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

Hi Hugo, what do you want people to remember about you?
Oh man…that’s a big question. My response to this might change later but I’d want to be remembered as someone who built a massive career from the ground up while remaining grounded, helping others, and staying close to loved ones.

I would hope to encourage my nieces, nephews, godchildren, and others that they should go after what they want in life (professionally and personally). And for them to use their fears to fuel them and not to let anyone make them question their worth.

Additionally, I want part of my legacy to be someone who worked smart to fulfill his aspirations in spite of all the roadblocks. Also, to be known as a genuine person who successfully executed many of his artistic visions on screen as an actor and writer.

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 think my upbringing of having two deaf parents and being the youngest of four has influenced how I navigate through life. I grew up communicating in ASL, Mexican-Sign language, English, and Spanish and a lot of my artistic expression as an actor and writer is shaped by that.

For example, in the deaf culture it’s common to be very expressive physically and facially and that has been beneficial when I’m performing on screen. So in a scene I’ll naturally use that plus tap into the character’s state of mind and the situation at hand.

Some of my scripts and stories have deaf characters as leads across genres (drama, comedy, fantasy). I use my own experiences as a CODA (child of deaf adults) in my writing.

I still have so much I aim to do professionally like landing a lead role in a successful ensemble series. At this point in my career, I am proud of the fact that I have worked on multiple films that carry weight and significance to the writers and directors. I love being in stories that have complex characters, good writing, and passionate directors.

Starting out in the entertainment industry was not easy. I come from a working-class family and was raised in Dinuba, a small town about 45 minutes south of Fresno. I had no connections in the industry just my imagination and drive. After graduating from San Diego State University, I fortunately landed an internship with the Television Academy Foundation in scriptwriting and digital entertainment. So I had the opportunity to learn about the magic behind the camera to help me become a better performer on screen.

That eventually led to me working on various films and commercials. And through time, some casting directors became familiar with my work and continued to request auditions. That’s always a nice feeling whenever anyone wants to work with you again.

Additionally, what has helped me professionally is developing genuine relationships with directors, writers, actors, producers, and other creatives. Supporting each other’s work and staying resilient, disciplined, and creative.

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?
The arts district in NoHo is cool, there’s a lot of bars that I like

Idle Hour
(it’s a bar in a massive barrel, spacious with an indoor and outdoor area. They have live music some nights and I did their bottomless mimosas once.

El Tejano
Cool Tex-Mex bar with good music, and outdoor games

Kalaveras
Good Mexican food and drinks with big screens playing music videos that you can vibe to

Player One
Arcade Bar

Skinny’s Lounge
This place can get wild but it’s always been a good time for me

You can ride e-scooters through the arts district and nearby is the Ha Ha comedy club. Been there several times, always fun to watch stand-up comics do their thing.

Oh and I have to mention this great Korean BBQ spot in Van Nuys: Corner Grille. Sooo good. If you go, try their Kalibi Burger with their Korean BBQ fries. Every person I’ve taken to there loves it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Major shoutout to my parents (Oscar and Sylvia) and siblings (Liliana, Omar, & Emmanuel).

Since I began my acting journey, they never questioned it, made me feel incapable, or minimized the negative situations that I have encountered. Their support created such a strong foundation for me as an actor more than they know.

Me on the other hand…I’ve definitely felt like I was way in over my head trying to make a name for myself. But knowing they got my back keeps me balanced.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/itshugomejia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-mejia-3b174084?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Other: IMDb Profile:

http://imdb.me/Hugo-Mejia

Image Credits
David Lowe
Aimee Bringas
Jaynar De La Cruz
Mark Carmona

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.