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.

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

told me, “don’t worry about it, your just doing your job”. So, I let him go through. I knew that he was directing and making a film here in Albuquerque called “Blood Father”. Two days after this, I ended up getting casted as an inmate on this movie he was directing. So, I go and get fitted with wardrobe 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 told me, “don’t worry about it, your just doing your job”. So, I let him go through. I knew that he was directing and making a film here in Albuquerque called “Blood Father”. Two days after this, I ended up getting casted as an inmate on this movie he was directing. So, I go and get fitted with wardrobe and during this, I come across Mel Gibson, he keeps looking at me and telling me, “you look familiar”. So, then we met up for lunch, they were on set, he asked me to sit with him and his manager. After a while, we were talking and getting to know each other, he realized I was a security guard holding him back at the UFC fight. He’s a cool guy, we got along pretty good.

What has been your favorite role, so far?

My favorite roles are pretty much any type of agency I believe I fit pretty well as far as a cop, military, FBI, DEA, Ice, Border Patrol. Pretty much law enforcement. I really enjoy those roles.

How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the film industry?

It has involved quite a bit of acting classes, I have gained more experience on set as well as networking and getting to know the people behind-thescenes, the crew, assistant directors camera people, directors, everyone that’s behind the camera. I have just become a lot more comfortable on set.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I strongly believe, it’s pretty much all the emotions, because when I get an email, my emotions start to race. When I’m onset, I am passionate, my pride just takes over, when I talk about it, it overcomes everything and the joy that it gives me is a pretty awesome feeling and then, I also experience the frustration of trying to wait patiently to see if I get picked or not. It an be rough, many actors say you have to have thick skin. So, pretty much all of the above keeps me going.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

Still from TV Series, Longmire.

Fred Padilla on set of Feature Film, Sicario.

Marc Blucas and Fred Padilla on set of TV Series, Killer Women.

I think what makes me special in this industry is that I can easily change my appearance. I can look different for so many different roles. People tell me that I have a very unique look, which can make life a lot easier for casting directors.

What has been your biggest challenge as an actor? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge is being close up on camera. I’m a big guy, so the more I’m seen on camera, the more it makes comfortable. So, I believe have overcome it.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

In the beginning, when I first started acting it felt like I was suffering, audition after audition… but anymore, it doesn’t feel that way because I’m more patient now and I have an attitude like a wall. If it works out great, if it doesn’t, then there’s something else coming. Maybe even bigger. You got to try and stay positive.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the film business?

The internet has helped a lot, especially with social media. Using it as a tool, everyone can see what you’ve done and how you look. It has provided great exposure for me to show my talents and skills.

If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?

Nothing, I’m really comfortable the way the film industry is and how things are going. They look into it and they make their changes to fit everyone’s business.

If you could give 3 tips of advise to an upcoming actor, what would it be?

For an upcoming actor, I would have to say… 1. Get as much experience on camera as you can. 2. Take acting classes. 3. Always be prepared for anything that can happen.

How can fans-to-be gain access to you and follow your career?

https://myurls.co/actorfredpadilla https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5097548/