Meet Ivo Müller | Actor and producer

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

Hi Ivo, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Brazil. My father is the only among 10 siblings who had the chance to get a College degree. My parents came from rural towns to study in the capital and they chose to raise me and my sister in there, but built our house in a rural working class neighborhood, at the same time he and my mom worked hard to keep the kids in private schools.
I think I carry a lot of that, about being part of different worlds, the city and the countryside, the college education and the low income neighborhood. This upbringing gave me the opportunity to be in touch with people with different social backgrounds, and that complexity is part of who I am, gives me a personal point of view to use in my work.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
For me, what sets most artists apart are their unique background. Where I come from and where I grew up shape the material only I can offer to tell stories.
I owe my professional growth to collaborating with many people, especially in theater. For instance, performing in “Twelve Angry Men” on stage in Brazil provided me with valuable experiences and the opportunity to work alongside seasoned actors early on in my career. Being cast in “Tabu”, a feature film by Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes, was also a turning point. Filming in remote locations in Africa taught me much about cinema and the craft of being a film actor.
I don’t believe an artist’s journey is ever easy. It’s always challenging to pursue your passion, and as poet Rilke says, “everything that is profound is difficult.” I’m proud to say that it’s never easy, and that’s what makes it worthwhile. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the significance of teamwork, collaboration, and patience in both theater and film. Yeah, being patient is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned.

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.
Go to the Getty Museum, watch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, go to a LAFC soccer game, to the theater at the Pasadena PlayHouse.
I’d take them on a hike all the way to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a beautiful spot to reach on foot, avoiding the traffic and observing LA as you walk. At the Observatory, there’s that great spot to take a photo of the Hollywood sign and I suggest a visit to the planetarium as well. We could definitely grab some street tacos on the way home.
If possible, I’d drive a bit further to Yosemite National Park or Joshua Tree, some of the most beautiful places in California.

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?
If I were to choose someone in my field to honor, it would be my late friend and actor, Clark Middleton (Twin Peaks, The Blacklist). Clark was not only one of my sponsors on this journey to the US but also a mentor and work partner. He passed away during the pandemic, and I’m dedicating the one-man show I’m currently working on, “RILKE”, to his memory and our friendship.

Website: https://www.ivomuller.com

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

Image Credits
Personal photo: Jesus Rodrigues Lluch

Other photos: Phil Lavra and Isadora Relvas