Meet Graciela Cuevas | Actress

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

Hi Graciela, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I always joke and say I had an epiphany but I truly did. Many smalls moments in my life planted seeds that led to the moment I decided I was going to pursue a creative career but Margot Robbie sealed the deal. Growing up in a small town, my options were laid out as school or sports and so I did that. I played whatever sport I was any good at and did my best in school but that never sparked anything in me outside of wanting to satisfy my parents who worked so hard to give me a decent upbringing. Reflecting back, I remember that I truly honed in on storytelling/reading and art class. I could get lost in those topics but I never realized they would be a part of me and my career path. I grew up going to the movies and remember I would have my mom take me to the mall to watch movies by myself. The cinema was a world I could get lost in and forget about the world. I love using pieces of me and discovering parts of me to reveal stories and art. Stepping into somebody else’s shoes for characters has been challenging and shaped my empathy for others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Acting allows me to explore myself, even the ugly parts, which makes this art so freeing and unique for anyone who embraces it. No one person does this the same. There’s a literal switch that happens in my soul and body when I am bringing a character to life because I am there to service the story but sometimes it’s incredibly difficult because it calls me to reveal something that maybe I’ve buried or haven’t reconciled with. It’s exciting and therapeutic to see that I’m not so different from others. My journey hasn’t been linear. There have been a lot of ups/downs, mistakes, self doubt and endless rejection. The best way I overcome the challenges it to continuously reflect on my journey. I have to constantly remind myself to take breaks and look back at how far I have come. I have a journal that I started writing in back in 2017 and the initial entries were quite dark and I almost burned it years ago… but now I look at it as a constant reminder of the growth and breaking through self imposed barriers. The best lesson that I have learned thus far is that you can literally do anything you set your mind and heart towards. I know that seems quite vague or cliche but if you continue to do something, it is inevitable that you will become better. It is inevitable that you will see growth overtime, you just have to do it. Find whatever it is that you can’t walk away from and do it. Be bad at it and don’t be afraid to make a literal fool out of yourself. There’s growth in the awkward and discomfort but there’s gold on the other side of that which is unique to the individual. I want people to know that I’m just a small town girl, living in a lonely world!!!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Breakfast would be Beachwood Cafe (not because of Harry Styles haha) but because it’s nestled in old Hollywoodland/Beachwood Canyon which has some wonderful history and beautiful homes/views. Also, their food is amazing so that’s a plus! If it’s summer time, Malibu State Creek Park and if it’s winter time, then up in the mountains to Big Bear to hit the slopes. That’s what is so special about California…. you can be in the mountains in the morning and the beach by nighttime. I would treat them to my favorite street tacos which is the little stand in front of Smart&Final in K-town. Best al pastor tacos hands down!!!! Sweet treat would be Bumsan soft serve ice cream for their taro flavor. That is a staple. Musso & Frank in Hollywood has the best dirty martini’s for somebody who loves a classic cocktail and old Hollywood vibe. They would be forced to attend a comedy show!!!! Comedy store or Laugh Factory have so many shows and great performers and for such reasonable prices too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, God! Then, the beginning push to pursue my acting fully is thanks to my two dear friends Grace and Maxx. We were in Lake Tahoe for my birthday years ago and I was in a dark and lost place. I shared with them my passion and love for this craft and for the first time, I felt seen. They saw me speak of it in a way that they had never seen me speak about anything and quite frankly, to hear myself say it out loud, I realized I had never shared it in this way. I am also incredibly blessed to have a huge, loving and supportive family. No matter what crazy journey I have chosen to embark on, I always knew that if I ever failed there would be a group of people there to catch me. And of course, my big brother Tony and my cousin Celeste. These 2 are my literal voice of reason. They always remind me to be grateful, slow down and embrace how much I have accomplished. Most importantly, whenever I start to doubt myself they are there to give me some seriously needed tough love. There is nothing I can’t do without these 2 always bringing me back to earth and quieting that voice in my head.

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

Image Credits
Matt Marcheski
Rex Lloyd