We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Cerqueira Da Costa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I’m not originally from America, and English is not my native language, but I still decided to come here to pursue my acting career. This decision was a significant risk for me, both personally and professionally.

The journey began after my mandatory military service in the Swiss army. In Switzerland, every citizen is required to serve, and I chose to complete one year of service so I wouldn’t have to return periodically. Just a few months before my service was over, we were undergoing training in what they call Urban Combat. During these exercises, I had to play various roles: sometimes a civilian, sometimes a terrorist, a journalist, or a soldier.

It was during these sessions that something within me reawakened—a passion for acting that I had almost forgotten. When I was younger, I used to do theatre, and I loved it. However, my parents couldn’t afford the tuition for the Theatre Conservatory of Geneva, so I had to put my dreams on hold. I told my parents not to worry and that I would find a way to pursue acting on my own when I grew up.

Years passed, and I had nearly forgotten about my love for acting until those military exercises. The thrill of stepping into different characters and bringing them to life reignited my passion for the craft. From that moment on, I knew I couldn’t let go of my dream again.

After finishing my military service, I decided to take a leap of faith. I left my home, my family, and everything familiar to me and moved to New York to study acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. It was a daunting move, especially since English was not my first language. But I was determined to succeed.

It wasn’t easy. I faced numerous challenges, from language barriers to adapting to a new culture. But every challenge strengthened my resolve. I immersed myself in my studies, working hard to perfect my craft and improve my English.

Looking back, this risk was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t just about pursuing a career; it was about reclaiming a dream that I had once lost. Today, I’m on the path to becoming a professional actor, doing what I love every day. The journey has been tough, but incredibly rewarding. I’ve proven to myself that with determination and hard work, I can overcome any obstacle and turn my dreams into reality.

Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Michael and I am an actor with a passion for storytelling and a relentless drive to pursue my dreams. My journey into the acting industry has been anything but conventional, filled with determination, hard work, and a love for learning.

I was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, but my background is Portuguese. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I developed a deep appreciation for different languages and cultures. Today, I am fluent in five languages: French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. Additionally, I am currently learning Russian. My love for languages stems from my curiosity and desire to constantly learn new things, which is a trait that sets me apart in the acting world.

My path to acting began in my youth when I participated in theatre. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, my parents could not afford the tuition for the Theatre Conservatory of Geneva, and I had to put my dreams on hold. Instead, I promised myself that I would pursue acting when I could afford it. This promise stayed with me through the years.

After completing my mandatory military service in the Swiss army, where I served for one year, I had a pivotal experience. During our Urban Combat training, I was assigned various roles, such as a civilian, terrorist, journalist, and soldier. These exercises reignited my passion for acting. I realized how much I loved stepping into different characters and bringing them to life.

Determined to follow my dreams, I took a significant risk and moved to New York to study at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. This move was challenging, especially since English is not my first language. However, I embraced the challenge, working hard to improve my language skills and hone my craft.

In addition to my acting career, my diverse background and multilingual abilities allow me to connect with a wide range of people and cultures. I love history and constantly seek new knowledge, which enriches my performances and understanding of different characters. This curiosity and dedication to continuous learning set me apart from others in the industry.

What I am most proud of is my resilience and determination. I firmly believe that to get something you never had, you have to do something you never did like Thomas Jefferson and Denzel Washington said. This philosophy has driven me to never give up, no matter how tough the journey gets. I remember a powerful lesson from my previous employer, the director of HR, who said, “S’il y a du doute, il n’y a pas de doute,” which means, “If there is doubt, there is no doubt.” This statement has stayed with me, reinforcing my belief in the importance of decisiveness and commitment.

In my acting career, I aim to bring authenticity and depth to every role I play, solving the challenge of creating believable and compelling characters. I want people that I meet, followers, and fans to know that I am dedicated to my craft, constantly striving to improve and bring new perspectives to my work.

Through my journey, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles they may face. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the unwavering belief in one’s dreams.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, specifically an actor, is the constant learning and the diversity it brings to my life. I chose this career because I am an inherently curious person who thrives on new challenges and experiences. Routine and monotony bore me; I need to continually explore new things to feel fulfilled.

Acting is the perfect outlet for this curiosity. It’s the only profession where I can immerse myself in different lives, jobs, and worlds. One year I might be portraying a doctor, and the next year a cop. Each role demands that I learn the specific language, behaviors, and intricacies of these professions. I get to study and embody various characters, which keeps me constantly engaged and intellectually stimulated.

This diversity is what makes me feel truly alive. It pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new skills, and see the world from different perspectives. I love the challenge of diving deep into a character, understanding their motivations, and bringing their story to life.

Acting also allows me to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Through my performances, I can evoke emotions, inspire thoughts, and share stories that resonate with people. The impact my work can have on others is profoundly rewarding and drives my passion for this art form.

In essence, acting is the only place that offers me the variety and challenges I crave. It’s where I feel most alive, constantly growing, and never bored. It’s not just a career for me; it’s a way of life that continually enriches my mind and soul.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Before coming to New York to pursue my acting career at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, I knew that achieving my dreams would require immense effort and sacrifice. Coming from a modest background, I had to find a way to fund my education independently. Determined to pursue my passion for acting, I took on three different jobs to save enough money for my tuition and my living expenses in New York.

My journey began in Switzerland, where I faced the first of many challenges: three scholarship applications I submitted were all rejected. Despite these setbacks, I refused to let them deter me. I resolved to work harder and find another way.

I secured my first job as a security agent, working long, grueling hours from 8 PM to 6 AM. My responsibilities included transporting inmates between jail and precincts, a task that demanded both physical and mental resilience. On my days off from this job, I worked as an independent IT consultant, managing clients and solving their tech problems. This work was not only demanding but also required me to stay updated with the latest technology trends.

During the day, from 9 AM to 7 PM, I worked at a small cellphone repair shop. This job taught me the intricacies of electronics and customer service, further broadening my skill set. Balancing these three jobs left me with little time for rest, but it strengthened my mindset and fueled my determination.

These experiences were incredibly challenging, but they also reinforced my belief that when I set my mind to something, nothing can stop me. I learned to be resourceful, manage my time efficiently, and maintain a positive attitude despite the hardships.

When I finally arrived in New York, I carried with me not only the financial means to pursue my education but also an unshakeable sense of resilience and determination. The journey was tough, but it solidified my belief in my capabilities and my unwavering resolve to achieve my goals at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

No matter how difficult the path may seem, I’ve proven to myself that with hard work and persistence, I can overcome any obstacle. This resilience continues to drive me forward in everything I do, especially in my pursuit of a successful acting career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaelcdacosta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freesh.m/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cerqueira-da-costa-516665130
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/michaelcdacosta
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelcdacosta

Image Credits

some pictures where taken by a photographe and she said I can use them for the website but that I just I have to give credits to her for ©mel_etlesfleurs