We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joe Corzo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joe below.

Joe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

When I first moved to LA I was completely lost and truly the definition of starving artist. As I was working as a waiter I had a couple of guest who were interested in asking a few questions about the restaurant. While I was conversing with them one question led to another I was asked why I moved to LA. I answered “the cliche, aspiring actor working as a waiter.” Then was asked how that was going for me but at the time it wasn’t going as well for me because I was at ground zero of my pursuit. Everything cost money to get started from classes to headshots and everything in between. Also what was heavy on my mind was to land an agent but you need headshots, resume, reel, training etc.. but most of all a professional headshot. I was telling them how headshots were expensive or if they were cheap “you get what you pay for”. But what I didn’t know at the time was that the person I was opening up to is a professional photographer who specialized in headshots. Her friend at the time was laughing and told her to tell me thats what she does. Long story short she gave me her card and when I arrived to have my headshot session with her I didn’t have the funds but once I told her we haven’t spoken about payment she told me no payment was necessary. She believed in me and wanted to support me. My heart was full. Those headshots took my confidence and career to the next level. Til this day I am truly grateful for Sylvia.

Joe, 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?

I moved to LA end of 2017 beginning 2018. Within the first 6 months I was trying to figure out where to start my acting career. Talking to anyone that I can, researching anything online etc. Once I got into my first acting class I met other students that would give me advice and I would just follow the check list. Get in classes, headshots, resume, get on the 3 big casting sites, audition for student films and indie films, submit to commercial and theatrical agents as well as management. within 1 year I had most of those checked off until the pandemic happened. When that happened I was put in a unique situation my career actually accelerated quicker than anticipated. The whole world slowed down but I made the choice to take the opportunity to dive in 100 percent into my craft and career. In doing so I was in classes online 5 days a week, reading books, watching master class videos, etc… Ultimately I was signed to my first Theatrical agency Aqua Talent then booked my first film, co-star on network television, national commercial and became SAG-AFTRA member within a year after the pandemic. What I didn’t mention is between all that I was virtually broke, the first place I moved to had a situation where there was breach of contract due to too many people living in the house hold which had me looking for another place to live so I was couch surfing for a few months, moved to another place that wasn’t ideal literally one of the worst living situations. I was being supported by friends, family members and others but one thing kept me going was my faith. Every time I felt like giving up something would reassure that everything will work out perfectly just as it always has. Now here I am writing this during a Strike of all things but just as I stated before everything always works out perfectly. A quote I once heard and have used time and time again to keep my enthusiasm. “For every adversity, there is an equal or greater seed of opportunity.” I say all that to say, Keep Going. Go as far as you can see and when you get there you’ll see further.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Taking on the journey as an up and coming actor isn’t your average walk in the park it’s a full-throttle rollercoaster and I don’t even like rollercoasters. Get ready to embrace rejection because you’ll be facing it like a champ, audition after audition, with disappointment paving the way to eventual victory. And let’s talk about the money it’s a real gamble, with your income playing “now you see me, now you don’t”, making you hustle on the side just to keep your head above water. Say adios to your usual social scene you’ll be missing parties, working crazy hours, and testing your relationships. This journey’s like a rugged boot camp, where you’re constantly sharpening your skills and coming back stronger. And networking is not just hanging out; it’s your secret weapon. You’ll be crafting your image while digging deep into your core to bring characters to life like a true warrior. And don’t even get me started on the long game, you’ll be mapping out your career like a strategic mastermind. These insights crack open the vault, showing you the real deal. It’s the wild west, untamed adventure of an up-and-coming actor, where raw talent and unyielding perseverance collide, creating a dynamic masterpiece that’s always evolving.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the undeniable sense of accomplishment that comes from turning raw ideas and passions into tangible, impactful creations. It’s like taking a blank canvas or an empty stage and bringing it to life with your imagination and unique perspective. There’s a thrill in the process of crafting something original, whether it’s a character on screen, a story on paper, or a performance on stage. But what truly makes it fulfilling is the potential to connect with others to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and spark conversations. It’s the ability to leave a lasting impression, to inspire, and to contribute something meaningful to the world, even if it’s just for a moment. And when you look back at your journey, like the ones I’ve shared, it’s the moments of growth, overcoming challenges, and the unwavering belief in your craft that make the entire creative journey deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: imdb.me/JoeCorzo
• Instagram: TheRealJoetime

Image Credits
Ricardo Sancheeze took the 2 photos of me in a polo next to car and the one walking behind warehouse. Sylvia Moore took the photo of my very first headshot in LA which is me in the leather jacket. Evan Engel took the photo of my latest headshot which is me in the Blue polo. The others were from a phone.