Meet Juanita Castro-Ochoa | Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juanita Castro-Ochoa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juanita, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Being an immigrant has shaped my art and who I am immensely. I was born in Bogota, Colombia and half raised in South Florida. I moved to the US when I was eleven and since I moved I feel like I am no longer from any where, I feel Colombian more than anything but back home I am not Colombian enough and here in the states I will always be the outsider, the immigrant with an accent.

I feel that the feeling of belonging was something that was stripped away from me until I started acting. Don’t get me wrong I still feel like our industry underrepresents the different color hues that immigration encompasses and how our stories might be similar but not the same. Which is the force that keeps driving me, I want to be able to represent those of us that are not from here or from there. The ones that have had to make who we are our home. I feel that every time I speak the color in my voice (my accent) tells you a little bit more of who I am and I would love for the US to give accents the representation that they deserve.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since I was young i’ve always been fascinated about people and their stories, not on a superficial level but really getting to know and understand someone. Having a conversation with a stranger that opens up and lets you see inside their world is my favorite thing. Everyone has a story to tell and when given the opportunity most people are seeking human connection.

I found acting because I wanted to be able to channel what other people’s stories did to me, I could feel their emotions as if they were mine and I felt the need to tell stories that not only belong to me but others. I have always approached acting with that genuine interest in the characters I play, understanding where they come from and what their inner lives are fascinates me.

I moved to NYC eight years ago to pursue my Masters from The Actor Studio Drama School and since then i’ve stayed in NYC. This city has over eight million untold stories and im hungry for them. I feel that as humans we never stop learning or growing and this is what NYC offers me. Every subway ride, walk, conversation is like a master class in humanity. From the way people walk, talk, interact with each other this city is the best place to people watch. I think at the end of the day as an artist you just have to be willing to stop and be present, take everything that surrounds you and appreciate the moments in between.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When planning a NYC weekend for friends or family it involves two of the best things to do in NYC. Food and walking. Im a simple person that loves a good conversation and pit stops eating little things “picando” thats how we say in spanish. NY has every type of food and I love for people to have a tour around the world through food in one city. From Mexican, greek, italian, indian to a dollar slice, name it NY has it.

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 am extremely blessed, since I decided to start this journey I have been supported by my family and through out the years Ive been able to build an artistic family, I couldn’t do it with them. My husband Marlon Xavier, who with his talent keeps on inspiring me every time the road gets tough.

Website: https://www.juanitacastro-ochoa.com

Instagram: @juanitacastro-ochoa

Other: IMBD Juanita Castro-Ochoa