We had the good fortune of connecting with Mario Del Cubo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mario, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in Chur, Switzerland, in the heart of the Alps, in a Swiss-Spanish household. My upbringing was shaped by a rich blend of cultures and languages, as well as the unique environment of a small Alpine city. From a young age, I was drawn to the stage, finding both joy and challenge in performing. Being a sensitive, artistic child made me stand out among my peers, and acting quickly became a form of survival and self-expression for me. It helped me navigate the discomfort of not fitting in and the bullying I experienced, ultimately becoming a therapeutic way to bridge the gap between my mind and body.

My family’s multicultural background instilled in me a love for languages and an openness to different perspectives. At sixteen, I spent an exchange year in the United States, which opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond Switzerland and inspired me to pursue acting more seriously. This led me to study at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I immersed myself in a diverse, international community and honed my craft.

However, these experiences also came with their own challenges and taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building community wherever I go. My background has made me passionate about telling stories that foster empathy and understanding, especially for marginalized communities. It’s given me a strong sense of identity and purpose as an artist who moves between cultures, languages, and countries, always striving to create meaningful, impactful work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in a lifelong journey of self-discovery and empathy. Acting began as an after-school activity, but quickly became my greatest joy. As a sensitive, artsy child, performing made me stand out, sometimes making me a target for bullying. Acting became a form of survival—at times, I was acting confident or unaffected just to get by. Over time, the stage transformed into my therapy, helping me close the gap between mind and body and teaching me to embrace my imperfections. I learned to love my characters for their flaws, and this taught me to be more accepting of myself as well.

What distinguishes my art is this commitment to honesty and empathy. I believe that acting is not just about entertainment, but about fostering real change. My work aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities by bringing their stories to mainstream audiences. I strive to create art that takes apart the familiar and sheds new light on perspectives we may have overlooked, always with the goal of sparking dialogue and compassion.

I am proud of my international career—working across Switzerland, Spain, the US, and beyond. However, the path has not been easy. Moving from Switzerland to New York at 19 was thrilling but also overwhelming. I faced loneliness, culture shock, and the practical challenges of living abroad; handling finances, visas, and finding my place in a competitive industry. After graduating, I struggled to find work as a non-citizen and eventually had to return to Europe due to visa constraints. The pandemic brought further setbacks, with canceled projects and missed opportunities. But each challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community.

When work was scarce, I took on coaching roles and led youth theater projects, which helped me stay connected to my passion and give back to the next generation of artists. These experiences reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art and the necessity of perseverance.

My story is one of persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to making the world a more empathetic place through art. I want my brand to stand for sincerity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of meaningful storytelling. Whether on stage, screen, or in the classroom, my goal is to use my craft to illuminate the human experience and inspire others to do the same.

Acting is the application of psychology, the in-the-flesh embodiment of stories that need to be told, the proof that humans have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, empathy, and love… My goal is to be sincere in my art, to observe, to contribute, and ultimately to better the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think New York City is packed with fun, interesting, and exciting people anywhere you go, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to return. I have (and will again in the future) given many highlights tours of the city to my visiting friends. I think elements not to be missed, especially now that the weather is warming up again, is The Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. Exploring medieval art and enjoying the gardens and Hudson River views is just a magical getaway from the bustling metropolis. Another day, I’d take them on the Roosevelt Island Tramway for stunning aerial views before hopping on the NYC Ferry down the East River to the Financial District, soaking in the skyline. Another great place I always recommend for sunset views of the skyscrapers is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Of course, being the art fanatic that I am, I’d also dive into NYC’s many museums. Of course it sounds trope-y to suggest to catch a Broadway show before departing, but the gems that are currently running on those theater stages are truly a highlight for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, my journey wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support, mentorship, and inspiration from several people and organizations along the way.

First and foremost, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family and friends in Switzerland. My parents encouraged me to pursue my interests, even when my path wasn’t the most conventional or secure. Their support, both emotional and practical, especially as I moved abroad for my studies, was invaluable.

I also want to recognize my teachers and mentors at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. The faculty there didn’t just teach me technique; they instilled in me the belief that growth as an actor and growth as a human being are inseparable. Their honest feedback and commitment to my development helped me find autonomy in my craft and the confidence to trust my instincts.

My peers and collaborators have also played a crucial role. From my time at NYU to projects like my web series “Filthy Rich” and my play “The Second Coming,” I’ve been fortunate to work alongside fellow artists who challenged and inspired me. These collaborations pushed me to grow, take risks, and see the world through new perspectives.

To everyone who has offered encouragement, mentorship, or simply believed in me along the way; this shoutout is for you. My story is as much yours as it is mine.

Website: https://mariodelcubo.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariodelcubo/

Twitter: https://x.com/mariodelcubo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariodelcubo/

Other: https://linktr.ee/mariodelcubo

Image Credits
Deborah Lopez, JeJu Caron, Joe Loper, Marc Furrer

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