Meet Saad Rolando | Actor & Writer

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

Hi Saad, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk not as a peril to be avoided, but as an opportunity to embrace – and I love the adventure taking risks sparks. To me, taking risks is necessary to achieve personal and professional fulfillment. Without risks, we remain in the confines of our comfort zones, never truly discovering our potential or realizing our dreams. It’s the willingness to step into the unknown that propels us towards growth and extraordinary experiences.

Taking risks has been the catalyst for my transformation and self-discovery. One of the hardest decisions of my life was to leave a successful decade-long career in software sales, abandoning my family responsibilities, to chase my passions. I faced cold scrutiny from people I thought would support me, the guilt of knowing my family could no longer depend on me financially, and my fear of failure switching careers at an older age. Not to mention the loss of friendships through the process.

My first 9 months in LA, I decided to live out of my van (showered and did my 1s & 2s on the beach :p ) to avoid conventional expenses and distractions. This allowed me to invest in my craft and immerse myself in a new city. While it was a novel adventure, it was lonely and depressing at times… however, it did force me to take a deep look inward and offered me the flexibility to support a close family member with a personal and financial crisis.
These moments and many other – arguably more difficult – decisions remind me of the bold steps I took and sacrifices I made to live fully and authentically, and to prioritize what sets my soul on fire. That’s what matters in this life.

I have no regrets about the risks I’ve taken. They have shaped who I am today and opened doors to possibilities I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. By embracing risk, I live a life free from the haunting question of “what if?” and instead, filled with the excitement of “what’s next?”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with my diverse upbringing and multifaceted life experiences. Growing up as a first-generation individual raised across three different cultures and within a hard-working family has provided me with a unique perspective on life. This background has been integral to my identity and work.

I’ve lived many lives and many ups and downs, things that others may never experience in their lifetime. Those experiences have shaped me and have given me an edge in portraying complex characters. That’s probably why I can be both serious and funny, find humor in adversity, stay positive and spontaneous!

I am thrilled about a feature film going into production this summer—a murder mystery with a twist. Pretty excited about showcasing a different side of my talent, particularly my goofy, comedic side, which contrasts with the enigmatic and dramatic roles I often portray. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a bit of both in this one 😏

Additionally, I have been getting into writing & producing. Together with my good friend Alex Arabian, we’ve written a full-length feature about a spiraling rockstar with a secret past. This project is particularly close to my heart, and in preparation for playing the lead role, I have begun singing lessons and engaging with potential producers. Stay tuned! 🎸🤘

Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of staying true to oneself, learning from others, and embracing collaboration. Creating magic lies in working together with other artists, drawing from the best, and making it our own. Never lose that zest for life and have fun doing whatever you do!

I want the world to know that while my path hasn’t been easy, it has been incredibly rewarding, and every challenge has been a step towards creating something meaningful. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.

Can’t wait to work with other artists out there! Don’t hesitate to reach out! 🤘

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.
If my best friend was coming to LA to visit, I’d take them to the taco truck in front of Whole Foods on Lincoln in Venice, have as many tacos as we could eat then i’d take them to some of the waterfront bars in Venice (Waterfont, Townhouse) or maybe we’d go check out the LACMA or maybe we’d go get lost in Hollywood for the day or maybe we’d go to Malibu in a convertible. Definitely would have to check out Barney’s in West Hollywood – the crowds there are wild, in a good way. There are 1000 other things I can come up with but that’s what comes to mind.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this Shoutout…

To my beautiful Mom, MJ, who raised me through tough times with love, laughter and an immense amount of grace as a single mother. A big shoutout for putting up with my ridiculous antics and wild energy. She deserves everything this universe has to offer and more. Somos fuertes!

To my Dad, who, despite the hardships of being a Palestinian refugee & the physical distance between us, has always been there to support me, uplift & ground me and give me advice with a calm, reasonable voice without judgment, fear or expectations.

Mom, Dad – I’m so proud to be your son and the bridge between two rich cultures.

To my friends, thank you for encouraging me, supporting me and being my family when I didn’t have much around. It means the world to me – you know who you are. Ride or die.

Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/saadrolando

Instagram: @saad_rolando