Meet Marc Fajardo | Actor/Dancer & Video Production Instructor

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

Hi Marc, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

Growing up there were specific experiences that led me to the cultivation of my inner voice, self-discovery, and drive. I like to think of these as “guiding moments (or individuals).”

First and most important is my sister who is an amazing role model. She sat me down during critical moments when I was being young punk and gave me tough love as well as direction. And even before that was the encouragement from the rest of my family when I decided to become an artist – it’s a special gift and a way they express love. I want to live up to that love. I carry with me the reminder that we lost my brother before I was born. I want to make my parents smile and be proud of me so as to give solace and some ease in our collective heartbreak.

I’ve also had the chance to grow self-awareness in the magical wonderland of college when I attended U.C. Santa Cruz. There was my time in Italy and New York where I learned to be more adventurous and get out of my shell.

All these guiding moments gave me the opportunity to take time in healthy solitude to reflect, create, and express creativity.

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.
I’ve been an actor and filmmaker for over a decade. In that time, I’ve worked hard and been fortunate to have played opposite of A-list actors as well as been in well-respected films or television programs. What I’m equally grateful for are the independent film projects and my acting community that has essentially become my ‘second family.’

The big goal for me is becoming a series regular in a single-cam comedy or a lead in a feature film. But I also get a great deal of personal drive when I’m in independent films like The Final Rose and Desert. They were both helmed by underrepresented directors and in both films the characters I play aren’t reduced to stereotypes. Instead, they are layered and thoughtful. In the former, I’m a protective, fun, and cool brother/uncle. In the latter, I’m a boyfriend grappling with the sexual trauma that my partner experiences.  These projects push my desire to share stories that share my Filipino American culture yet focus on the narrative. I’d like my projects to encourage a love of story to other creatives and audience members.

The hardest part is the silence in between gigs, or even feeling like you’re on auto-pilot when things are going well. It’s always a constant battle to be spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually aligned every single day. But there are moments when you get to be in a Marvel film for your first background gig, play opposite to Helen Mirren, or work with Jennifer Lawrence that will have you say “Wow, I can’t believe I’m doing this. This is such a privilege.”

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?

Oh dude, for food we’d hit up brunch at Bea Bea’s in Burbank and order Thai Tea pancakes. Then we’d travel to the Venice Canals. It’s a beautiful historic district where we get to walk around, take pictures, and digest the Thai Tea pancakes before going to Cafe Habana in Malibu, order the corn, and drink mojitos. We’d walk across the street towards the beach and stroll along the water adjacent to the beautiful beach homes. At night, we’d go to Downtown LA and hit up The Perch rooftop bar for dranky dranks, french fries, and listen to live jazz music.

The following day, we would hike Wildwood Canyon or Griffith Park, rest a little bit, and then do some Muay Thai drills with boxing pads, and do more cardio. Basically, we’d work out all the junk food from the day before. I would also probably take my friend on the Hollywood Bus Tour just because I’ve never done it before and have always been curious about it. Other than that, the tourist stuff like Universal Studios, Venice Beach, or Mann’s Chinese Theater would be an option.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Again, I am so f*cking grateful for my sister. She is an incredible force in my life. She took the time to lay down my pathway to go to college. She taught me what it meant to be a good person, how to listen with empathy, and respect others. It has shaped how I work professionally in looking out for others, speaking up, and being a team player. My sister taught me to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way and that’s what led me to the core of who I am as an artist. She is a role model in being fearless, intelligent, self-assured, and independent. She’s trendy AF. I know this long-winded, but I have to give mad love to her because I wouldn’t be who I am without her guidance. Love you sis!

Website: http://www.marcfajardo.com/

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