Meet Denise Vasquez
We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Vasquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Denise, what makes you happy? Why?
Living life to the fullest, and making the most of every moment, every day makes me happy. Every moment that I’m able to do what I love and love what I do makes me happy. Why? Because the only thing we are guaranteed in life is this moment! We all have the opportunity to make conscious decisions on living the life we imagine. For me, I see every moment as an opportunity, and I make the choice to do things that make me happy, put myself in environments that make me happy, and surround myself with people that make me happy. Standing up again literally makes me happy! Being an actress makes me happy. Working on movie and TV sets makes me happy. Doing stand up comedy makes me happy. Performing on stage makes me happy. Writing makes me happy. Singing and playing my guitar makes me happy. Being in a relationship for 20 years with the man of my dreams makes me happy. Talking to my mom makes me happy. Doing photography, especially photographing the Milky Way makes me happy. Traveling and experiencing new places and people makes me happy. Going for walks in nature makes me happy. Being on the water kayaking makes me happy. Collaborating with and being around like minded, creative, positive, professional, kind people makes me happy. Listening to music makes me happy. Love makes me happy! I’ve overcome many challenges in life which have not only made me stronger, wiser, and more grateful, but the journey has shown me just how precious and valuable every moment in life really is. Life is short. Be happy!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist who creates because it is a part of my being. I’ve been performing on stage, and have been self aware since I was 4 years old. I’m 56 now, and I’m not afraid to say how old I am, because for me age is just a reminder of where I’ve been and where I am. Life is my canvas and the mediums that I use to express myself (Acting, stand up comedy, writing, singing, playing my guitar, making art, doing photography…) are all colors on my palette. Creating is like breathing for me. I create because it makes me feel alive, happy and fulfills me. My journey has never prioritized getting trophies, awards or needing outside validation to exist. Although I must admit, getting recognition and acknowledgement for my work, feels good, and does matter when it comes to opening doors and more opportunities. My journey has not been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything I’ve experienced has led me to becoming the woman I am today. Sometimes we may not understand why we go through the things we go through until later. But when I look back to see how far I’ve come, I understand my purpose. With every moment, every experience, every challenge, every achievement, there comes not only growth, but a new perspective. I’ve never taken short cuts because I don’t want to miss out on the lessons in my journey. Life is our greatest teacher. We can learn so much from just being, if we are open, focused, and fully present. Even with all the obstacles, I’ve soaked up every moment like a sponge. When I realized nothing is perfect, we are not perfect, life is not perfect, art is not perfect…life got a lot easier and even more fun. I love the phrase “Art is life, and life is art” because life is what you make of it, and so is your art. I am my art. My art is a reflection of who I am and the life that I’ve lived. I’ve put myself, my life, my personal experiences into all of my creations (My stand up comedy, my words, my acting, my songs, my poetry, my articles, books, content…). I take pride in digging deep, looking at my life and myself, while putting out my truth of what I’ve lived, especially when I create. We live in a world where so many people are using AI as more than a tool or a shortcut: to plagiarize, to steal other peoples art or words, just to make a quick project or buck. Personally I’ve been on a lifelong journey of self discovery and having fun sharing what I’ve learned on this crazy roller coaster called life, while trying to show through my art the truths that I’ve discovered along the way. That is the type of artist, performer, writer, creator I have always been and am to this day. I prefer to the beautiful things in life that are real. I love how I look at my age, I love having my own thoughts, and I love sharing real moments in my life that I’ve experienced. That’s what has always helped me stand out. Never changing who I am to fit in, staying true to who I am to stand out, by being my unique self, having integrity and character. I’ve always worked hard, studied, and continue to stay focused on accomplishing my goals. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done my entire life, and continue to do, to get to where I am today.
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?
There’s so much to do in LA, it’s hard narrowing everything down to one week but if my best friend was coming to town I would take her to all of my favorite places that are still around:
I would take her to comedy clubs to get our laugh on: “The Ice House”, “Flappers Comedy Club”, “The Improv”, “Largo”, “The Laugh Factory”, “Westside Comedy Theater” and “The Comedy Store”. For some magic we’d go to The Magic Castle. We’d look at the stars on the Hollywood walk of Fame, do a “Starline Tour”, check out movie locations, and catch a movie at “TCL Chinese Theatres”. I’d take her to see the Hollywood Sign, Bat Cave and the Griffith Observatory. We’d go for a hike in Runyon Canyon, drive around Laurel Canyon head to Universal Studios and do the studio tour. We’d also drive up Mulholland Drive, venture around Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, check out some art galleries. I’d take her to experience concerts at the “Greek Theatre”, the “Hollywood Bowl”, “The Wiltern”, “El Rey Theatre”, “The Roxy”, “The Whiskey A Go Go”, or the “Troubadour”. For dining, there are so many delicious places to eat, but I’d take her to all my favorite places: Take in the history and cool vibes at “Barney’s Beanery”, “Toi on Sunset”, “Mastro’s Steakhouse”, “Musso & Frank Grill”, “Yamashiro Hollywood”, “The Rainbow Bar and Grill”, “El Compadre restaurant of Hollywood”, “Birds”, and “Jones”. We’d take a day to venture to the Westside, head to the Santa Monica Pier, soak up the sun, walk around the Venice Canals, walk around Venice Beach, watch the sun setting on the day, and make our way back to Hollywood for a night cap at The legendary “Frolic Room”, ”Power House”, or “Boardners”.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a Shoutout to everyone who has ever believed in me, encouraged me, inspired me, uplifted me, and shown me love and support over the years. Shoutout to my biggest supporter, my mom who has always believed in me and has showed me that anything in life is possible if I work hard, stay focused and believe to achieve. Shoutout to my partner of almost 20 years who has believed in me, supported me, and inspired me beyond words. Shoutout to all of my teachers who saw something in me and encouraged me to live my dreams. Shoutout to all of the talent agents, bookers, casting directors, directors, producers, comedy clubs, theaters and venues… who believe in me, who have given me the greatest opportunities to produce, host and perform. Shoutout to all of my family, friends, fans, and followers who show support not just online but in person at my shows. It is because of all of the incredible people in my life that I continue to dare to dream and live it! Thank you!
Website: https://www.DeniseVasquezEntertainment.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DeniseVasquezOfficial
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-vasquez-907b9b336/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseVasquezEntertainment
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@scenearios
Other: Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/artist/denise-vasquez/65367480
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1FRiEmi8wonS0RqhklsOFT
Amazon Music https://www.amazon.com/Frame-Mind-Denise-Vasquez/dp/B0015O8B88
Image Credits
All photos taken by Randy Martinez
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.
