Angel Avilés
Where are you from/where are you now?
Born in the Lower East Side. Raised in the Boogie Down Bronx. Raised some more in the City of Angels.
As a young Puerto Rican actress from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, you've most likely seen the pulsing vibe of what we can affectionately call, 'old school NYC' with your own eyes. A true melting pot of avant-garde culture-makers, musicians, artists, dancers, writers, and even comedians (we'll touch on that soon), but definitely not for the thin-skinned. Do you believe in the eponymous phrase, "if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere"? In your opinion, looking back, did New York City prepare you for the numerous twists of your career in entertainment?
I heard the term “metrocentric” once, and it hit home for me. Like many young people that grow up in large metropolitan areas, I felt MY CITY was THE BEST. In my limited scope, New York City was the center of the universe, and at that time, I fully believed that if I could make it there, I could make it anywhere. Because New York was such a melting pot, I felt culturally prepared to navigate the various places I’ve traveled. As I have gotten older, I have traveled the globe a bit, and I have a much broader perspective on not only how many incredible places there are in the world but also what it means to “make it.” I will say this; life was not easy growing up in New York. The pace was hectic, and the sheer size of the population turned daily activities, like riding the subway, into a competition. In some crazy way, I think that vibe contributed to my work ethic. I guess I expected everything to be challenging, so it felt like a cruise when things were not brutal.
Acting & performance is in your blood, literally. Not only was your mother a member of a local theatre group, but your brother Rick Avilés (RIP) was a vibrant force in the comedy world (occasionally hosting the renowned 'Showtime at the Apollo' program) and in film. His roles were plenty & memorable - especially as the nefarious 'Quisqueya' in Carlito's Way', and the pivotal role of 'Willie Lopez' in Ghost with Patrick Swayze. With your own acting career starting out, you made your way to the West Coast, in your brother's footsteps. How was this transition from NYC to LA? Was it difficult to find meaningful roles?
Thank you for mentioning two of the people that I hold dearest in my life as a creative. I fell in love with the West Coast the moment I got here. The year I moved, we had the Rodney King riots, but I had my brother, and we took everything in stride. The hardest thing for me to get used to the warring that went down between the black and brown folks here. This was very different from my experience growing up, so I couldn't wrap my head around this kind of racism. Workwise, L.A. in the 90’s, was fruitful. Independent film was burgeoning. I felt privileged to be a part of a creative process that was happening at the time. The longer I stayed, however, the more it became apparent that the roles for people of color were always limited in the film making machine known as Hollywood.
Now in The City of Angels, with the 'big dream' closer within your grasp, the relocation allowed you to network, audition, and eventually film with leading directors & filmmakers that were responsible for various American classic films. But it wasn't until one particular film that launched you into the stratosphere of 'cult classic' status. MI VIDA LOCA brought Chicano culture to the forefront, putting its complex reality of strength & vulnerability in lights for the world to see, and your character, 'Sadgirl', was as iconic as the culture itself. Arguably, the 'Sadgirl' role still lives on in your shadow to this day. Because of your role in MVL, there seems to be a 'Sadgirl' in every clique of young Chicanas. Most actors try to shake off certain character roles that seem to follow them - by doing films with totally different character analyses, jumping into television roles, etc. You, on the other hand, have embraced it with love & respect. As you prepared for this role, what did you find the most relatable about Chicano culture? In retrospect, did you know this role would impact your career so deeply?
Respectfully, I must say that I think you have it twisted. It was Angel who lived in Sad Girl's shadow for ages. Sad Girl is the icon for sure, and why shouldn't she be? She, like all of us, is quite complicated. She's loveable yet flawed, innocent, yet deadly. I had a chance to work with the Locas in Echo Park. A luxury that very few artists are afforded, but THIS was the blessing of independent film. I had no idea that Mi Vida Loca would become a cult classic. My job was to represent what I saw in these women, add an emotional truth from my own experience, and freshly present the creation. Some people hate MVL, and we have all taken our fair share of criticism. But I tell you one thing: every person who participated in that film showed up and represented the reality of that time. Chicano culture is bold, beautiful, brave, and loyal. I could not be prouder to know that I am a part of something that has profoundly enriched my life.
'Sadgirl' raised your profile, taking you to different platforms. You even starred in the 'Motherhood' episode of the long-running hospital soap-drama, "ER", as a gang-banging Chola who swung open the doors of an emergency room to pound on her rival "Puppet" (played by MVL supporting actress, Seidy Lopez aka "Mousie"). This episode was directed by Quentin Tarantino and delivered in full frenzied multi-shot angles and non-stop suspense. You'd go on to work with Tarantino again, in the Robert Rodriguez film, "Desperado". Your role as assistant drug lord Zamira displayed some impressive shooting and gun handiwork. Did you perform your own stunts? And off-camera, was there any goofing around, pranking, and friendship-building, or was it all business?
Acting is an emotionally intimate art form. You live in a bubble with your castmates and create these intricate illusions. Inevitably, bonds are formed. At least that was the case for me. I definitely worked with some intense directors. Robert was precise about how he wanted things to look. When Zamira was coming out to shoot Navajas (Danny Trejo), he wanted me to tilt my head and raise one eyebrow. I was not a stuntwoman by any means, but I have to say that working on ER with Quentin Tarantino was probably the most intricate stunt work I had ever done. That episode was unusual because the entire chaotic scene was done in one shot. Everyone had to hit their mark at precisely the right time for the scene to flow. My challenge was to get from one side of the set to the other, burst through a door, and leap onto a gurney. I thank God for the years of ballet that made that possible!
It was on the 'Desperado' set that spotted your first non-linear editing system. That sparked a new fire inside of you and set you on a trail to multimedia production. Your new skillset came in timely, as web-based media & marketing surged as a leading business at the dawn of the 21st century. Was it difficult to pivot careers? Were you ready to squash the acting bug? If so, why?
Pivoting careers was not difficult because I was ready. I had a family and wanted a "normal" life. I think I also knew that the real power of storytelling happens off-camera. I felt it was my turn to be behind the scenes.
The camera was still there for you, ready to be used. But you chose to stay behind the lens. In 2006, you served as executive producer for a new comedy web series, "Sporting Grace" starring comedian Grace Fraga. It seems as if you were starting to meld both of your career worlds in the new media industry. However, this move, albeit short-lived, was the precursor to your next role as a social influencer. Drawing upon your recognition as a Latinx celebrity & cult-film star; as well as your skills as a new media producer & marketing maven, you were in a prime position to elevate your star power for a different mission: life coaching & motivational speaking. How well does it feel to uplift women of all walks through your words? And how do you feel knowing that you are once again navigating generations of 'sadgirls' into self-love, empowerment, and higher consciousness?
My work with Grace was one of several attempts to remain creative while working a day job as a marketing communications producer and manager. I am and have always been fascinated with Latino culture. Having had the experience of being raised on one coast but coming into my own on the other, I recognized that diversity was missing. I couldn't find it in film, in marketing... anywhere really. When social media really began to evolve, I joined in, not as an influencer but as a marketer trying to understand behavior. I was fighting some dark personal battles. I was also not ready to be this version of Angel. This version manages all the blessings and challenges that come with being a public figure.
Now as a transformational life coach, you tap into deep wisdom & profound experience in order to share with everyone who needs it. With this abundant source of motivation & confidence, you've now written and released a self-help memoir titled, "Too Happy to be Sad Girl". With such a powerful response, the memoir is a sell-out success, and you are officially an Amazon Best Seller. Congratulations! Have you celebrated this new success? What's the best feedback you've heard or the best review you've read so far? What's the biggest takeaway lesson you learned from this new experience as an author?
I am a transformational coach because I have gone THROUGH some shit. I have struggled with debilitating anxiety and panic. I've battled depression and imposter syndrome. In my book, I honestly share the MANY ways I continue to work my way around and out of the dark holes I can fall into. I'm humbled and honored that people love my book. I'm so grateful for all the inbox messages, emails, posts, and comments. Some of the feedback I've gotten brings tears to my eyes because I know that my struggle was not in vain. In my coaching, I help others set and achieve the goals that they REALLY desire. Many of us have been conditioned to accept agendas that aren't remotely close to what our soul craves. It takes courage to "DO YOU." I work with people who are ready to make moves but aren't clear on how. I also facilitate wellness training for agencies and organizations that serve marginalized communities. I work with social workers, educators, corrections officers, and non-profit administrators. We are all doing the work, and it brings me such joy to inspire and reinvigorate the folks on the front lines.
what advice would you give to a younger person from the diaspora who wants to do what you do?
Wisdom is experiential. You will make what you may perceive as HUGE mistakes. Be loving, graceful, and passionate about growth, first with and for yourself, then for others.
If you are interested in contacting Ms. Angel Avilés for wellness training, public speaking engagements, or to purchase a signed copy of her book, please reach out to https://toohappytobesadgirl.com