Meet Gabriela Bonet | Actress & Singer

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

Hi Gabriela, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I’ve learned that pain is my biggest and most honest friend.
It’s the one that floods me with e-motion—a catalyst to keep going.
I’ve learned that I’m always going to strive for more… and when I get there—then what?

I’ve learned that life happens in the crucible of transitions.
I’ve learned what subversive means.
I’ve learned how to breathe. How to wait. How to stay present.
That it’s okay to be uncomfortable.

That in storytelling, my history—my past—is my present.
That imagination, as an actress, is more important than knowledge.
I’ve learned that I have to be willing to fail.
That I’m always expanding, and if I want to stay in tune with myself,
I have to keep up with that expansion… even when it’s uncomfortable as hell.

I’ve learned that I’ve spent so much time with myself… I might as well love myself.
I’ve learned that it’s never about me… and it’s always about me.
I’ve learned that I’m so strong, I could break myself.

I’ve learned that I’m just a piece of the puzzle—
but by discovering the many versions of me through storytelling,
by being brave enough to put on the armor and slay the dragon aka. the story-
by “going there” for the spectator so they can live it through me…
that makes me the piece.

I’ve learned that I have to reclaim myself.
I’ve learned that we’re on Earth. There’s no cure for that.

I’ve learned that as an actor, I am bigger than the circumstances.
And as the character, I let the circumstances rock me.
I’ve learned that I have to be—unapologetically.

I’ve learned that I’m not small—because I radiate the energy of a giant.
I’ve learned I’m not just nice or weak—
that the strength of true goodness in my heart is a powerful place to act from.

I’ve learned that I still have so much to learn.
That it’s not about how I am seen—it’s about what I see.

I’ve learned that fear is just fear. It’s always there—
and I don’t have to fear it.

I’ve learned that it’s not about “good” or “bad” acting—
it’s about being human.

That most of the time, I have to learn again and again: I am enough.

I’ve learned that faith is just another word for love.
That this is a marathon—not a sprint.

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’ve always felt that art chose me before I ever chose it. When I was around four years old, I had a deep, visceral fear of the dark and of death. I’m not sure why those feelings were so present for me at such a young age, but they were real and overwhelming. And yet, even then, I would find myself imagining a stage—bright lights warming my skin, a sense of safety and comfort washing over me. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but the feeling was magical. Looking back, I think my subconscious already knew: I was meant to be an artist. An actress. A singer. A storyteller.

My first official step into acting happened when I was nine years old in Puerto Rico. Acting, quite literally, arrived at my door. My aunt, a playwright, came over one day and invited me to play a game in my living room—what I didn’t realize then was that she was auditioning me. She gave me simple directions, guided me through a few actions, and at the end, asked if I’d like to be in her play. Without fully knowing what I was getting into, I said yes.

I was a shy kid, and that first experience pushed me far outside my comfort zone—but it also opened my heart. I fell in love with the theater, discovering many other parts of me, with connecting to people through performance. That love never left me.

It’s been quite a marathon since then. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in Puerto Rico, I discovered I could pursue a Master’s in Acting. I auditioned for several graduate programs across the U.S., and I was accepted into the School of Dramatic Arts at USC.

Every step of the way, art has found me—and I’ve answered its call.

Like any relationship, it has its ups and downs. But the feeling of serving a bigger purpose—like shedding light on a hidden story, giving voice to a muted experience, or reflecting society’s morals back to itself—is incredibly fulfilling. I get to learn, empathize, educate, and help people process life. I also get to know myself better through my characters, and that’s priceless. I’m proud of that—and also humbled by it.

It’s not an easy path, but it’s been a rewarding one. A journey of both light and darkness, joy and sorrow. I constantly remind myself to enjoy the journey and the process, because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s really about.

I’m not yet where I want to be in my acting career, but I believe the best is yet to come—and I’m genuinely excited for that.

Lately, life—and God—have been gently redirecting my path.
I’ve been singing a lot more, and it’s brought a whole new kind of fulfillment.

I’m part of a plena group called Plenazo Tribe, where artists from different parts of Latin America come together to sing folkloric Puerto Rican music. It’s been magical—deeply connecting, soulful, and joyful.

I also sing salsa every Friday at a club called Mama Juana in Studio City. Using my voice in this new way has brought me so much bliss and empowerment. It feels like such a beautiful gift.

Like I said—it’s about the journey, not the destination. And this part of the journey has been filled with rhythm, community, and unexpected grace.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I first read this question, the very first place that came to mind was the end of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk—where the fishermen go to fish.

That’s my favorite spot.

When you stand there, it feels like you’re flying above the sea. You’re surrounded by the open sky, the vastness of the ocean, and this quiet stillness that wraps around you. There’s something about that view—the way the sea and sky meet—that reminds me of home. I indulge in that beauty every time I go. It grounds me.

About Food…There’s an amazing “Tacos de Barbacoa” place -in a backyard like space- around S Vermont Ave. and W 91th St that open on Sundays at 8am and it only serves during the morning and it’s DELICIOUS!

Also there are other “special mentions” that serve great breakfast like: “Jack & Joe’s”, “Poppy &. Rose”, “The Rising Sun” & “Pink & Boujee LA”.

For lunch there’s a small cool bar called “Tirebiter Brewery” that serve a delicious “Cinammon Beer” and killer “Spicy/Sweet” Korean wings. Other great places are: “Tacos La Guera”on Maywood Ave. & “Pijja Palace”, “Sora craft Kitchen” & “Sabor Colombiano”.

For dinner a Korean BBQ place or for Pizza “Quarter Sheets” in Silver Lake, and for pastas: “Colapasta” in Santa Mónica…And for dessert “Salt & Straw”.

P.S. I love that this city has people and cuisine from all around the World. Just look around and you’ll find hidden gems.

And then—if you want to move, dance, and burn all those calories—you can come to “Mama Juana Nights” at Studio City every Friday! The energy is high, the music is live, and hips don’t lie!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my LA family and the incredible artists who continue to inspire and fuel my creative process. Thank you for being a constant catalyst and for proudly representing our Puerto Rican roots on a global stage. “Honestly Curious” @wearehonestlycurious & “Plenazo Tribe” @plenazotribe. Also a shoutout to the USC School of Dramatic Arts where I completed my Masters in Acting, “Little Light Venue” and their “Mama Juana Nights” and “St. Vincent School” for all your support and love!

Instagram: @gabrielabonet

Facebook: Gabriela Bonet

Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm5907955?ref_=kf_cancel_order#0

Image Credits
Julián Juaquín @julianjqn
Jenny Graham
Ceasar Osiris @caesaosiris
Corran Villalobos @filming.films