We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marion Maclou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marion, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

Reflecting on my life is something I find myself doing quite often. The simple answer to whether I wish I had kickstarted my career sooner is a definite yes. However, delving into the intricacies of this question reveals a more elaborate response. Despite my yearning for an earlier career launch, I take immense pride in where I stand today in my professional journey. I am fully aware that an earlier start might have steered me down a different path, potentially altering my current presence here in Los Angeles.

The notion of channeling my passion into a vocation at an earlier stage is certainly tempting, yet the past remains immutable, and I’m committed to embracing it. Looking back, I’m uncertain whether I could have navigated the challenges I encountered upon my arrival here, and embarked on the journey of starting from scratch, any sooner than I did. The trials I faced posed a significant test, one that I may not have been entirely equipped to handle at an earlier phase of my life. As I stand here today, I hold a deep sense of pride in my accomplishments and the person I’ve developed into. Even hypothetically, if given the chance, I’m inclined to believe I wouldn’t alter my past.

Marion, 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?

Everything began when I was a little 4-year-old girl, and my mom decided to enroll me in ballet dance classes. Who could have imagined that this would evolve beyond a simple passion and become the very essence of my existence? I discovered theater during my primary school years at the age of 8, and taking the stage was an exhilarating experience. I eagerly awaited the arrival of June each year for the performances, much like any ordinary child who looks forward to Christmas! However, it wasn’t until high school that the realization struck me – I wanted to pursue this for my entire life. I gradually transformed my passion into a daily profession while in Paris. Then, in 2019, I made the decision to continue my career in Los Angeles. Despite not yet having a strong grasp of the English language, it remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

A couple of months ago, I signed with my agent – a step I am incredibly thankful for. Alongside this, I maintain a YouTube channel where I share my dance videos. Through various projects, I’m propelled by an unwavering motivation to persistently grow and improve. Opting to turn my passion into my profession is, without a doubt, the most fulfilling career path I could have chosen for my life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

People encounter numerous turning points in their lives and careers. I’d like to share a particular moment when one of my acting classes completely changed my perspective on classical theater. My school had this unique concept of peeling its students like onions, aiming to expose their deepest emotions in acting. During this process, I experienced a significant dip in my self-confidence.

One day, our teacher organized auditions for a Moliere play, a project I was eager to be a part of. I poured my heart and soul into preparations, working diligently day and night. On the audition day, just before taking my turn, I had a candid conversation with myself: “Go out there and have fun.” Surprisingly, that’s exactly what happened. Despite my self-confidence being at an all-time low, I had an absolute blast during the audition. To my astonishment, I landed a wonderful lead role in the play. We put in six months of dedicated work before finally gracing the stage in Paris.

This entire experience not only reshaped my perception of classical theater but also profoundly influenced how I viewed myself, injecting a significant boost to my self-confidence. The trust and support shown by the stage director, Mickeal Pernet, remain something I am eternally thankful for. He is an exceptionally talented actor and director, and it was a genuine honor to collaborate with him.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I recently had to unlearn pertains to my mental health. Being wholly devoted and passionate about any project is an incredibly beautiful feeling, yet it can also be perilous. A few years ago, I worked on a project with such intensity that I set aside my own needs. I dedicated myself tirelessly, giving well beyond 1000% to ensure every minute detail was flawless. But it was never enough, and amid the whirlwind of that production, I lost myself.

Today, I’ve come to understand where my boundaries lie, even in areas I didn’t realize needed them back then. I acknowledge my perfectionist tendencies, and I know that for every job I take on, I’ll pour my heart and soul into it. However, I’ve also learned how to recalibrate and ensure I don’t repeat the same mistake of becoming so consumed by a project that I forget to care for my own well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8301035/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marion_maclou/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmPDEShX6wHqZggn9OvQeIA

Image Credits
Nicolas Hospitael EICAR Elegance Photo Nicolas Phan DenisDaily