Meet Jakob Zermeno | Actor & Artist

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

Hi Jakob, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursue a creative career because nothing makes me happier. I have worked several other jobs, labor jobs, desk jobs, and sales jobs, and they all make me feel stuck. I feel like I’m just some robot doing what I am told with no control or freedom to express myself and release my inner feelings or thoughts. Once I started pursuing my creative side and art I felt in control. I felt free. Even with acting. Yes, I am following someone else’s writing, listening to the Directors’ notes, but the emotions and thoughts of the character are entirely up to me. No one else will wear that character the way I do.

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.
The journey to where I am today has not been easy. It is still not easy. The only way to overcome the challenges and the random thoughts of, “Maybe I should move to another state and make a decent living until I die,” is by remembering why I am an artist. Acting is my true passion. It brings me so much joy and freedom. The way actors can make you feel stronger, brave, happy on bad days, and even sad when you need a good cry, is beautiful. We all have a comfort show we go to when we need a good laugh or feel lost or alone. I want to be able to bring those same emotions to people around the world. Make some kid in a small town feel motivated to try something new, or show someone they aren’t alone in their struggles. That’s what drives me through the difficulties of this career.

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.
I think one of the best pots in LA is Griffith Park. Taking a nice hiking trail and being able to overlook the city after walking through nature is needed when you’re normally seeing traffic and people focused on getting from point A to point B. I’d also take them to some of my favorite spots such as seeing a small concert at Hotel Cafe, grabbing a beer at Tony’s Darts Away, and maybe taking the advice Aaron Paul gave me and grabbing some coffee and watching the LA Philharmonic rehearse at the Hollywood Bowl.

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?
I would like to dedicate my Shoutout to my mom. I would not be where I am without her. When I first expressed an interest in acting I was still a child. My mom is the one who took her own time to research the industry and find the best ways for me to get into it. She found my first acting classes. She found out how I can sign up for background work. She even found out how to get my first agent and manager. She even found the acting coach I am still with today, Joshua Lebar. Even to this day, and throughout the 10 years I have been in this industry, my mom expands her knowledge of this industry and helps give me advice and suggestions on how to grow my career. I love you mom and I am forever grateful.

Website: IMDb.me/JakobZermeno

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