Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael L. Benitez.
Michael L., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born into a family of unforgettable characters—people full of spirit, humor, passion, and complexity. And with the raw material God placed in me, I simply followed where it led. The truth is, I didn’t choose acting. Acting chose me, and from the moment I could walk and talk, I embraced it with open arms.
As a child, I was a one-man cast. I impersonated everyone around me—especially my own family—with a kind of curiosity and instinct I didn’t yet understand. My world was shaped by movies, cartoons, and the telenovelas that filled our home. Each one left a fingerprint on me, slowly molding me into the actor I would become.
I was never the stereotypical theater kid. I didn’t grow up memorizing Broadway soundtracks or studying performance techniques, and I wasn’t formally trained in any academy or conservatory. My training came from life itself. Every joy, every loss, every obstacle, every tragedy carved depth into me. It turned me into what I like to call a street thespian—a vagabond of the craft whose classroom was the world.
And no matter how many times I tried to walk away from acting, the craft always pulled me back in. That’s how I knew it was purpose—God-given, undeniable, unshakeable.
Today, I honor that purpose by bringing characters to life not for applause, but as a way of giving something back. If I can make someone laugh, cry, get angry, feel seen, or simply feel something they’ve been holding inside, then I’ve done what I was born to do. Acting isn’t just performance—it’s connection, it’s vulnerability, it’s healing.
And I carry one promise with me every day: a promise I made to my sister. She told me, “Never stop. Keep going, no matter what. The world needs you.”
Those words became my compass. And so I keep going—for her, for my family, for the craft that keeps calling me back, and for every person who might find a piece of themselves in the stories I tell.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of my greatest struggles—obesity, the loss of family and friends, and my battles with mental health—have become the very things I’m now grateful for. They shaped me, humbled me, and pushed me to grow. These hardships helped me carve a path that allows me to guide others so they don’t have to endure what I did. They taught me how to show up better—as a brother, a son, a friend, an uncle, and most importantly, as myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an actor who works in film, television, and theatre, and I value being someone people can rely on. I focus on showing up prepared, staying present, and creating a positive, respectful atmosphere with the entire production team.
I’m grateful and proud to have been part of theatre productions such as The Bodyguard Musical produced by Sankofa Collective, Aunt Julia & the Scriptwriter, and the musical Nice Work If You Can Get It at UST.
One of my proudest recent projects is the short film Meet the 3mos, directed by Shahd Shahroor—a comedic and heartfelt story about a British young man trying to win the approval of a Palestinian father and uncle to marry their daughter. It’s a film about two cultures learning from each other, overcoming their differences, and ultimately finding common ground—something the world could use more of today.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe the industry will continue to grow and evolve, especially as it expands beyond traditional hubs. I’m excited to see new opportunities emerging across the country, giving more creatives a real chance to pursue their dreams.
Texas, in particular, is on a strong upward path. With increasing investment, expanding infrastructure, and rising production activity, the state is positioned to become a major filmmaking center within the next 5–10 years.
Hollywood is no longer limited to one place—it’s becoming a nationwide network of storytellers, and this shift is creating a more diverse, accessible, and vibrant industry for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oye_bigmike?igsh=MTJwNmZ3aDJ1ejlqYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BmY9XbzEF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-benitez-20a954165?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5367734/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Image Credits
Tasha Gorel
Andrei Restrepo
