DANIEL MONACO

Rising Star

Daniel Monaco Talks with Delia Lindsey for XS10 Magazine.

I’m chatting today with actor Daniel Monaco about how he got his start, wondering how he’s made it through the almost year (yes, YEAR!) of the COVID-19 pandemic and his thoughts on what’s to come for the entertainment industry.

Welcome, Daniel Monaco! I have to say, I’m very impressed with your IMDb credits. You’ve acted in some of the top TV shows of the past few years: Netflix’s Grace and Frankie and Dear White People, ABC’s Schooled and Fresh Off the Boat, and more recently, YouTube Channel’s Astrid Clover and HBO’s Sorry, Ari. How long have you been acting?

Hi, thanks for having me. Yeah, I think maybe I haven’t been acting as long as some people that come to LA to try and make it in film. However, I’ve booked my share of roles and gained some excellent experience. I was interested in acting when I was in high school back in my hometown of Chicago, but it didn’t work out well for me. I tried out for a few parts, but I never got any of them.

Well, I’ll bet someone back at your old high school is rethinking those choices! So, if you had no luck with acting in high school, how and when did you get your start?

I moved to LA eight years ago. I had no idea how to break into the industry, so I checked out an actor’s workshop and got signed by someone there.

Tell me about your first acting role.

My first experience acting in front of the camera, the character I played was supposed to drown. We shot at a lake and the water was freezing! Let’s just say, my first acting experience was exhilarating in more ways than one. I’ve been “hooked”... yeah, I really said that … ever since. But seriously, from that first experience, I knew acting is what I am meant to do.

Was acting your first love?

Actually, my first love was music. I wanted to be a Pop solo-artist. I still work with my music, but that’s an even harder industry to break into for a young artist that doesn’t know anyone in LA. My main focus right now is acting. I look forward to finding out what lies ahead for me.

Speaking of the future, how has your career been since COVID-19 started. Has the pandemic changed the way you work or where you work?

Yes, absolutely! Like so many, COVID-19 has directly affected my friends and family. Several of my loved ones have had the virus. I’ve moved back to Chicago temporarily, just to be around them. Now, more than ever, I think it is important to reconnect with the people that matter most to us.

The pandemic has changed the way I work just as it has most actors. I do a lot of taping and auditions at home on the phone or online.

I am so sorry the virus has been hard on you and the ones you love, but has it offered you any alternative ideas on how to expand your talents as an actor?

Absolutely! I’d be very interested in some voice-over work. I’ve never tried that sort of role, but it seems cool. I’m also taking the time to revisit my music. I would like to find a way to advance myself in that genre as well.

I know I have developed some guilty pleasures during the pandemic. I’ve shopped so much, Amazon has my address listed as a regular stop these days. What, if any, guilty pleasures have you developed?

I recently discovered Zillow, and I am so hooked! I’ve been picking out houses for when I make my first million.

Ha! Yes, Zillow is one of my favorites as well. I’m looking at A-frames in the mountains, maybe out on the west coast, or maybe upstate New York. Where would your dream home be?

I’ve been looking all over, mainly in the US. So far, my favorite searches are upstate New York, as well as along the coast, like Florida. By the way, what’s an A-frame?

Wow! Now, I’m feeling very old. And I was really starting to like you! (laughing) Look it up for yourself, Youngster!

Really, though. What is your COVID prediction for this year? Do you think the film industry will start to see some semblance of what we recognize as Hollywood?

I think so. Somewhat. Maybe by the end of the year. Actually, who knows?

My thoughts exactly!

Thank you, Daniel Monaco, for taking the time to speak to me. You’re very easy to talk with and it’s been a pleasure. Best of luck as you continue to navigate through CIVID-19 as an actor. I look forward to speaking with you again, soon.

Tell us how we can see more of you.

Thanks for having me, and best of luck to you as well!

You can find me on: Instagram - @Daniel.Monaco.LA Twitter - @DanielJMonaco You can find all of my previous work and Rep details on IMDb on my profile - Daniel Monaco