young Hollywood | allanaslookbook

Mix together equal parts James Dean, Frankie Avalon and Ryan Seacrest and you will come up with today’s hottest young latino star-on-the rise, William Valdes. Triple threat host, actor and singer, William is on the fast track to becoming a recognizable face on spanish language tv where he interviews the biggest latino stars, in telenovelas and series, and on stage. The Latin market is famous for turning out heart-throbs and here is the latest, all set for his big break and ready to take on Hollywood.

How old were you when you first got the acting bug?

I stared working in spanish entertainment when I was 15 years old. I was in the cast of “Grachi” for Nickelodeon Latin America. Grachi became to be the most successful series Nick L.A have ever made. So I’m very happy that I was part of that amazing tv sitcom.

How did you win your first hosting job and how did you learn how to approach stars on the red carpet and on TV shows?

I got my first tv hosting job when I was shooting Grachi here in Miami. One day on the set a producer approached me and he asked if I would like to do a casting because they where looking for this young guy for a segment in a huge spanish gossip tv show. I went forward and did the casting, and they told me right there that I was what they where looking for. I spent three years interviewing many famous artists like Justin Bieber, Serena Williams, Paulina Rubio, JLo, Pitbull and many more big spanish stars. I guess being able to host every day it showed me how to approach an artist. I always have a great connection with the artist – I don’t ask them the questions they typically get asked. I have a lot of fun while doing the interviews and that makes it more fresh…

Do you prefer acting or hosting?

I would say I prefer both: why? My biggest passion is acting, as it allows me to be someone else. I can express so many emotions while acting in a role. For example in “Grachi” I was 416 year old wizard trapped in a 16 year old’s body. Imagine how fun it was too shoot all of that, the action scenes and the special effects, while I’m not a wizard, but just a regular kid. Now, when I host, I’m being myself. I get to express what I think and I say what I feel like saying.

Most memorable experience as a TV host:

I had so many memorable experiences while hosting and interviewing artists, but I will never forget the day I had to interview Emilio Estefan. He was releasing his new monster headphones and we sat down and they said “in 3-2-1…” and from there a big friendship grew. After the interview was done he said to me, “where have you been kid?” It’s really amazing when someone like him congratulates me whenever I finish hosting. So I was honored to hear something from him.

What are your ambitions: more hosting, acting on TV or film, or acting on stage, or singing…?

My biggest ambition and my goal is to get to Hollywood and make movies. Right now I’m building up my name in the spanish market. Once I have a strong name in that market I will consider to crossover to the American market as a latino actor.

Favorite film: Favorite music: Favorite food:

My favorite film is a sequel and stars the actor I look up most to, Johnny Depp, is Pirates of the Caribbean. I like to hear any kind of music and I am very open to all of it but I really love pop. My favorite food of all time is pasta – I am in love with Italian food.

Do you see yourself acting on a telenovelas in the future?

Yes, I love doing soap operas in spanish – it is so much fun. It’s a lot of work because it’s not filmed like a regular american tv sitcom. In the spanish market, the work is intensely long hours and you will film probably 40 to 50 scenes a day. It’s really fun.

Dream assignment: (acting with a particular actor, or singing, or whatever you like)

That’s an interesting question, never though of it. But now that you put it out there I would love to be in a film with Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp – that will be a dream come true.

Where can your fans find you?

My Twitter: @williamvaldes https://twitter.com/WilliamValdes

My Instagram: @IAMWILLVALDES http://instagram.com/IAMWILLVALDES

If you don’t already know the name Taylor Blackwell, you soon will.

Taylor is part of young Hollywood and a big star of tomorrow. She is articulate, smart and engaging, and one of the hardest working young people in the business, developing her craft and skills, while going through the roller coaster ride of the teenage years. She has “it” – that indescribable something that is comprised of so many things that go into making someone a star. She is a story-teller by nature and whether shooting stills for photography or motion for tv and film, she brings her own idea of a “character” to the project, interpreting exactly what is needed to take the shoot beyond what is just “expected”. I love her energy and focus, but most of all I am completely charmed by this sweetheart – and you soon will be too!

What would you say is the difference between modeling and acting?

Modeling and acting having many similarities, but at the same time, can be very different! The obvious difference is that in modeling, you are being photographed, and in acting you are being filmed. There is more to it than that though! The biggest difference for me is that when you are acting, you are developing a character.

Although in modeling your wardrobe can express certain characteristics, you are ultimately more yourself. I do try incorporating acting into modeling, by playing up certain emotions in photographs. They say the eyes are the gateways to your soul, and you can easily see emotion in the eyes. If you just look at my eyes, you can see that in some photos, I am more happy or excited, while in other photos I am more serious or subdued.

Which do you prefer to do?

I always enjoy doing both, but I prefer acting. I like exploring new characters who have had different experiences than me. I’m always up for a challenge, and I get more of that when I’m acting. A big part of acting is making connections. Already I have met some really interesting people through acting, and I hope to continue doing so!

How did you get your big break into acting?

The biggest role I’ve had was as a series regular on the Starz Original Series, Magic City. Magic City took place 1959 Miami, and was about a hotel owner named Ike Evans, who had to make deals with the mafia to fund his hotel. I played Lauren Evans, the teenage daughter of Ike. After auditioning four times for the role, I was so thrilled when I found out the role was mine! The show lasted only two seasons, but I was blessed to work with such an amazingly talented cast and crew. They became my second family and I will always look back on the experience with such fond memories.

What sort of things do you like to do besides acting and modeling?

This year, I’m a freshman at a performing arts high school. Not only do I have a passion for theater, but for all art forms. I tap dance, sing, play the piano, sew, knit, sketch, and more! I also enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and pets in my free time.

Dream actors or directors you would love to work with one day?

If I was an actress 60 years ago, I would’ve hoped to work with Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Alfred Hitchcock. I love anything old time Hollywood! However, some of my favorite actors today include the hilarious Gene Wilder, and the always amazing Natalie Portman. I would jump at the chance to work with either one of them. I think English child actors Asa Butterfield and Tom Holland are both brilliant actors, and I would be pleased to work with them as well!

Advice for any young person who wants to be an actor?

Rejection is a huge part of this business. The majority of roles you go for, you will not get. For all the successes I’ve had, I’ve had way more rejection. Don’t think of it as rejection though, think of it more as a learning experience. Auditioning helps me improve my craft, and make contacts, even if I don’t get the role! If this is something you want to do, don’t give up. Your “big break” will happen at the right time. Just remember that everything happens for a reason, and if you keep believing that, and work hard enough, you will be successful. Most important of all, have fun!

What would you like to do if you weren’t modeling and acting?

There are so many things I want to be when I’m older, its crazy! Along with acting and modeling, I would also like to be able to work in other art fields on the side. Since I’m into visual arts and theater, I think a great side career for me would be working as a costume designer.

What’s next for Taylor?

Right now, I am focusing on going to school and just being a normal teenager. I am working on a web series with some friends, and also, illustrating my first book. It’s a children’s book series written by a good friend of mine. I am fortunate enough to do all the illustrations and bring the main character of Fred to life!

Where can your fans follow you?

My Twitter, Tumblr, Pheed, Gifboom, and Keek account is @TBTayWay

My Instagram account and Kik account is @themusicalmushroom

I’m also have a FB Fan Page!