Meet Jeffrie Favianny | Actor, Dancer, Writer, Director, Choreographer

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

Hi Jeffrie, is there something you believe many others might not?
I firmly believe that we do not have to stick to just one thing. The notion that one should only invest their time in perfecting one thing, or pursue one thing is an antiquated ideology, especially in the modern time. I used to subscribe to the following idea, “When you have four cups, you are only able to fill each one quarter of the way through, no one cup is full.” I ran with that and spent many years cultivating one thing – for me it was academia. Hours and hours of studying, reading, writing, debating, analyzing and…at some point this led to being unfulfilled, especially since I had so many other interests I wanted to explore. The way of the world is changing so rapidly that now, anyone can go from social media star or homeless viral sensation to pop star, actor, fashion designer, director or activist.

It was only when I decided to go against that conventional advice that I truly found myself being more fulfilled and excited about the future. The idea that you no longer need to fill just one cup is liberating. While you may no longer have one full cup, you will have many more cups, and thus, more toasts and cheers to come with. I disagree that you should one do one thing for the rest of your life, life is just too big to only drink from one cup.

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.
Simply put, I want my art to change the world for the better. As cliché as that might be, I genuinely believe that my unique experiences and background have allowed me to see the world from a different view, where the air seems different, or at least I’ve convinced myself of this. There’s an old proverb that states there are many untold stories and dreams in the grave. I believe the same can be said for the pillow. There are unfinished verses, unwritten tales, and unseen films that play in your head while you lay on your pillow at night, that don’t leave peoples heads. So basically, my work is made from the dreams that I have but don’t want to leave behind on my pillow at night.

For so long, I’ve suppressed and withheld my perspectives and ideas, only the notes app on my iPhone truly understands my unseen worlds. How did I get here? Well, I’ve wanted to create since I was 7, and now that I just left my 27th year behind, I’ve given myself permission to be the artist I so desperately want to be. Yes, it’s taken a village, but the hardest challenge I’ve faced, like many others, is acting on my own dreams. Whether it be self doubt, lack of resources, insecurity, or others not having faith in you, I did not give myself permission to create, but I do now.

I am a man of faith, I believe God deposits something in you for you to share with the world. Maybe the world needs something else right now, but I want to share my voice because I’ve kept my lips obedient to each other for too long. I’ve denied what has been deposited within me, but I do not want to suppress my voice any longer. I want the world to know that many infinite worlds exist, right now within my mind, and hopefully…they will exist in this world and help someone who needs their world a little better, lighter, free-er.

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?
As a Los Angeles native, I love this city. It’s my home, my foundation. So, let me describe to you the most perfect day. First, I would take my friend is to get coffee from either Urth cafe (dolce lattes are my favorite), or just be basic and get a grande brown sugar shaken-espresso iced latte from Starbucks. Then, grab your sunglasses and drive to Manhattan Beach and walk the pier (you obviously do the LA LA Land dance on the pier where Ryan Gosling did, 17th pole from the front). After, chill at the beach for a few hours, play some volleyball or surf. Then, I would take my friend to a nice rooftop dinner somewhere in West Hollywood, or just stick with a simple #1 from In & Out with animal fries. Lastly, I’d take my friend to a comedy show in Hollywood or Santa Monica (yes, loads of traffic) and end the night with some cocktails or good old boba. If there’s time and energy, drive up to signal Hill and just bask in the beauty of the city of Angels.

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?
My beloved, dearest, and talented family. Firstly, my beautiful mother, Jazna. As an immigrant mother of four, my mother came to America and persevered through immense struggles and obstacles, some that would have taken any normal person out, but not her. Her unending support and encouragement is something that I don’t take for granted, as I’ve realized not everyone has that. She knew from a young age that I wanted to be an actor, at age 7 to be precise. She never once wavered and questioned my desire. Even when I was succeeding in Corporate America, she’d ask me, “when are you going to give acting a shot?” I’m glad she pestered, because I needed that push. In short, I want her sacrifices and immense commitment to my academic and artistic education to be repaid in full (plus interest, as she says).

I’d also like to shout out to my sister Stacy, thank you for always driving me to auditions and teaching me how to properly apply foundation for the screen. Thank you for being so witty and always keeping me on my toes on being the funniest family member(because I am, duh). Thank you to my younger brother, Axel, for being the best cameraman/reader and sound guy for my projects. You never complain and you serve with such a caring heart. Shout out to my youngest brother, Jorge, for being the most sensitive director and providing the best feedback for my auditions. You can sing and draw, but don’t be coming for MY acting career. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to my Father for dealing and supporting this wild adventure, I thank you endlessly. Shout to my family, I wouldn’t be here without the village that is them. I love you, always.

Website: www.jeffriefavianny.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffriegonzalez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrie.favianny/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Jeffriefavianny

Other: https://www.imdb.me/jeffriefavianny

Image Credits
Jeffrie Favianny, Clare Snodgrass, Diana Khachatryan