Meet Ulato Sam | Actor & Performing Artist

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

Hi Ulato, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
When I question whether to keep going or to give up, I take a moment to reflect, zone in and listen. I’ve found that in this stillness the smallest and most subtle affirmations find me and often lead to large and obvious ones. The affirmations can take different forms like a message from a stranger or loved one who saw my work and sent a quick message, or a gentle smile that hugs my face when I think of the personal accomplishment I didn’t share with anyone. When I’m doubting myself, I let these snowball and as I recollect my achievements I get more comfortable with tooting my own horn, which clears the way for me to acknowledge and celebrate the “big wins”. Even though there’s so much left for me to achieve, it’s in remembering what I was able to accomplish with the limited resources I had that empowers me to believe I can do even more with the knowledge, ability and opportunities of the present. In short I try to remind myself of how capable I am like my brother, best friend or mom would.

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 Acting professionally for 4 years. My Artistic Perspective is intersectional which compliments my collaborative nature. Learning about the industry, navigating professional relationships, and embracing the momentum of a growing career has been a rousing experience. I’ve had moments that have humbled me so that I can step into even greater opportunities, and moments that have elevated me high enough to see the mountains in the distance waiting to be climbed. I’m a curious actor who enjoys wandering into my character’s world and exploring with them as they navigate through it. If I’m not learning anything from a role, am I really immersing myself in it?

I’m most proud of how I’ve embraced my opportunities. I never take them for granted, each one could be my last and as such I try to be as sincere and present as I can. I believe I’ve made it this far by faith, humility in the face of the craft and trusting that before I can be the example I must learn from it. I seek opportunities that challenge me to learn, encourage me to grow, and gently invite me to stretch my understanding and abilities. Telling stories is easy, but telling a good story is one of the most vulnerable things I’ll ever do.

My time in Los Angeles has not been easy but I’ve learned that tough times don’t last, only tough people do. I’ve overcome these tough times by not being afraid to change/grow, not being afraid to experience and learn on my own, and to embrace working with everyone, not just who the camera focuses on. Collaboration is key, but if you’re not confident in yourself and your abilities, you’ll never truly have your own opinion or perspective.

I’d like the world to know that I’m only getting better and more refined. An overnight success is the culmination of years of preparation and hard work. When my opportunity greets me, I’ll be ready. This diamond is just waiting to be unearthed, and until then it’ll shine for the soil holding it down and protecting it.

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.
I’m a quality time type of guy. My best friend is in town we have to go up to Malibu for a hike – that’s where my favorite trail is. We would visit The Museum of Jurassic Technology and probably brunch at Meet In Paris or Janga by Derrick. We both enjoy an adrenaline rush so go go-kart racing is a must. It’s Carnival season and I know Winery Mas & Dj Epik always have a Soca event lined up. You can’t come to LA and not see a movie but I’d go to the historic Fox Village Theatre and get that classic Hollywood feel. We’d also enjoy a little night life somewhere like Lock & Key or Clifton’s Republic, you know somewhere with little bit of that LA magic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family; best friends included. I’d also like to thank Jason Wilson & Bryan Stevenson for their books ‘Cry Like A Man’ & ‘Just Mercy’ which have informed my perspective as I’ve matured. Finally I’d also like to give a big shoutout to my supporters and collaborators – the people who come out to see my work and invite me to share my work with the world.

Website: www.ulatosam.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/youlatoe

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgdZOjjLp2AHqtZnhiR7gWQ

Image Credits
Hadley Media & Distribution – @_hadleymediaco – IG Habeeb Mukasa – @habeebmukasa – IG Hunter So – @hunter.so – IG Brian Hashimoto – @hashimoto_images – IG