Rising Stars: Meet Gabriel Silva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Silva.

Hi Gabriel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
When I was in elementary school, I was bullied for my size. (I am only 5’2,” so was Prince. I am taller than Alexander the Great, so I guess I am in good company! lol) Initially, I didn’t realize that I was being bullied, but as it gradually became more intense, I came to understand what was happening. In order to help me escape from the negativity, my mother enrolled me in acting classes. At first, I didn’t enjoy them, but as I began to participate more, I discovered a passion for acting and looked forward to each class. I booked my first major film project at the age of 10 as the son of Zoe Saldana and Ben Affleck in “Live By Night.” I went on to book another major film at the age of 12 as the La Isla de la Mara grandson in Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Acting became a passion. 

I also have a resume of short films as well, that I have participated in and also directed myself. While on the set of my first project, the Mr. Affleck allowed me to sit with him and learn the ins and outs of filmmaking, such as camera operation, capturing angles, etc. I was so fascinated by the experience that I knew right then and there what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – an extraordinary realization for a 10-year-old. Since then, I’ve been fully committed and working hard to achieve my goal of eventually owning my own production company and making movies to tell untold stories that simply bring entertainment to people. 

To give back and help those who are being bullied have a voice and know that they are not alone, I started my own digital magazine. When we came home from filming “Live By Night,” I found out some of my friends had also been bullied. I was sad that I wasn’t there to help them like they had helped me. It was then that I realized that even as a very, very, very, very minor influencer, I had a platform to share my experiences and let others know they were not alone. Everyone, including adults, has experienced bullying at some point in their lives. So, at first, I started a clothing line that featured inspiring messages, but it didn’t take off. Yet, this “failure” led me to create a magazine out of the line’s brochure. The magazine gave a bigger platform for myself and others in the entertainment industry to share our stories and inspire others through interviews, making sure that they know that they are not alone. 

Action Magazine has morphed from a 5-page pamphlet about anti-bullying to an internationally distributed 200+-page publication, showcasing career paths and how all of our interviewees have overcome bullying in their lives. However, this magazine is just one aspect of my vision to make a positive change. In 2020, we created what has now become an award-winning podcast, now in its sixth season. Just Talk With Gabe is another tool to inspire and motivate people. As a compliment to JTWG, I also direct/host a mini-TV series/talk show called Behind The Mic to catch up with past guests of the podcast to “see where they are now.” My hope is that all of these entities will continue to grow and evolve with me. 

Also, I model for the Atlanta clothing brand FadeLife Clothing. Additionally, I was the first male face for the Australian skin-care line Luv Ur Skin. 

Currently, I am a finishing up my freshman year in college. I am pursuing a career in Cinematic Arts with a hope to also obtain a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like life, my journey has had ups and downs. I don’t know if you would call it a “struggle,” but my major journey has been trying to learn how to navigate the entertainment industry itself. It is not as easy as it may seem to make your dreams come true as an actor. You hear a lot of “no’s” before you even get a “maybe” not even a “yes.” So, learning to be patient and continually train and develop my skills while waiting on the next “yes” is a challenge for me. But I am more patient than I used to be, and it’s easier to wait and just know that when the next project is meant for me, it will come. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an actor, model, podcaster, writer, and director. I am known for my two major films: “Live By Night” and “Godzilla: King of Monsters.” I am most proud of having done my own stunts in Godzilla. That was the best opportunity that director Michael Dougherty could have given me. The confidence that that moment gave me is and will always be an indescribable career high. I think the one thing that sets me apart from others is my personality. I am an only child, only grandchild, and only great-grandchild; therefore, I am able to be the little adult in the room or just another kid. Being an only child, I have spent a lot of time having to entertain myself, which has made me a very creative individual. 

What makes you happy?
Good question! I think what makes me happy is spending time with my family, my fur brother, Charlie, playing video games, and watching a good show on Netflix. 

Contact Info:

• Website: gabelsilva.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabelsilva/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabelsilva.05
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLa4m2yRNKbu0hC2_vC1_Q
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7869316/

Image Credits
@cpjrphotography
Matthew Cuddus
Tiffany Harper