We recently connected with Armando Ortuño and have shared our conversation below.

Armando, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The first time I earned money from my creative work was a moment I’ll never forget—it felt like stepping into a new chapter. Before that, I had been working on student films, honing my craft and building experience. But the opportunity that truly marked the beginning of my professional career came when I booked my first big paid job on Ted Season 2 showing on Peacock.

Auditioning my way through the process was definitely a learning process, but the hard work paid off when I landed the role. Getting to work with Seth MacFarlane as the director was a huge thrill—his creativity and vision were incredibly inspiring. It felt like a massive leap from where I had been.

That first paycheck from Ted wasn’t just a financial milestone; it symbolized so much more. It marked the beginning of a new phase in my career. Not only was I part of a big project, but that job helped me qualify for SAG-AFTRA membership, a huge step toward becoming a full-fledged union actor. It was like everything clicked into place—the auditions, the rejections, the smaller gigs—this was the culmination of it all.

Big thanks to my agent, who believed in me and guided me every step of the way. They were crucial in helping me land the role and get into the union. That first dollar earned wasn’t just about money—it was about the validation of all the hard work and the start of something even bigger. I felt proud, excited, and incredibly motivated to continue pushing forward in my career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an actor driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating characters that feel authentic, layered, and real. My journey began in the world of student films, where I had the chance to experiment, learn, and understand the nuances of performance. These early experiences shaped my belief that acting is not just about memorizing lines—it’s about fully immersing yourself in a character’s world and conveying their truth in a way that resonates with the audience.

What sets me apart in this industry is my dedication to continuous growth and my approach to each role with an open, fearless mindset. I thrive on challenges and actively seek out roles that push me to evolve both as an actor and as a person. Whether the project is large or small, dramatic or comedic, I treat every opportunity with the same level of commitment, bringing a high degree of authenticity, energy, and emotional depth to my work.

I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made in building a career that reflects my passion for the craft. Every project is an opportunity to learn, collaborate with talented people, and contribute to stories that matter. What excites me most is the chance to be part of work that has the power to spark conversations, shift perspectives, and leave a lasting impact on audiences.

For potential collaborators, clients, and fans, I want you to know that I bring more than just technical skill to every role—I bring heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself, expand my range, and bring fresh energy to every project I take on.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A big lesson I had to unlearn in my acting career was the idea that success in this industry is linear. Early on, I believed that if I just put in the work—audition after audition, role after role—there was a clear, predictable path to success. But the reality is much more unpredictable and requires a mindset shift. I had to unlearn the belief that every audition would lead to a role or that every “no” was a failure.

In the beginning, especially when I was working on student films and smaller projects, I had moments of doubt when I wasn’t seeing immediate results. It was easy to get discouraged by rejections or the feeling that I wasn’t making enough progress. But as I gained more experience, I started to understand that the journey is more about persistence, learning from each experience, and trusting the process. Not every audition will lead to a job, but every audition is an opportunity to refine my craft, build resilience, and grow as an artist.

The lesson I had to unlearn was the idea of control—the illusion that if I just follow a formula, things would happen as I expected. Instead, I learned that real growth happens when you let go of rigid expectations and embrace the uncertainty of the creative process. Success isn’t about ticking off boxes—it’s about constantly evolving, finding new ways to challenge yourself, and staying open to the unexpected opportunities that come your way.

Letting go of that need for a straight path has helped me embrace my career with more flexibility and confidence. It’s a continuous journey, and now I focus on the process of learning and the joy of creating, rather than obsessing over the outcome of each audition or role.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I realized that acting isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence, learning from every setback, and staying true to what I believe in. My mission now is to take on roles that not only challenge me but allow me to bring something raw and real to the table. I want to create stories that resonate, stories that matter and connect with audiences on a personal level.

Where I once struggled to find my place, I now strive to make a lasting impact. I’m driven by the ambition to continue growing, both as an actor and as a person, and to work on projects that challenge me to keep evolving. Every setback has fueled my hunger to push harder, aim higher, and bring authenticity to every role I take on.

Every vision matters. Make it count.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imdb.me/armandoortuno
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandoortuno/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thearmandoortuno
• Other: Linktree : https://linktr.ee/armandoortuno

Image Credits

LAFW Photography