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Photo Credit: JRFoto
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Chicago native actor, singer and model, Andre Bellos. His humble beginnings, his hard work and his impressive resume caught my eye. Even though he faced a lot of bullying and criticism for his career choice as a kid and even now, he is able to push right through it and make it happen. He has attended this year's Oscars, he has been in shows such as "The View" and he can be seen in hits like "Chi-raq." In addition, he does modeling and singing. He also loves helping and doing charity work. Currently, he is also modeling for Vogue Italia. His ambition and passion for his work are rather impressive. See for yourself what he had to say:
You come from humble beginnings and yet you rose to fame. Tell us briefly about your journey?
I grew up in Des Plaines,Il, in a blended family and I always wanted to be in the entertainment business. I was heavily involved in my community and began college at 17. After two years, I dropped out to pursue acting full-time and I started out as an extra. I later signed with an agency, I began to book speaking roles and was fortunate enough to land my SAG card.
You faced bullying from classmates and criticism from parents for your choice in acting, singing and modeling. How did you overcome that and what kept you going on the entertainment path?
I have faced some pretty harsh criticism growing up, not only by my peers but my family as well. I am still working on overcoming this obstacle but the truth is, only I know what I am capable of. Entertainment was my refuge, that kept me going.
What is the new entertainment role? Is becoming a social media influencer more powerful than being an actor or a model or a singer?
The new entertainment role is just being your authentic self! Social media influencing has definitely made its mark on the social scene, everyone from big names to unknowns can capitalize on their very own niche. At the end of the day, nothing will ever take the place of pure disciplines such as acting, modeling, and dancing.
How does one become a social media influencer?
Anyone can become an influencer. There aren’t any specific steps that you need to take to get started. If you have a social media account you can start influencing your friends and family now. You probably already are and haven’t realized it yet. Why not get paid for it!
You have been heavily involved with charity work. Why is it important for you to give back and what message do you want to send to young people about volunteering? What charities have you helped?
I grew up with immigrant parents. My mother was from El Salvador. I grew up listening to all the stories she would tell me about her childhood. From her rough upbringing to not even having indoor plumbing in the seventies, I grew up with gratitude. I want young people to know it’s cool to volunteer and donate your time to those in need. You have to see yourself in everyone and have compassion for those around you. I have worked with Feeding America, A Just Harvest, Family Promise, and the Toledo Public Library, just to name a few charities.
You attended this year's Oscars. Tell us about your experience?
I still cannot believe I attended the Academy Awards this year! Coming from a small town in Illinois to the bright lights of Hollywood was a milestone in my life. I felt like I was flying, when security escorted me to my seat, I could definitely feel that I wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore. The only way I can describe my experience was like being at the wax museum, and it came to life at night!
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Photo Credit: JRFoto
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You are currently working with Vogue Italia. Tell us more about your work with Vogue and how it came about?
I am so excited to talk about Vogue Italia! They have profiled me for their website this month and have included a short bio of my past work. It is truly an honor to be a part of a publication that I dreamt of being in the pages of as a young boy. I never thought it would actually happen!
Your passion remains acting. What are some of your dream roles that you want to play one day?
Some of my dream roles as an actor would be James Bond, Batman, and I would love to play Desi Arnaz in a Biopic. These are just a few dream roles. I have many..
You said that the entertainment business is not for everyone. What does it take to make it in this business?
To make it in show business you really have to have a passion for it. This business will test you in ways you could only imagine. If it is truly your calling, none of those things will deter you from your path.
You have an interesting background and a mix of Latin and Greek. What has it been like growing up in a blended family for you?
Growing up in a blended family is very tough but rewarding. I am half Greek and half Salvadoran and my father was previously married before he met my mother. There are five children total including myself.
Advice to young actors?
My advice to young actors would be, hang in there, your time will come. Until then perfect your craft, find your niche, and work harder than everyone else.
How has Covid-19 affected you personally and on a professional level? You said that if you are not in the spotlight people forget about your. How has that been the case now?
Personally Covid-19 has affected me in just the same way it has affected the world. I am a people person and not being able to be around other people has been a challenge for me. I have been working on myself and my mental health and have been fortunate enough to have still been able to work in different states during the lockdown. The entertainment business has suffered tremendously during this pandemic. I know we will come back bigger and better and stronger than ever this year in September. I think the biggest challenge for actors is relevancy, being able to remain relevant through trying times is a talent all on its own. I have been out of the spotlight myself for five months now and people forget about you if you are not in their psyche everyday. I hope they haven’t forgotten about me...
How do you overcome depression and anxiety?
I am someone who suffers from anxiety and depression and I combat it in a unique way. I meditate, work-out, sit in solitude, and walk in nature. I take a natural route to my mental health and am scared very often. I try my best not to be scared but I press forward regardless of the fear. I do a lot of things that are scary.
Where can people see you act, sing and model?
Check me out at www.AndreBellos.com
