Meet Roselyn Martinez | Actor

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

Hi Roselyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I never imagined I would become an actor because I’m actually pretty shy in front of the camera. My previous career and educational background is in counseling, I have my Master’s Degree in Psychology. And so I kind of stumbled into my acting career. later in life. At the end of 2019 when an actor friend suggested I submit for a pharma commercial audition I remember walking into Dan Bell Casting for my first audition not knowing what I was doing but yet enjoying the experience. I even got a call back but didn’t book it. After that, I thought maybe I should try out this commercial thing to make some extra money since I already had a day job so why not, right? But then the pandemic hit and that plan kind of went out the door.

But in 2022 I was seeking a career change and thought I should maybe I should try this “commercial acting thing” while I had a day job that paid the bills. So I reached out to an actor friend about my next steps and he suggested I take some acting classes at Brian Cutler Studio in Burbank. Well they didn’t have a commercial acting class available, they only did scene study classes and so I tried it out and was so out of my comfort zone because I’ve never acted before and the way they did class is like you’re on set with the cameras, mics, lights and Brian as the director. I was so intimidated at first but yet I was so enamored by the whole acting process and creative energy in the room, that I felt it in my gut that this is something I wanted to pursue.

I realized that acting is about telling a story. And in life, we all play a role in someone’s story. As an actor, we get to play different roles that we may never experience in life and what a great opportunity to walk in someone’s shoes just for a moment. I feel acting is a creative source of compassion towards other people because it creates an understanding of someone else’s life. And that is the main reason why I am pursuing my acting career– greater compassion and understanding for humanity.

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.
Since I discovered that acting is my passion and started pursuing it later in my life, I have a different perspective on how I navigate this career as opposed to when I was younger and pursuing my counseling career. Now I have a mindset of “why not?” and “if not now, when?” so I have this laser beam focus of what and where I need to put my energy towards (i.e. classes, coaching, networking) and invest in my acting career like it’s my business and not just a mid-life crisis interest.
This career and industry is not easy and there are so many variables that I cannot control and so I focus on what I can which is my health and wellness and being grounded and centered because that is what gets me through the uncertainty of the business.

When I lost my day job and stable income a year ago, I decided to double down on my acting career in commercials. And even though it’s been slower in the industry, I will say I am proud to have booked my first union commercial. There’s that old saying, “luck is when preparation meets opportunity” and so I keep preparing for the opportunities that are coming my way.

The biggest challenge as an actor is to have a stable income while pursing your acting career and that’s the current lesson I’m learning how to navigate through. It’s not an easy season in my life but this passion for acting is worth it. There are too many people in our world living life unhappy and being in careers they hate and I refuse to be that person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend to a variety of places that represent a bit of my LA life.
Hiking up to the Wisdom Tree and behind the Hollywood sign during sunset to see the views of LA all the way to Santa Monica.
We would do a cruiser bike ride from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach and then a sound bath meditation at Hermosa Beach during sunset.
Listen to live music at The Hollywood Bowl.
Watch one of my stand up comedy friends perform at one of LA’s top comedy show at The Ice House, The Hollywood Improve or The Comedy Store.
I would have to show her the coolest bookstore in DTLA called The Last Bookstore.
For some night life, I would take her to The Verse or Vibrato to watch live jazz music.
We would dance the evening away at a silent disco at The Venice Penmar Golf Course.
Oh and we can’t forget my forget getting coffee at my favorite neighborhood coffee place Priscilla’s in Toluca Lake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been blessed with so many people who have been part of my success journey.
My two adult sons have been my greatest supporters and inspiration to go after my dreams. And of course my mom is always encouraging me to live life fully and “to go for it.” I also have my good vibe tribe of women who have been my long time friends who have walked by my side through the ups and downs of life.

For my acting career, my first acting coach Brian Cutler helped me blossom by getting me out of my comfort zone with his scene work training. Currently, I’m a member of The Commercial Club and the coaches have been so pivotal in refining my commercial acting career. And of course my LA Commercial agent Christine Tarallo (Now Talent Group) who took me on when I was fairly new in the industry and continues to get me auditions.

Having a support group and people who believe in you and hold you accountable is truly vital to one’s success.

Instagram: @ms.roselynmartinez

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

Other: TikTok: @ms.roselynmartinez

Image Credits
Vanie Poyey
Andreas Branch
Sarah Carroll