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

Hi Marisilda, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is that success comes in many forms and it may take different iterations along the way. Being in the entertainment industry isn’t a linear process and it’s definitely filled with disappointments, near hits and celebratory experiences. It isn’t a one size fits all formula and finding ways to celebrate even the seemingly small things is important. Pursuing a career in the arts definitely hasn’t always been easy and at times I’ve asked myself, “what am I doing??” I’ve had reps tell me I’m not pretty enough, ask me to change my name because it’s too hard to pronounce and tell me to lose weight and what that has taught me is that those are not my people. They are not my team. I think most, if not all of us encounter experiences with people telling us we’re not good enough, not thin enough, not pretty enough, etc and because we’re artists we have a strong desire to be liked, to be “chosen” and ultimately to be told that we are enough. Learning that I am enough in this long artistic journey has been an ongoing project in both self awareness and self acceptance. At the end of the day, the thing I always come back to is passion. Being an artist for me (whether I’m acting, singing, writing, etc) is as necessary to me as breathing. I can’t live without it. Whether I’m working or not, I’m always creating something because it’s in my blood. I’m grateful that I’ve never changed my mind and I’ve never had a backup plan because in all honesty, I don’t really know what I would fall back on. I think the arts chose me and for that I am grateful. My hope is that my artistry and vulnerability reminds someone that they too are enough and their dreams are worth fighting for no matter how large they may be. I’ve been in this industry 20yrs now and while it’s been long and sometimes challenging, it’s been such a learning experience and such a lesson in exploring my humanity. When I go through particularly challenging times, I remember something my mom taught me when I was in 2nd grade. I had a teacher during career day tell me I couldn’t be an actor or singer because, “Mexicans have no place in the entertainment industry.” I remember sobbing and going to my mom’s classroom (she taught at the same school) to tell her what happened. Before heading toward that teacher, my mom in full mama bear mode, looked over at me and said, “mija, don’t you ever let anyone tell you you can’t do something. You wanna do something, you go do it no matter what.” To this day, I think of that every time I get a “no.” Our job as actors is to create.  When I’m feeling like I haven’t been successful in all the ways I thought I would be by now, I remember the importance of resilience and the validity of play in exploring this craft I’ve chosen. Artists are the few people who take on the mantle of going into all the rooms of our emotional, physical and spiritual bodies to explore our traumas, our joys and our experiences. Being willing to do that in and of itself is a courageous journey of openness and vulnerability. If I can continue to do that, I feel I’ve attained some sort of success. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like diversifying in regards to work in the industry. I’m an actor, VO artist & singer/songwriter first but over the pandemic I’ve branched out into headshot photography and writing. I also produce and direct. I’ve learned that I love writing Grounded Sci-Fi & Thrillers and with my husband we’ve finished 3 pilots so far. I’ve enjoyed meeting with my mentors to see how I can further expand the work I’m doing as a writer/creator/producer. Usually when people ask me where I want to be in 5yrs, I think, “I want to be the Latina Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Mark Duplass.” Both of them create as writers and producers but are also phenomenal actors. The idea that we have to be one thing only doesn’t really work for me. I’m enjoying writing too because it allows me to have a voice in a genre that lacks POC representation both in front and behind the camera. Aside from that, I can usually be found taking an acting class or participating in an acting workshop. I’m always training. I’m happiest when I’m in my creative element. What keeps me most busy in this industry is my desire to keep growing and expanding so that I learn more about the industry, myself and those around me. It’s such a community effort and I’m only on small element but I’m grateful to be a part of it in any way that I can.

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’m an outdoor and nature enthusiast so I think my first stop with a friend would be up the 2 toward any hike in the Angeles Forest. Two of my favorites are Switzer Falls and Trail Canyon Falls, although both over the last couple years have gotten a bit more touristy. I’d also do La Tuna Canyon for a great 360 view of the entire area or Mt. Baldy and Mt Lukens if we’re feeling super adventurous. I love living in LA because we can hit the beach and the mountains in the same day if we wanted to. Of course, we’d do the beach. I have a wolfdog, so we’d likely choose one of the dog friendly beaches in the area. I really enjoy Arroyo Burro beach near Santa Barbara and our dog, Avenger seems to love it too. If my friend wants more of the local scene, I’d definitely include the bat cave, the Hollywood sign and the wisdom tree. For a night out, I love love swing dancing so a casual night at Lindy Groove in Pasadena or a more dress up evening at The Cicada Club would do the trick. For a salsa night, if it’s summertime, Salsa Nights at the Autry would be a great night out or El Floridita and La Granada. I think Clifton’s would be a must because it’s so eclectic and interesting. The music there is great too. For a spa day, I love the Korean Spas in Koreatown. My favorites are the Hugh Spa and the Wi Spa. Add some Korean BBQ to the spa day and it makes for a wonderful experience. Speaking of food… Favorite eats: Tropicalia (in Los Feliz) which is now Nossa; Tlayuda for their amazing tacos (I love the chorizo); Trattoria Amici (at the Glendale Americana), Gingergrass (Silverlake) for amazing Vietnamese; Sugarfish (the one on 1st is my favorite); Boa Steakhouse, the Langham Hotel and the Peninsula for fancier fare. Pazzo Gelato (Silverlake) for amazing gelato and Cafe Gratitude (because gluten intolerance doesn’t mean food has to taste bland). For fun I’d love to take them to: movie nights the Hollywood Forever Cemetery; Shakespeare in the park; Disneyland; the Broad; The Void (the Star Wars VR experience is a must); a drive to Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead would also be great.

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?
Oh my, there are so many people who’ve helped me get where I am now. My parents, first off because they’ve been so integral to my being in LA. I remember my dad letting me take time off from school in junior high to drive me to the Mickey Mouse Club auditions a few hours away and then again taking me to Houston to audition for AMDA several years later. Both my parents are a continued source of encouragement. While they may not understand the intricate details of how the industry works, they’ve never once tried to talk me out of it but rather have encouraged me to fulfill my dreams. My husband is another amazing source of encouragement. Let’s face it, as actors, we face a lot of disappointment and rejection which can ebb and flow throughout the years. Some things just roll off your back while others sting a lot more. My husband is amazing at lessening the sting and reminding me why I’m here. He’s also my creative partner, my reader, my camera op, and my best friend. My Chicas from Texas (you know who you are) are a huge source of encouragement and inspiration for me over the years. My LA friends who are also in the industry and some who are not but are always there to lend a listening ear and wipe a few tears along the way. Also both WOCU/JTC List (led by Cheryl Bedford) and The Collaborative Artists Bloc (led by Desean Terry) for providing encouragement and opportunities for myself and other POC to receive mentorships, creative outlets and continued advice in navigating the industry and its demands. I’m here because of the collaborations and the community alongside me who are all amazing humans in their own right.

Website: https://marisildagarcia.wixsite.com/actor

Instagram: @officialmarisildagarcia

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/marisilda-garcia

Twitter: @marisildagarcia

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Ygz1lc97aqeB1wbqZauHw

Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/marisildagarcia

Image Credits
Headshot courtesy of: Elina Dmitrieva Clinton
Tshirt pic courtesy of: Chelsea Elizabeth photography

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