Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael James Vargas . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michael James , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first dollar I ever made as an actor came from a pilot presentation for a series called “PLUR.” It was a dramatic love story about two young ravers navigating their way through the highs and lows of both love and the rave scene. I played the character Rubio, who was the love interest of the main character.

Getting that paycheck was a fantastic feeling. It made me feel like a real actor and validated my passion for the craft. Being cast in one of the lead roles was a dream come true, and I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity. The whole experience of working on the production was just amazing.

Michael James , 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 grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and my journey into acting and modelling began during high school. From a young age, I had a talent for entertaining people and making them laugh, which ignited my passion for acting. After high school, I attended college for a semester thanks to an art grant. During that time, I decided to audition for a student film and was fortunate to land the lead role. It marked my first attempt into acting on camera, and I quickly discovered my deep love for the craft.

However, my path took a different turn when I joined the Marines to support my family financially. Over the next eight years, I honed a wide range of incredible skills, including parachuting, scuba diving, weapons handling, rappelling, and martial arts. I had the privilege of traveling the world and serving deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2012, I left the Marines with an honorable discharge, ready to pursue my artistic ambitions.

I initially ventured into the commercial paint and design business, partnering with a friend for over a year. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this wasn’t my true calling. So, I made the decision to return to school, enrolling in a program focused on video game art and design at the Art Institute in Hollywood. It was during my time there that I rekindled my passion for modeling and acting. I began modeling for figure drawing classes and audition for films. I was a regual4 figure model for Disney, DreamWorks, Netflix and riot games as well as several major universities. This lead me to fashion and print modeling working with brands like, loot crate and Emil Couture.

In 2018, I secured my first lead role in a pilot presentation for a series called “PLUR,” where I played one of the central characters. This experience was nothing short of amazing, reigniting my love of acting. Subsequently, I was in dating shows for MTV and E!, and I started landing roles in commercials for renowned brands like Fanta and Hilton. I even had the privilege of starring in a music video alongside Pop Smoke and Dua Lipa.

My commitment to my craft never wavers, and I’m continually seeking ways to improve as an actor. Currently, I’m training at the Michael Laskin Studio in North Hollywood, where I’ve found invaluable support for my growth. I’ve also undertaken stage combat training with Daniel Lucicero. I take pride in my willingness to embrace constructive criticism and my unwavering dedication to honing my skills as an actor.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There’s a book I find myself returning to time and time again, and I believe it holds invaluable insights for everyone. It goes by the name of “The Strangest Secret,” written by Earl Nightingale, originally based his spoken word album. In essence, it teaches the valuable lesson of the art of channeling your thoughts towards the realization of your aspirations in a methodical manner. While the book predominantly talks about the profound influence of the subconscious mind, its wisdom resonates deeply, particularly in the entertainment industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When my friend and I started our paint and design business, the experience of being business owners and securing clients was undeniably fulfilling. It felt great, demonstrating my ability to thrive outside of the military. I invested not just my hard work but also my own funds into the venture. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this path was not what I truly wanted.

After about a year, I reached a pivotal crossroads and decided to follow my heart back to my true passion: art. This meant transitioning from being the financial head of my own company to a student again, surrounded by peers who were significantly younger. While it was undoubtedly a significant change, it wasn’t overly challenging because my love for art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @michael_james_vargas
• Other: Manager: Katia Belas – [email protected]  Agent: Kim Kennerly – [email protected]

Image Credits
John Camino, Marlene Elise, Mario Tandioc,