Published: August 27, 2010 11:26 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive (Celebrity Interview with Rising Actor, Henry Alberto) August 2010 Edition
Henry Alberto Photo by Hilary Jones
Rising actor Henry Alberto is taking charge of his career with his recent move from Miami, Florida to Los Angeles, California. He is working hard to make his dream of being an actor a reality. He has already completed several successful projects under his belt with plans of much bigger roles to come. In this spotlight with our Webzine, Henry shares his vision, passion, and desire for acting with our readers.
Isaac: Hi Henry, I wanted to first thank you for allowing us to connect with you. I know your schedule is extremely busy so we will get the interview started. I am so thankful for many things in 2010 so far. What are you most thankful for in 2010 thus far?
Henry: 2010 so far has probably been the most life changing year; for the mere fact that I have finally made my official move to Los Angeles. I am extremely thankful for the birth of my beautiful nephew Aidan, my friends, my health, and especially my family.
Isaac: What is the main reason why you are shooting for a career in acting? What draws you to want to become an actor?
Henry: Well, I’m not really great at anything else! I just can’t imagine doing anything else. As well as the fact that acting in film has been an obsession as far as I could remember. I love acting. I love diving into the worlds of these characters. It’s fun yet challenging to submerse myself and truly surrender into the role.
Isaac: You have been in several films now in smaller roles, as well as starred in several short films. What do you feel it will take to move into an indie film, major film, TV show, or other major acting projects?
Henry: That’s definitely the goal. Living in Miami for so long the opportunities were limited, which is why this move was so important. This is where any actor really needs to be in order to take that next step in their career.
Isaac: This is such a true statement.
Isaac: What type of role are you eager to portray on film and why?
Henry: The answers are endless. I like to consider myself pretty versatile as an actor, so I’m open to anything. A challenge, I guess, would be the best answer. Any role that takes me out of my comfort zone.
Isaac: What is the one aspect that you enjoy about working in films?
Henry: Again, creating a whole world from beginning to end is my favorite part of film. I also really enjoy the sense of community found in film.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about your background and training for being an actor.
Henry: I’ve been acting since I was a kid. Luckily, I had a supportive family, especially mother and grandmother who never limited me on what I wanted to try or pursue. I was born in Miami. There, I went to a performing arts high school with a focus in theatre. My senior year, practically a fluke - I booked my first professional gig, in a Coca-Cola commercial.
After graduating, I went to school in New York City, as well as working Off-Broadway. During this time, I was working as a host at Serendipity 3 where an agent, ironically from Miami, came in and was interested in signing me. I was having a hard time living in NY with the weather - I’m from Miami, I’m not use to the brutal winter. Not to mention, it’s not a very forgiving city for a struggling artist. I went back home, signed with this agency, and started working in commercials and other projects. Fast forward a few years later and now I’m here in Hollywood.
Isaac: WOW!!! Great story.
Isaac: If you were to produce your own film right now, what type of film would it be?
Henry: I’d definitely bring “Pretty Little Girl” to life, which is the feature length adaptation of a short that I wrote and was acquired by MTV a few years ago, “She Kills He.” “Pretty Little Girl” is a bilingual love story set in Miami, that shows the trials and tribulations of a “real” family. You know, the grittier side of life while celebrating its beauty as honest as possible.
Isaac: What has been your favorite project to work on and why?
Henry: The experience of “She Kills He” was pretty incredible. Writing, producing, and acting in it was extraordinary. I was able to take it from a simple idea and see it transform into this acclaimed short film, it was pretty great! It was truly a talented group of people coming together because of their belief in the material and for their pure love of filmmaking.
Isaac: What has been some of the negative aspects about the entertainment industry you have experienced that you would like to warn others about?
Henry: I hope this doesn’t sound cliché, but the rejection is the hardest part. That’s why it’s key to believe in yourself. Confidence will get you very far in this industry. I also believe you truly have to have a real passion for this business. For most people, there are definitely more downs than ups. But, it’s about hard work, and tons, I mean tons of patience.
I hung out at Marlon Wayans house one random LA evening, I asked him what was the best advice he can give me, he said “Work towards your goal everyday. Every morning when you wake up do something that will help you get closer to it, anything - but don’t let a day just go by.” That advice has really rung true for me, especially recently. I wake up everyday and do something in any capacity to further my career, I’ve become a workaholic.
Isaac: When you are in character, where do you get your emotions from to add life to the role you are playing?
Henry: I really become obsessed with any role I play. I dive into it head first. I drown myself in tons of research. Sometimes, I believe I over think it. But, you can never do enough research. I’m one of those actors that will go that extra mile for a role from cutting my hair, to living the part for however long needed.
Isaac: If you could just act for the rest of your life but never become a household name, would you be happy (why or why not)?
Henry: Without fame? Yes, I could be happy. But, I want people to know me for what I do, for the passion I have for my work.
Isaac: Which actor or actress you would love to work with and why?
Henry: Oh wow. I have a list that never stops growing. I’d have to say Sean Penn - whose work I admire so much. I also get compared to him a bit, just like Alan Cumming, who is an absolute genius! I’d also love to work with Marisa Tomei who has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid, and probably my first celebrity crush.
Isaac: Do you feel you have the support from your family and friends?
Henry: Support is an understatement I have an amazing group of people that surround me who truly believe in me. My whole family - cousins, aunts, uncles, everyone - has always supported me. Always. Which is probably my biggest motivation. My friends as well. A great example is my friend from college who now lives here. When I first arrived, she let me sleep on her couch for a few months while I got myself settled. I’m very lucky when it comes to having support.
Isaac: You have a fantastic website. How has having an official website helped you professionally?
Henry: Well, the website was launched pretty recently, but, it has been very helpful in getting me organized. It’s been long overdue, and having a one-stop-shop with everything about me, I think, really helps when you are an up and coming actor or actress.
Isaac: What is next for Henry Alberto? What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?
Henry: Like I said, everyday is something new. I’ve been short listed for a few great projects as we speak. I’m also writing and continuing to develop several projects. I’m currently working on a web series titled APT. which follows the very interesting tenants of a Los Angeles building, coming to the Internet this fall.
