Meet Joe Chacon | Actor/Writer/Director/Producer

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

Hi Joe, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Being an actor or choosing a career in the entertainment industry is the hardest of all. You deal with constant rejection and being told NO on a regular basis. Audition after auditions for over a decade with few bookings can tear you apart psychologically and emotionally. Everyday is a struggle to decide to throw in the towel or pound the pavement. Every time I feel like I have no traction and giving up I sit down and recollect my thoughts on what makes me the happiest and fulfilled, The sole purpose to be on this planet. I envision myself in any other line of work and I don’t see myself happy. Times, I do feel like giving up. something positive comes through at the other end of the tunnel. A glimmer of light that tells me to persevere and push through. To not give up. I feel that being an actor is my purpose on this planet and makes up every fiber of my soul. At heart I’m a fighter and a warrior so giving up isn’t in my genetic make-up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an actor for 2 decades now. It wasn’t an easy road from the start. I dropped out of college when I got the acting bug. I was in the Air Force ROTC at UCLA to be a fighter pilot. When I dropped out, that didn’t sit well with my parents. It caused some tension that resulted in me to leave the house at 18 or 19 years old. Not many jobs pay a person a living wage that age. So along the way of my struggle, I fell into Male exotic dancing to provide for myself. I was determined to prove my parents wrong, no matter what it took. I wanted to be an artist!

Over the years it was not easy. I thought I had it all figured out. What 20 year old doesn’t think he has all the answers?
years went by of not speaking to my father. Me being a stripper was not a proud moment for him. 13 years had gone by, I still hadn’t booked anything substantial to gloat success. Sure I had worked on a couple TV shows that were co-starring roles and dozens of short films but nothing substantial to earn a living from solely acting. Although, I don’t regret my choice to be a stripper to finance my acting career because it allowed me to have such a flexible schedule to focus all my attention on my career and build the resume I have. I never had to forfeit any opportunity because a JOB held me down. I was a like a locomotive when it came to my momentum.

I’ve learned that success in this industry isn’t the same for all. It doesn’t come when you want it to come. Everyone’s journey is different. You learn to not compare yourself to others, or measure your success to others, that will drive a person insane. You might look at a peer in the industry and see that they are working on big studio film’s all while you can’t get called into auditions for months and months. Then at the flip of a light switch. The actor you see more successful than you hasn’t booked or worked on anything in over a year; all of a sudden you strike gold, and now you’re on fire.

I want people to learn from my experience that, whatever you are passionate for and as long as you are willing to sacrifice, work hard for and take risks, you can obtain any goal you want. No matter what industry you endeavor in.

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’m a person who loves nature, I feel that’s where we take time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with the elements from this beautiful planet. I’d take my friend camping up in Sequoia National park. My parents would take us camping there every summer there. The giant Sherman Red wood trees are amazing! I’d take them there for a week to decompress.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout all the Latino/Chicano trailblazers that have opened the doors for people like me in Hollywood, First and foremost; Robert Rodriguez, who is an immense inspiration to me. Alejandro Inarritu, Guillermo Del Toro. Actors such as Esai Morales, Michael Pena, Benicio Del Toro, Edward James Olmos, Danny Trejo, Pedro Pascal, Oscar Issac .

Instagram: @actor_joechacon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joechaconfilmactor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw6O72r8R6GL8mtRYylTNsg

Other: IMDB: www.imdb.me/joechacon