We recently had the chance to connect with Dave Maldonado and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dave, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Well, I learned a few years ago that that Drew Brees starts his day with “Caffeine and Jesus” so I figured, if its good enough for him…. So, I have a bit of Go Go Jiuce and open up my Bible app. I read scripture, pray a bit, maybe meditate and that helps to put me in the right frame of mind to start the day and make it a good one.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a “working actor” (I know, that is considered an oxymoron to many) in the SE US for about 20 years now. I started out doing theatre, in Louisiana both in college and on local community stages. I then navigated to commercials and student/indie films. I currently work primarily in studio films and network TV.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think one of the biggest mistakes we make as humans is “Othering”. is that a word? They are the OTHER side. The OTHER team, the OTHER political party, The OTHER State, The OTHER color…when we’re basically all the same in the most important ways. We all have our issues regarding physical and mental health, good and bad experiences and how they affect our world view. But we’re also all capable of being compassionate, brave and patient. We need more empathy and, like TX native Lukas Nelson says, we need more people to “turn off the news and build a garden”.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Wow, that’s a great question. Like alot of artists, I’ve had my struggles with mental health. I think much of what I’ve gone through and what makes life difficult are the same things that, hopefully, make me a good actor. I think most artists, whether musicians, painters or actors, have an element of darkness or brokenness about them. I’m not sure if that can be proven scientifically, but I’d love to read the article if someone writes it. So, I’ve learned to embrace my imperfections and use them as a superpower and express myself in a performance that’s uniquely mine.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
WHOA, another good question. I think a mistake many of us make is trying to figure out what people want and then trying to give it to them rather than just creating something that we know to be unique and beautiful. There are lots of people who, I’m sure, are much smarter than me, discussing focus groups, and ratings…with charts and graphs with budgets and demographics….Dude, just make it GOOD. I would have loved to be in the room during all the pre-production meetings for Breaking Bad listening to all the executives telling Vince Gilligan about all the things that wouldn’t work.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My Kids. I’m extremely proud and grateful for who they are and who they are becoming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296223/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_in_0_q_dave%2520mald
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.maldonado/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-maldonado-9b97289/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DaveMaldonado1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.maldonado.77
Image Credits
http://www.debbieporterphotography.com/
SINNERS – Eli Joshua Ade
Caddo Lake – Lowell A. Meyer
Your Honor – Skip Bolen
