Today we’d like to introduce you to Roman Mathis.
Roman, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first started acting back in middle school. I just saw other kids taking theatre and it looked fun so I decided I wanted to try and I really enjoyed it. I continued doing theatre and taking acting classes in high school and in the back of my mind, I always wanted to come to college out in LA and start acting professionally. It didn’t work out that way, I was involved in sports (basketball) really heavy and when that didn’t work out, I stayed home in Arizona and ended up getting my degree in Economics from the University of Arizona, which ended up being a blessing. Looking back, I needed that time to grow up and make mistakes and learn before making such a big move. Once I got my degree, I figured it was time to chase my dream so I packed up, moved to LA and been out here working towards my goals ever since. A little after my first year here, I booked a film working with Ben Affleck called The Way Back which was an amazing experience. I’ve had some other cool roles on tv and have done some short films, web series, and commercials. Every day I”m really just working on my craft and believing that even more things are to come. Bigger things too!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is always going to have ups and downs. I don’t think anything always goes as smooth as you want it too. At least not for me anyways. If you’re a person that has it smooth all the time, that’s truly a blessing. For me though I feel like the highs wouldn’t be as enjoyable if it weren’t for the lows so I take everything in stride.
I think my struggles aren’t too different from others especially those in the same business. Within the business, you deal with a bunch of no’s, you deal with self-doubt sometimes, you see your peers killing it and wonder why it’s not happening for you the same when really you should just be focusing on your own journey. Then outside of the business, you’re dealing with your everyday struggles, finances, relationships, family, whatever the case. Like I said though joy wouldn’t feel so good if it weren’t for pain and I truthfully feel that you can change anything with a positive mindset so I know when things are going bad, it’s on me to turn it around.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
So when I came out here, I came specifically to act. Being out here and learning the business has taught me that it’s best to be multifaceted. So since then I have started writing, directing, producing, and basically just fully immersing my self in the film industry. I model a little on the side but I really consider myself a filmmaker and an artist.
I think what I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m out here everyday going after exactly what I want. I am very fortunate to be able to be doing that. So many people would love the chance to chase their dreams but for whatever reason aren’t able to. So the fact that I’m out here really doing this every day is a blessing and I’m proud of myself for believing in myself and doing what it took to make it happen and make it continue to happen everyday.
What sets me apart is just my mindset. I may not be the most talented but I’m going to work at it everyday to get better. On top of that, I have a no quit mentality and I really love what I’m here to do. When it gets to that point where it gets hard and a lot of people are going to quit, that’s when I’m going to push into overdrive and separate myself. I’m willing to outwork anyone. That’s not a knock on anyone else, I feel like there’s enough opportunity for everyone to make it and at the end of the day, I’m only in competition with myself. Unfortunately, not everyone has that same mindset so that’s part of what sets me apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I could spend all day thinking of who deserves credit and I’m sure I’d still leave some people out. I’ll start with the Most High, without him/her none of this would be possible. My parents for instilling in me so much of what has helped get me to where I am and for motivating me to want to do something big for our family. The rest of my family who helped raise to support me. You know it takes a village. Coaches, teachers, friends. My best friend and ex-girlfriend were the first people I really told. I wanted to act and they supported and believed in me so big thanks to them. All my new friends that I’ve met in LA on this journey who I feel like I’ve known my whole life, they help and motivate me everyday, they know who they are. My current girlfriend who holds me down each and every day. My whole team, my agents and manager deserve credit. And lastly myself. I’m the one that wakes up and goes after it everyday so I can’t leave myself out. But definitely, a lot of credit goes out to everyone I named.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/romanmathis
- Instagram: instagram.com/romemathis
- Facebook: facebook.com/romanmathis2
- Twitter: @romannmathis
Image Credit:
Albert L. Ortega, Chris Bailey
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
