Meet Javier Vazquez Jr: Actor / Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Javier Vazquez Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Javier, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The values that matter the most to me are faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love. It sounds cliche, but it really encompasses so much. It’s the love I have for my family that makes me work hard. It’s the love I have for acting and writing that pushes me past rejection. It’s the love I have for my heritage that makes me want to tell stories about my community. Somebody once said, “Find out what you love then figure out how to get paid to do it!” I think this encapsulates all my efforts. My life is so much more than my career. I’m called to love God, love people and intertwine that with all my personal, professional, and social obligations.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a working actor, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to stay busy, even during the pandemic. This is thanks to productions that pushed hard to keep people safe. I’ve been booking consistently which is mind-blowing for me. I’m just so grateful. Along the way, I have nurtured relationships with like-minded people to position myself to keep the ball rolling on several projects.

The latest is a short film I wrote titled “Hispanic Actor.” I produced it under Leaky Faucet Media alongside director Kyle Scott and Canyon View Media. This short comedy about the struggles an actor faces is in post-production and will be done soon. We had so much fun making this film. A lot of the crew would break into laughter between takes which was awesome. You could tell they were holding it in so as to not ruin the scene.

I think the comedy/acting bug bit me for the first time in college. It was an Intro the Theatre class and we had to write an original scene. To make an entire room of strangers laugh out loud and see them connect with the characters we created was an amazing experience. I was hooked.

As a Latino growing up in the projects and eating that government peanut butter (which was delicious by the way) I had to claw my way out of poverty, drugs, and violence. I never saw myself someday being on television or in the movies but I knew I was creative and I knew I wanted more. To be in THIS city, at THIS time, working in the film industry is more than I could have dreamed, and it’s just getting started. I’m working hard to keep my funnel full.

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.
On Monday we would hit the Beltline, rent a bike and burn some calories before stopping for some amazing food along the way. Tuesday would see us at the Botanical Gardens. There are so many beautiful spots there where we can get some shots for the gram. On Wednesday we would take a little trip north to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort and enjoy some much-needed R&R by the pool. After checkout on Thursday, we would stuff some towels in our luggage and head back to the city and enjoy window shopping at Ponce City Market followed by some fun, food, and games on the rooftop which has a carnival feel. On Friday we would catch a movie and dinner at Studio Movie Grill, making sure to order our food BEFORE THE PREVIEWS START (sorry, pet peeve). Lastly, we’d visit Willie Ziovino and the COT Band on Saturday night for some tapas and Latin dancing at Eclipse di Luna. Church on Sunday, of course! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Big shoutout to the team at AMT Agency for helping me put food on the table. Y’all complete me! You have to check out “Ask an Agent” by Jason Lockhart. It’s one of those books that gives it to you straight in terms of the business side of the industry. Sara Mornell also has two hard-hitting must-reads on how to become a working actor. Above all, I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my wife and kids for the sacrifices they’ve made when dad has to be on set or when we have to leave the party early because he has an audition. Thank you for being quiet during my self-tapes (seriously it becomes like a scene from The Quiet Place), and for being my built-in readers. Papi loves you!

Website: www.JavierVazquezJr.com

Instagram: @javiervazquezjr @leakyfaucetmedia

Youtube: www.youtube.com/JavierVazquezJr

Other: For Bookings, contact AM&T Agency (404) 261-9627 or email contact@amtagency.com

Image Credits
Amanda Hamlin