Meet Jared Perez-DeBusk | ASL Professor/Consultant & Actor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jared Perez-DeBusk and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jared, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Growing up in a small conservative town in Florida as a Gay-Deaf individual, I had a bucket full of reasons why I should just give up everywhere I went. If this bucket would get a little glimpse of hope in there, almost everyone around me was sure to help refill it with doubt.
“Giving-Up” in this context meant that I had to accept that maybe the dream of acting in Hollywood is not meant for me, and maybe it’s time to roll up the sleeves and join the family construction business.
Luckily knowingly/unknowingly I’ve learned how to surround myself with a healthy support system; a variety of special individuals who were there to help me punch holes in that bucket.
If I had to give one advice to my younger self it would be to never give up. Even if you suck and your singing career will not bring you to Vegas, it might still bring you joy, and that’s the most important experience in this lifetime.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
These days I’m working on a few exciting projects with some amazing people. I also work hard in trying to create more opportunities for Deaf actors, by spreading awareness and working on set.
When I’m not being creative on set, I get to help shape some of tomorrow’s brilliant minds as a college professor.
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?
– I would recommend to start your trip with a hike to HOLLYWOOD sign, followed by a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. As a movie fan (and you know you are), there is just too much to see and way too much history to learn before admiring this great city.
– Stop for lunch at a vegan African restaurant, Ubuntu off Melrose Ave in West Hollywood.
– Catch a live show of Deaf West: a Deaf theatre experience with watch-worthy performances.
– Down the road from the fabulous restaurant Republique, you’ll find a neighborhood brewery might be the happiest place in California. Sorry, Disney. It’s called All Season Brewing.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story is written around many heroes who inspired me and my journey. I can go on and on about Marlee Matlin and her success that made me see acting as an option, Nyle Dimarco that shows me I’m not alone in my feeling of loneliness, and that you can make it even if the world tells you that you can’t. I can talk about my older sister, who is also Deaf and is now holding a high position at NASA. But I want to talk about someone else, a woman who was my voice, guide, teacher, and friend. Her name is Gloria, and she was my first interpreter. From a child who used to bang his head on the floor out of frustration, thanks to her, I learned how to express myself artistically. She was the one suggesting this outlet to me, and she was there to tell me that I would make it to Hollywood one day. I also bring her up today because of my role as an educator. Teachers are the first and sometimes last resort for some students. I’m thankful to have someone in my life like Gloria, and I am trying to be that person for others.
Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8554754/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredebz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaredebz
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asl_jared Email address: jareddebusk@gmail.com
Image Credits
There is a still image of me and two other Deaf actors on Netflix’s Dahmer set. This image is out in different articles.
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