FRED PADILLA An American Actor and Influencer When did you first get involved in acting? I got involved in the film industry in 2013. I was approached by an assistant director that asked me if I had ever been on a TV show or movie, if not would I like to be in a movie he was doing. The film was “Force of Execution”. What or Who inspired you to pursue a career as an actor? You know, honestly, the people that are closest to me– My Team. Such as my Mom, Dad, Daughter, Manager, Publicist and my Agent. They are the ones that believe in me. I have also learned a lot from principal casting agencies as well as others actors on set. It never failed, when I felt like quitting, I would get emails or calls to audition. All these things keep me motivated to stay in the game. What films/tv shows have you been involved in? Which of them have been your favorite? Man, I have been on quite a bit of films and TV shows! “The Messengers”, “Killer Women”, “Longmire”, “Deputy”, “Briarpatch”, “Sicario”, “Blood Father”…. to name a few. My favorite role so far has been the first TV show I was involved in. It was the end of 2013, I landed a role as an Undercover DEA on “Killer Women”. That’s when I was discovered and I realized that I really enjoyed being an actor. I got along with the principal cast from the beginning and it all just felt right.
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I’m sure you have met many actors along the way. Can you share some stories with us? Yes I can, this story I can will never forget. I was working security for security company at Tingley Coliseum for a UFC fight in Albuquerque, NM. I was ringside, our crew had just been briefed by promoters/sponsors, letting us know who was allowed to be ringside. Because we were front and center…. So, I was taking care of the exits for the fighters and I was at my post, when I saw these three guys coming towards me. One of them I knew was one of the promoters, then I saw two other bearded guys, one was a skinny guy that was behind the promoter. As they came to me, I was again briefed that if no-one had credentials or IDs no-one could get to ringside. So, the gentleman with the beard showed up, I pushed his chest and held him back. I looked at him and I’m telling him, “you can’t come in here, you have no ID, no credentials” The promoter had went in before him and passed me cuz I knew who he was, then he looks back and shook his head at me, like what are you doing? Then, as I was holding this bearded guy, I pushed him on his chest and I was looking right at him and I realized that it was Mel Gibson. He gave me his distinguished look, kind of like his “Brave Heart” look. Then, his manager looked at me, which was right behind him and asked me, “Do you know who this guy is?” I looked at my guests list and I said, “yes I do” and I apologized and said, “I didn’t realize at the time until I pushed you forward then I saw who you were”. Then, Mel Gibson
