Nelson Estevez

Estevez’s career has evolved over the last decade. Beginning in New York City, his training at Terry Schreiber Studios provided him strong fundamental skills in theater. He’s become adept in slipping into the shoes of his characters and with empathy reliving their stories. Nelson considers both mental and physical training to be a key factor in preparing for a role. He trains to be an actor the same way athletes train to be in the Olympics, with conscious dedication and conditioning in all aspects of his life. As a mixed martial artist, Nelson also works on his own choreography for fight scenes.

Photography courtesy of Michael Roud

Leaving his comfort zone Estevez moved to Los Angeles where he is currently based. Estevez attends Actors Comedy Studio where he refines his audition technique and on camera training.

In his most recent acting role, Estevez stars in Tyler Perry’s Acrimony which was in theaters on March 30th. The cast includes Taraji P. Henson and Lyriq Bent. In his role as Casey, Estevez plays a man who is supportive of his wife June, played by Jazmyn Simon, and her family. Estevez is also a familiar face to fans of TLC’s Too Close To Home.

Let’s chat with Nelson and learn first hand when he knew he wanted to act, what’s it’s like to work with Tyler Perry and Taraji P. Henson, and how he continues to give back.

I visualize being a successful and working actor just about everyday. Usually when I wake up I tend to look at my visual affirmations or vision board. ”

William Jackson: What’s your definition of a miracle?

Nelson Estevez: A highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment that brings very welcomed consequences. In order for it to be a welcomed consequence, one does have to put in or invest. So, would it really be a miracle?

William: When I say the words New York, what fond memories come to mind?

Nelson: Running through the open fire hydrant in the summer time as a kid, little league baseball, frio frios, dominoes, and merengue.

William: When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Nelson: Officially in 2006. I was an extra for Hitch in a scene with Will Smith and Kevin James, and I saw how much fun they were having on set. It was contagious and that’s when I wanted to officially make it happen.

William: How did your family support your interest in becoming an actor?

Nelson: At first, they just saw it as a hobby or something that can be “for fun” or “on the side.” They didn’t believe acting or entertainment was something seemed as “unattainable” and “unreal” as a career. Success would come from “hard work” and retirement from working a 9-5 for a company with great benefits. The realization and transition came when I became tired of trying to hide that this was something I wanted to pursue full time. I showed my parents a check I was going to deposit from a commercial I had recently booked. My mom responded, “That’s great my son! How many months did you work to make that?” I told her, “Two hours”. She was in disbelief. They needed something to relate to, and who doesn’t relate to money? This was when they started to see things differently.

William: Did you ever fantasize about being a movie star?

Nelson: I visualize being a successful and working actor just about everyday. Usually when I wake up I tend to look at my visual affirmations or vision board.

William: Who were your mentors when you started acting?

Nelson: It’s been very interesting but I mainly had friends and counselors who were not in the industry, be more supportive of my career. Once I began training at an acting studio in New York City, I was mentored by one of my instructors. We still keep in touch occasionally.

William: How do you define your acting style?

Nelson: Raw with some vulnerability.

William: At this point in your life, what makes you most proud?

Nelson: Giving back.

William: Talk to us about how the role in Tyler Perry’s Acrimony came about?

Nelson: I was very excited to have landed the role of Casey. I actually had no details or clues as to who or what the project was for since production was keeping everything confidential. During the audition process all I had were the sides, character breakdown/ description, casting director name, movie title, time and location of audition. Within a week, I was on my way to Atlanta to Tyler Perry studios. This was when I was briefed about who hired me, who was directing the film and who was starring; which we now know is Acrimony with Taraji P. Henson.

By showing up. I want to be a prime example and proof of what happens when you trust the process, and your journey. If I can do it, then so can you if you put in the work"

William: What important lessons did you take away from working with this distinguished roster of actors?

Nelson: I learned once I let go and trust in the other actor / actress by listening, I can hold my own.

William: Now that you’ve achieved a level of success, how do you feel about it?

Nelson: I’m motivated and inspired to find the next job. I have some work to do and I’m moving forward to sharpen my craft from an artist and business stand point.

William: What makes you the most proud?

Nelson: I trusted myself and stuck with it regardless of what others said.

William: What are you most grateful for?

Nelson: My journey. I have learned so much from my mistakes, accomplishments, heartbreaks, and realizations. It has made me who I am today.

William: Can you see the future for yourself?

Nelson: I don’t know if I can see the future, but I have a strong visualization of where I am going.

William: How do you make people want to do better?

Nelson: By showing up. I want to be a prime example and proof of what happens when you trust the process, and your journey. If I can do it, then so can you if you put in the work.

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED AND WRITTEN BY WILLIAM JACKSON, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MICHAEL ROUD AND GENE FREEMAN.