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

Hi Rebecca, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
“Preparation meets opportunity”. I know that in this world some people just get lucky or have that “it” factor that skyrockets them to “the top” so to speak. But more often than not, you will be presented with an opportunity that will require you to perform, to show up and present that skill that is yours. If you are lucky enough to get that opportunity, I think you need the training and balance to maintain it. Being an actor can be very emotionally taxing because the highs are so high and the lows are so low, so having that training ensures that no matter what is happening, you know how to deliver authentically, gracefully and quickly, because time is money as they say. Also one persons preparation may be different than yours and that’s ok. Whatever works for you and makes you excited about this industry, chase after that. It’s called following your gut for a reason.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began acting when I was 7 years old. I was cast in my elementary school production of Peter Pan and I played Michael. Since then all I have ever wanted to do was act. Although the road hasn’t been the easiest, it’s been very rewarding. The term “brand” is something that I am still figuring out but all I would want people to know about me is that I love what I do, I am a hard worker, and I really hope to one day have the financial means to help the people I love and the environment, all the while having a good time! Is that a brand?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oo, well I would have to take them to Mofongo’s Puerto Rican restaurant. I am Puerto Rican and it’s like having a slice of home here in LA. Order the pollo guisado and the tostones. I also love Salsa and Beer for Mexican food. The tacos, enchiladas and bean dip are delicious. For views and history I love going up to Griffith observatory. My favorite activity with my friends is definitely watching movies at Hollywood Forever. You can bring food and drinks and hang out on the grass with your friends and then watch the movie outside in a cemetery!

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?
I owe everything to my mother, Rosalie Portalatin! My mother was a single parent, similar to so many others in the world and despite being a minority, having to restart her life with 3 kids and my grandmother, she always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. The adversity that she has had to face to get by is astonishing. She’s the strongest woman I know and I would not be here today without her. I also owe everything to Kobe Bryant and Granity Studios. The Punies, our children’s podcast is the most amazing project that I have ever worked on. We have a team of people that are incredibly talented, encouraging and fun! It was my first consistent project in LA which as an actor any bit of consistency you can get is incredible. More so than that, the way that Kobe believed in my skills was almost unmatched. I think he believed in me more than I believed in myself. Here he was, this incredible superstar athlete now turned director and he looked at the cast as if we were the superstar athletes. I really felt seen by Kobe, I think we all did. I have so much respect for him and how he treated everyone. He was so kind, genuine, passionate and engaged with whoever he was speaking with. I’m so grateful to Kobe and Granity for trusting me with this project and with the role of Lilly.

Instagram: RebeccaGalarza
Twitter: RebeccaGalarza2
Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4769031/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Jesse Ashton Vincent Kirk Brad Buckman

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