Deangelo Bethea

Actor on the Rise

Interview by The Heat Seekers

David R. Navarro: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Deangelo Bethea: I would describe myself as a relaxed individual. Being relaxed is one of the best feelings there is, and it usually leads to other good feelings like happiness and confidence. I am a proud dog owner of an English Bulldog named, Wynndel. I enjoy traveling to exotic beaches. Before the pandemic I traveled to 7 international beaches in 7 months! I’m into 90’s HipHop & R&B as well as 90’s grunge. I was Born in San Diego, California but call Albuquerque, New Mexico home. My Father was African-American and my Mother is Spanish so I come from a Bi-racial background. Oh, and I hate camping, so please don’t ask.

DN: How long have you been in the film/fashion industry?

DB: I’ve been modeling since my freshman year in College. I was approached by a Model-Scout after a performance & the rest is history. Being a model opened the door for commercials, designer runway campaigns, and editorial magazine shoots. This definitely built my self-confidence with being in front of the camera for Television/Film. My film career developed when I moved to Albuquerque. Right now there is a Filming BOOM in New Mexico so I feel extremely blessed to be in the position that I’m in with so many productions coming to town. There is some amazing talent in New Mexico and I’m so glad that it is finally being showcased for all the world to see.

DN: What made you decide to be serious about acting and modeling?

DB: It wasn’t until I experienced how far the acting/modeling industry could reach that i realized that what I’m doing could truly make an indelible mark on the lives of people from around the world. Magazine Ad’s, TV/Film, Campaigns are seen daily by a vast amount of human beings, the number is staggering. What an incredible way to influence someone in a positive, uplifting way. That is why each project that I take on has to really appeal to me with a beneficial human element because I’m putting my name on it, I want it to stand for something that I strongly believe in. I want each project I take on to make others happy and I don’t want to do a project for the money. Money may incentivize in the long run, but it does not make you happy day-to-day.

DN: Tell us about your new film, “Happy Anniversary”.

DB: The truth is, Happy Anniversary was born out of frustration with the TV/Film Industry. Booking a part on a major Film or Television show is like winning the lottery! I experienced losing out on a couple of parts to other “name actors” and I entered into the dangerous world of self-doubt and insecurity. I grew tired of waiting for someone to make my dreams a reality so I decided to take matters & my dreams into my own hands and I started my own Film Production Company called - Zia Films Productions. I wrote the script, I directed the film, I produced and I starred in it as well. It was like my own personal “finger” to the industry for not allowing me to play with the big boys. Since making this film it has taught me so many invaluable lessons about the art of acting and film-making. First & foremost I learned first-hand how DIFFICULT it is to make a film. There are so many elements to it that it overwhelmed me. Everything from permits, budget, location, crew, scheduling, SAG-AFTRA contracts, casting, pre-production, post-production, sound, the list is eternal. But I was determined to do this film and I dit it. It became an obsession, a passion. To date, Happy Anniversary has won The Top Prize - Diamond Award for BEST NM SHORT at The MindField Film Festival. I also won the Top Prize- Diamond Award for BEST ACTOR. The film has also Won BEST INDIE SHORT at The Las Vegas Film Awards. It was also accepted into the Chicago Film Festival. These accolades make the grueling process of making it so much sweeter. The story has managed to hit people where it matters most - the heart. It is a true love-story about betrayal, redemption and finding love again when you least expect it. The film features Sofia Embid, Frankie Mestas, Daryl Iris, Greg Ryan and myself. It will be available to the public this coming Fall after the Film Festival run.

DN: Which people or books have had the most influence on your acting and modeling career and why?

DB: I have been so blessed to have such a loving, kind, unwavering support group of very close family and trusted friends. My agents Lynette O’Connor & Deidre Michelle have undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the upward trajectory of my career path. Also a BIG special thanks to David Navarro! I don’t know where I’d be without them. The books that I consider life-changing in regards to my career have been ‘In Pursuit of Purpose’ by Dr. Myles Munroe, ‘The Strasberg Method’ by S. Lorraine Hull & The Bible.

DN: Talk about the biggest failure you’ve had. What did you learn from it?

DB: The biggest failure I’ve had so far was allowing fear, panic and insecurity to rule over me. This was extremely crippling to finding my true identity. I learned not to panic for too long, everything has a season. Fear and insecurity lead to missed opportunities.

DN: What advice can you give other young men who want to follow in your footsteps?

DB: Discontent is the seed of change. For those young men/ women out there who are unsure of the path that lie’s before them, allow yourself to take control of your own life. If you are unhappy with where you are it is up to you to change it. Life demands that you pick up the pace, If you don’t pick up the pace, life will leave you behind. Embark on a committed journey to discover your gift. Once you discover your gift, it brings you into new rooms of life. You can never learn your gift, you can only refine it. Do something each day that will better your craft no matter how big or small. Everyday ask yourself - “what am I doing to refine my gift? What am I doing to feed my gift”? Develop a habit of consistently working on your gift. Our habits decide our future. Choose your habits wisely.

DN: What does a typical day in your week look like?

DB: I start the day with meditation and coffee. From there I spend time with my dog, Wynndel. He has the cutest innocence about him that I adore. From there I head to the gym and I wrap up my day with working on my craft and business relations.

DN: What keeps you going when things get tough in the business?

DB: What keeps my going is burning desire. I have grown to embrace a deep seeded, strong sense of self. When things get tough in this business I use it as motivation and fuel to my fire. Adversity makes me work even harder.

DN: Please list your website and/or your social media platforms.

DB: My website is www.deangelobethea.com. My Facebook is: Deangelo Bethea and my IG is: @Deangelolamar_official