Meet Armando Ortuño | The Thespian

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

Hi Armando, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was choosing between pursuing a career in acting or firefighting. While firefighting offered stability and heroism, acting ignited my passion for storytelling and creativity, ultimately leading me down a path where I could inspire others through performance rather than extinguishing flames. It was a choice between serving my community in one way or another, both noble pursuits, but ultimately, I followed the call of the stage, where I could ignite emotions and light up hearts in a different kind of blaze.

The decision weighed heavily on me because both paths held a profound sense of purpose. Firefighting symbolized bravery, sacrifice, and directly saving lives in the face of danger. On the other hand, acting represented the opportunity to express myself, delve into different characters, and touch people’s lives in a unique way, albeit less directly.

In the end, I chose acting because it aligned more closely with my personal interests and talents. While firefighting is undoubtedly an honorable profession, I realized that my true passion lay in the art of storytelling and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Though it was a difficult decision, I haven’t regretted it since, as each performance allows me to make a difference in the world in my own, albeit less conventional, way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My acting career has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable experiences. What sets me apart from others is my dedication to continuously honing my craft, my versatility in portraying diverse characters, and my commitment to authenticity in every role I undertake.

I’m most proud of the moments when I’ve been able to deeply connect with audiences, eliciting emotions and sparking thought-provoking conversations through my performances. Whether it’s on stage, in film, or on television, those moments of connection are what drive me and remind me of the power of storytelling.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. I’ve faced numerous rejections, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt along the way. However, I’ve learned to view every challenge as an opportunity for growth. I’ve surrounded myself with a supportive network of mentors, fellow actors, and industry professionals who have helped me navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and perseverance. No matter how many auditions I’ve bombed or roles I didn’t get, I’ve always found the strength to keep going, fueled by my passion for acting and my belief in myself.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that I am not just an actor, but a storyteller with a purpose. I strive to use my platform to amplify voices that are often unheard, to challenge stereotypes, and to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly. My brand is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact, both on and off the screen.

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.
Embarking on a week-long adventure in Los Angeles with my best friend, we will kick-started our journey with a morning hike through Griffith Park, soaking in panoramic views of the city from the iconic Griffith Observatory before immersing ourselves in contemporary art at The Broad museum. Then, coat our taste buds with a dinner feast at the trendy Gjelina in Venice. Day two will lead us to the eclectic Venice Beach Boardwalk, followed by the timeless charm of Santa Monica Pier and the trendy boutiques of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, culminating in a luxurious dinner experience at Nobu Malibu. Day three would be filled with Hollywood magic as we embarked on a studio tour at Warner Bros. or Universal Studios, followed by an exploration of the Getty Center’s stunning art collection, before indulging in inventive cuisine at Bestia in the Arts District. Our fourth day would be a Hollywood extravaganza, from the iconic Walk of Fame to the retro vibes of Pink’s Hot Dogs, capped off with a breathtaking evening vista at Griffith Observatory and a sophisticated dinner at Perch in Downtown LA. Continuing our journey on day five, we would indulge in shopping on Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, marveled at the artistry of LACMA, and savored French-Mediterranean delights at The Little Door. On day six, a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway led us to the pristine beaches of Malibu, where we basked in the sunset glow at El Matador State Beach before relishing a seafood feast overlooking the ocean. Wrapping up our unforgettable week on day seven, venturing through the diverse neighborhoods of LA, feasting on inventive dishes at Animal in Hollywood and toasting to our adventures with cocktails at The Rooftop at The Standard Downtown LA, basking in the glow of the city skyline.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and successes in my career, and I attribute much of it to my faith in God. His guidance, strength, and blessings have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation for me. I believe that my talents and achievements are gifts from Him, and I strive to use them to make a positive impact in the world. I am humbled and thankful for His presence in my life, both personally and professionally.

I would also like to thank one of my acting classes “Actors Giving Back” as they were the ones who pretty much started my knowledge in the entertainment industry and had great mentors who genuinely cared for you and wanted the best of the best for you. They had guided me through my moments in my career where I wasn’t to sure what to do and felt lost. The “Actors Giving Back” program were able to see my growth all the way up until I was able to get my manager and agent to further advance my career and start booking Television jobs. They saw something in me long before I did and encouraged me to pursue my passion for acting and singing. Their guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities were instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Without Their mentorship, I wouldn’t be where I am today, living out my dream on stage and screen. I also want to acknowledge my fellow actors, whose camaraderie and collaboration have enriched my journey in countless ways. Their talent, dedication, and friendship have been invaluable pillars of support throughout my acting career.

Next, my middle school math teacher, I know, it’s a stretch ! But Ms, Rodriguez implemented a new mindset in me that never allowed myself to quit whenever I started anything. She always saw something more in me and that’s all I needed.. just one person to believe in me and ever year moving forward I think about her because of how much she has shaped my life. I personally haven’t seen her and it’s been difficult trying to see her again because life moves forward, but I will always thank her for the amount of ambition she placed in my heart.

Lastly, my captains and post advisors in Fire Station 33 in East Los Angeles that drilled “Train as your life depended on it” motto that always stuck with me that has pushes me to train at my best, have be okay with repetition until perfection.

Website: imdb.me/armandoortuno

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandoortuno/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armando.ortuno.1?mibextid=PtKPJ9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thearmandoortuno

Other: https://shoutoutla.com/meet-armando-ortuno-actor-vocalist/ https://boldjourney.com/meet-armando-ortuno/ https://sdvoyager.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-armando-ortuno/ https://catrinamovie.com/portfolio/armandoortuno/ https://linktr.ee/armandoortuno

Image Credits
Jess Choragwicki Photography