We recently had the chance to connect with Jose Duran and have shared our conversation below.
Jose, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Driving a golf cart through Isla Mujeres, Mexico at golden hour with my little sister and mother. I surprised my mother for her birthday recently with a trip to Cancun. We’ve never been to Mexico and we heard Isla Mujeres had one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. We spent the whole day at Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres sun bathing, swimming in crystal blue water, and drinking margaritas. We ended our beach day with a drive in a beat up golf cart through the entire island. The three of us just sitting quietly, smiling, watching the sun set.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jose Duran. I am an actor, a filmmaker, and a teaching artist. I was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia and grew up in Miami. I went to Florida Sate University and got my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a Minor in Psychology. I moved back to Miami after graduating and worked in finance for about two years. I have always wanted to be an actor, but it was never a viable career choice in my mind, I always thought of it as a hobby. Two years in the corporate world made me realize that I wasn’t truly happy and that two more years might drive me insane. Trying to pursue acting as a career, with no guarantee of financial stability or even success didn’t sound as crazy anymore. I took the leap of faith and moved to New York to study acting at the William Esper Studio. Since graduating I’ve had the privilege to work with many talented people in the industry, in both TV and Film. When I am not auditioning or on set, I work as a teaching artist for a program called CAT (Creative Arts Team), that works alongside NYC Public Schools to provide social, emotional, and academic learning through Applied Theatre. I’ve also produced, directed, and written some of my own projects with my production company, Luminous Path Films, many of them premiering in festivals around the world. I am currently finishing the edit of my most recent film, starring my mother, shot throughout Miami and the Florida Keys on 16mm film.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be and before puberty kicked in, I was a freak of nature, and I embraced it fully. I was the family clown, I would do anything to get a laugh. I had weird thoughts and ideas that would constantly rush through my head and I would act on them with no filter. I watched a lot of “Ren and Stimpy” growing up, maybe that messed me up a bit. If you haven’t seen the show, youtube it and you’ll get a glimpse into my childhood brain. My mother had the patience of a saint and she never once told me to shut up or quiet down, she was always so sweet and supportive, shaking her head and smiling at my most recent public display of lunacy. I was a very hyper kid but my parents found ways to channel my crazy energy. They put me into Tae-Kwon-Do at age 6 and I got really good at kicking and screaming. I practiced it for about 10 years, getting my black belt and receiving guidance and support from one of my great mentors, Master Choi. He definitely set me straight and taught me valuable life lessons. He wanted me to be successful in anything I set my mind to, and he wanted me to go to Harvard and not some “Burger King College” as he called it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
People are going to think you’re weird, embrace it, that will become your superpower. Also I know you’re self conscious about your crow’s feet because your crush from high school said you look like an old man when you smile, don’t worry! Girls are going to think your crow’s feet are hot when you grow up, I promise. It’s gonna be like your signature thing.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family is everything. I am a huge momma’s boy, and all my close friends know that about me. They understand what a strong presence she is in my life; I wouldn’t be where I am now without her love and support. She’s always praying for me, making sure I don’t get into trouble. Her prayers have kept me out of jail. Another thing that really matters to me is karaoke. It’s not just a good time, it’s therapy. All of my close friends agree. You don’t have to be a great singer; just put your whole heart into it.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I will regret not living out my full potential. That’s my greatest fear. I think about it constantly. If I doom scroll on Instagram for two hours instead of getting some writing done, I feel like a loser. I know that’s me being too hard on myself but I can’t help thinking that way sometimes. I’ll regret not trying out stand up comedy. It scares the crap out of me but I want to do it. I am getting into the habit of doing something majorly scary every year. Last year it was running the NYC Marathon and it was the hardest, most grueling physical feat I’ve ever accomplished. This year I’ll be working on my tight five at local open mics.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gusto1630
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