Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Catter.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been an actor for over 25 years. Ever since my parents got me a’ Live Puppet Show’ for my 3rd birthday in Lima, Peru. We moved to America the following year because my sister needed urgent open heart surgery at the age of eight and we all had to move as a family so that we could monitor her recovery of many many years. I always knew I wanted to be a performer but I was extremely shy as a kid. I started when I was about 17 in various plays and as an extra in small films here and there. Right outside of high school. I continued my education at Blinn College, SHSU and then went to The New York Film Academy and moved to NYC for a few years. I worked with The National Theatre for Children touring shows all over the country as an actor. A few years later I was signed by a very relevant acting agent in TX. I began starring in many commercials now totaling over 150. That was what paid the bills and still kinda does! I would say I was like a busy commercial local for a while! Then I started to get cast in CoStar and Supporting roles on NETWORK TV shows like Prison Break on FOX, NCIS: New Orleans on CBS, From Dusk till Dawn: The Series on the El Rey Network, Feature Films like Barracuda, American Crime on ABC, where I played Al Sanchez for three episodes and many more. My most recent work as Ernesto in the award-winning feature film Rich Kids was recently presented with an award from HBO for Best Feature Film at The New York Latino Festival (the film also won Best Ensemble at the Phoenix Film Fest, best feature at the Women in TX Film Fest and will be screening at The Downtown L.A. Film Festival in a few weeks! About 12 years ago I decided to begin teaching acting at my studio! My company is ECatter Productions. I teach one on one classes as well as Group TV/Film and Commercial acting classes. I have a passion for it and really enjoy it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all easy but totally worth it. When I tell you I Starved, I literally starved for my art..lol It seems funny now but I could only afford bagel and cream cheese or a hot dog as my meal for the day for a while..lol I would always look at all the live theatres and movie theatres and think “Wow I can’t even dream this big…but I still would”. My eyes would well up with tears if I thought about it for too long. I used to pass by the AMC theatre in NYC off of 42nd st because the bagels were cheaper if I took the long way….cut too many many years later, inside that same AMC theatre, watching my Movie Rich Kids! It all still seems like a dream but it’s happening and I am at a point in my life where I can truly receive it. I, unfortunately, lost my sister to Heart disease when she turned 26. I had always promised her that I would never give up on this dream…and I didn’t. I would like to think; I have made her proud.
Alright – so let’s talk business and career side of things. What should we know?
I am a professional actor and Acting coach. I put people on camera for auditions and coach them through it. My track record is quite good and I am always so happy when one of my students books a project! I teach from actual current experience in the business and I think that sets me apart from other instructors…I love doing it and have my own style that seems to vibe and produce results in students! E Catter Productions is proud to produce plays from local playwrights as well and my own plays that have reviewed quite well.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My sister Patty Catter who dies of heart disease at 26 is my hero. She never gave up, despite her heart problems and I always promised her I wouldn’t give up and didn’t. My family has always believed in me especially my wonderful mother Maritza Pazos! whom I love very much. Also my spouse and best friend, Avery Franch, who has supported my dream for years and has always kept me grounded. Also, I had a teacher in high school named Mr. woods who was the first to believe in me. It just takes one person to truly see your talent and Mr. Woods gave me that gift.
Pricing:
- 75 and hour for private one on one coaching
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rickycatter.com
- Email: rickycatter@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickycatter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricky.catter
- Other: www.imdb.me/RickyCatter
Image Credit:
Allie Ballesteros is my photographer in headshots
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