Meet Trung To | Actor and Young Filmmaker

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

Hi Trung, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Saigon Vietnam, and was later raised in City Heights. San Diego. My family was never “rich” growing up, but we always managed to get by and we did it with smiles on your faces despite the scars on our feet.

My parents were born in, lived through, and survived the Vietnam War and fought their hardest to ensure I have a chance at success here in the America.

My Father came from a humble family of mechanics, and my Mother threw away her generational wealth because it came from toxicity.

They both taught me to be grateful for what I have, while working hard for what I want, and that ideology still rings true within me today. Humility and respect are very important to me and I try to make sure I make my family proud, in big ways. and small ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve wanted to act since I was a young child, but I was fearful due to my lack of skill. But then I discovered martial arts, weightlifting, and stunts.

I dedicated my life to training martial arts, dance, acrobatic and weight training in order to prepare for more projects. I have never taken formal classes in any of my hobbies, and I think there’s a certain charm to that.

I’m most proud of my stunt/martial arts reels because I can just show off all the hard work I’ve put into learning my kicks, tricks, and flips. Currently, I am most proud of my weightlifting and strength.

Getting to where I am now was definitely not easy. as nothing worth having ever comes easy. In my years, Ive broken most bones from waist down, dislocated both shoulders, and tore many muscles. But with that comes wisdom and humility. I’ve overcome injury depression by treating my own injuries where I can, and my family and friends help me overcome the mental hurdles during injuries.

I’ve learned to be extremely grateful to have such an able body, and will do my absolute best to push it to its absolute limits.

I want people to know that they can push their bodies much harder than they initially believe, and that the human body is a truly remarkable biological wonder.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Throughout the whole week, my best friend is training with me at least 2 days! Of course we’ll do other things, but with a week to spare, we can spend it training, or just being physical.

I would take them to some local spots in my neighborhood and enjoy some good food that always hits close to home for me. We would go watch some movies, and then just spend time at home playing video games. A nice simple week just for us two.

We would eat at some places in City Heights, Convoy, and maybe share swine drinks in downtown San Diego.

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?
My family! They have been beside me since day one and have never once faltered in supporting me in my journey to Hollywood.

My parents were very progressive, and raised me without the whole “be a doctor, lawyer, engineer, etc” idea because they knew even if I became what they wanted me to be, I wouldn’t be happy.

I still remember my Father’s words clearly; “Son. I don’t care what you end up doing in your life, so long as you are happy, and the best one in the field.”

Instagram: https://instagram.com/trvngtastic?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==

Image Credits
Harsimran Sandhu, Pulp (2023)