as a creator, and I’ve made some good relationships with people who inspire and guide me in that realm.

I’ve always felt a little outcasted because I’ve never had a “niche” – especially studying film in college. Everyone wanted to be a DP, writer, editor, G&E, production designer, etc. I was always like – what the hell is my niche? Why couldn’t I stick to one thing? Made me feel like I fell into the trap of “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.” However, recently, I talked with a wise man – older, much more experienced in this industry. He told me how that’s not such a bad thing and reintroduced it as: “Jack of All Trades, Master of Integration.” I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. My growing knowledge in all parts of making a film (or any art for that matter) all coincide and, if anything, uplift one another to strengthen the project. So, no, I may not be the next world-renowned director, but as long I can create and touch others the way stories I love have touched me, that will always be what I do it for.

Getting to where I am today was definitely not an easy climb, and it’s a constant one for this industry. There’s always room for growth, learning, and inspiration. I’m still in the process of finding my footing here. However, for the things I have accomplished, I would say stay true to who you are (like, cling on tight), and the right people will see you. I struggle with anxiety and depression and, recently, a breakup. It’s hard. And it’s hard not to make it feel like it defines me, especially after losing some meaningful people who didn’t align with me after a while. Comparing myself to others is a whole different beast. Sometimes, it all feels impossible. But fill your cup with the things that make you, you. You are more than what anyone says or can make you feel. Call someone you trust. Give yourself grace. You are only human. The good thing is – we all are. I wholly believe authenticity perseveres.

Another lesson I’m currently learning is you gotta be brave. Starting new can be terrifying. I mean, I always found comfort in what I knew, even if it hurt me. But it’s true that sometimes we have to let go of what was to make room for what will be. I’m at a time in my life where everything is new. I’m taking it day by day, sometimes even by the hour. Not as bad as I’ve made it out to be.

Oh, and be kind.

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?
For sure taking them to Tacos Los Cholos in Fullerton/Anaheim for probably the best tacos they will ever have. And I stand by that. And because I’m more biased towards OC, I’ll keep the theme. I’ll take them to Downtown Disney because that’s the closest we can get to feeling like we’re in Disneyland without buying tickets. Then maybe head to Seal Beach to watch the sunset and hit up The Abbey afterward for some bomb burgers. (Or Newport for Seaside Donuts!)

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?
My immediate family has always been my biggest supporter. I have them to thank for their unconditional love, which translates into my resilience. I also want to shout out some of my friends: Scarlett, Mckayla, Yvette, Kayla, and Willy (to name a few), my mentors from Titan TV, and my past director, Hayley Garcia (who secretly submitted me for this!).

Oh! And my therapist. She gets the worst of it, haha.

I could never be the person I am without the ones helping me behind the scenes.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalbernardo_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crysbern/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crysbern

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@crystalbernardo

Image Credits
IG: @zachariah_shoots

IG: @eleanorwang0108

IG: @amorfilmfestival