We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Graciela Patiño. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Graciela below.
Graciela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
I am a multifaceted professional with a rich tapestry of experiences: actor, voiceover artist, community activist, retired peace officer, criminal defense investigator, and former educator.
My journey began in public service as a Deputy Sheriff for Los Angeles County, where I worked within the Custody Division of the LA County jails as a training officer and patrolled diverse communities in Field Operations. I was also a member of the Sheriff’s Substance Abuse Narcotics Education program, which deepened my understanding of community needs.
As a Juvenile Defense Investigator for the Office of the Public Defender, I dedicated myself to advocating for fairness within the justice system and protecting individuals’ rights. This role fueled my personal mission to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
I hold a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice and have served as a Lead Instructor in Behavioral and Social Sciences for career and technical college students. My passion for teaching made my classes highly sought after, culminating in my second Master’s degree in Education through a collaboration with Teach for America, where I was a bilingual teacher in Title I schools in Watts and Lincoln Heights, California.
I later returned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, focusing on Restorative Justice programming through Five Keys Schools and Programs. As an instructor inside various jails, including LA County Men’s Central Jail, Twin Towers, and the CRDF Detention Center for Women, I taught Career and Technical Education courses such as GED preparation and life skills. My aim was to equip incarcerated adults with the tools for successful reintegration into society and the workforce.
In my 50s, I embarked on a career in acting—a decision met with skepticism from some in my inner circle. When challenged about my late start, I confidently replied, “It never occurred to me that I couldn’t.” I believe that the breadth of my life experiences, combined with maturity, natural talent, and an eagerness to embrace new challenges, have greatly influenced my successful transition into the world of acting.
My diverse interactions with people from all walks of life have honed my ability to read intentions and connect empathetically. Through self-reflection, I’ve recognized that every career path I’ve taken has been aligned with a desire to help others. Now, as an actor, I aim to infuse authenticity into every character I portray and every story I tell. I am selective about the projects I undertake, seeking meaning, expression, and understanding. My ultimate goal is to share narratives that resonate with audiences in an authentic manner. The greatest lesson I have learned is that we are all fundamentally alike; despite our differences, we share laughter, tears, basic needs, and above all, the capacity for love.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began my acting journey in 2017 by enrolling in a continuing education class for K-12 educators. This course aimed to introduce teachers to theater and explore methods for engaging students in the dramatic arts. We covered various aspects of theater production, including costume design, set construction, and scriptwriting. It was both exciting and enriching.
During the final session, our instructor offered us a chance to act using excerpts from the stage play *Zoot Suit*. We drew character names from a hat, and I was assigned the role of the protagonist’s mother. As we performed, it was clear that my portrayal brought laughter and enjoyment to my peers. At the end of the class, the instructor asked if I was truly a teacher. When I confirmed, he suggested I might be in the wrong profession and should consider acting instead. I initially thought his comment was more of a compliment than a serious suggestion, but he requested my contact information, which I provided.
To my surprise, I received a call from Hollywood Casting that same day, inviting me for an audition based on the referral. I landed the role, marking the start of my career as a working actor. Since then, I’ve embraced every opportunity that has come my way, performing in several theatrical stage productions, television shows, commercials, video, and voiceover work. I’ve appeared in numerous feature and short films, earning accolades such as the Best Actress Award for my role in *Wolves* at the Official Latino Film Festival 2022, and an Award of Merit in Individual Achievement in Acting for *Tainted Treasure* at the Southern Shorts Awards 2023. I am deeply humbled and grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Growing up in the Aliso Village and Maravilla Housing projects in East Los Angeles, I faced significant challenges on my path to becoming both a Deputy Sheriff and a Public Defender Investigator. In 2002, my journey took a dramatic turn when I was working as a Defense Investigator, and an elevator I boarded malfunctioned, plummeting four stories before stopping in the basement. Despite the emergency brakes engaging just seconds before impact, I sustained severe injuries that required spinal reconstructive surgery with titanium discs and a spinal brace. The road to recovery was grueling, taking almost a year of rehabilitation to regain my ability to walk unassisted.
During this period, I struggled with feelings of self-worth, as I had always defined myself by my professional achievements. After allowing myself a brief period of self-pity, I decided to reinvent myself. I enrolled in online college courses at West Los Angeles College from my hospital bed, eventually earning my Associate’s degree. This motivated me to pursue further education, leading to a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix. These achievements opened doors to roles as an adjunct instructor at Cal State Dominguez, El Camino, and UEI Career Colleges.
My journey took another meaningful turn when Teach For America offered me the chance to earn a second Master’s degree in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University in exchange for a two-year commitment as a bilingual instructor in Title I schools. Teaching in underserved communities was deeply fulfilling, and I even extended my commitment for a third year. That experience was transformative and allowed me to be a role model for students who looked like me, a privilege I will always cherish.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Hearing an audience member say they “recognized” the character or story because it felt real and authentic is deeply rewarding. When someone shares that they gained a deeper understanding through the performance, I know I’ve accomplished my goal as an actor. It’s a dream come true to reflect the audience’s emotions, helping them connect with the narrative on a personal level. That genuine connection is the heart of my craft, and it’s in those moments that I feel I’ve truly done my job well. This experience has reinforced my belief that age is just a number and that the only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. My personal mantra has always been, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: IG@msgracielapatino
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracielapatinoactress/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msgracielapatino
Image Credits
Doug Spearman