SUCCESS STORY

Javier Carrasquillo:
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Inspiring Entertainment

By Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

Javier Carrasquillo, born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and raised in Ocala, Florida, has always been drawn to the boundless possibilities of the future. As a child, he found inspiration in Star Trek, a series that sparked his imagination and showcased humanity's potential for greatness. This early exposure ignited a passion for storytelling and exploration that would shape his career.

Despite facing significant challenges, including homelessness during high school and the need to reassess his path in college, Javier’s determination never wavered. He approached every opportunity with resilience, seeking out reference materials and experiences to develop his craft. Surprisingly, he never took formal theater classes, yet his natural talent and relentless work ethic propelled him into the world of independent films, eventually leading to notable roles in various shows.

A defining moment in Javier’s career came with his recurring appearances on Army Wives, an experience that validated his efforts and showcased his ability to leave a lasting impression. Another milestone was earning his SAG card, a symbol of professional recognition that he considers a proud accomplishment.

Javier’s approach to his work is strategic and forward-focused, likening it to a "fire-and-forget missile." He commits fully to each project, whether it’s an audition or a role, before moving on to the next challenge without lingering on the outcomes. This disciplined mindset, combined with his belief in self-improvement, has allowed him to strike a balance between his professional and personal life. He views growth in one area as a catalyst for success in others, embracing a holistic approach to life.

Looking to the future, Javier is determined to escape the confines of the rat race and create films and television that not only entertain but also challenge audiences to aspire to greater heights. His ultimate goal is to craft stories that subtly nudge humanity toward becoming better.

Confident and self-assured, Javier isn’t concerned if some perceive him as overly confident or even arrogant, as long as his actions are seen as honorable. His journey from adversity to achievement is a testament to his resilience and vision, making him a storyteller with a mission to inspire.

BIOGRAPHY

1. You mentioned facing homelessness during high school and reassessing your path in college. How did these experiences shape your perspective and work ethic in the entertainment industry?

At first, I dug in to try and chase the dream, but then after facing a devastating, solid year after risking it all, I decided that the rest of my goals needed just as much attention as the dream.

2. Without formal theater training, how did you refine your acting skills and develop your unique approach to the craft? Were there specific mentors, moments, or methods that guided you?

I sought out coaches in positions where the students themselves were shown to have results. When I asked a theater class student if any of them were SAG, the poor girl had no idea what I was talking about. Thus, I made the decision that it’d be best to seek more "specific" coaching that could propel me in the direction I needed to go. In this business, you can be brilliant and do so much, and still basically fail. If you don't have a life outside of "this," and still somehow fail, then you don’t have a life.

Photographer: Kristia Knowles - @kristiaknowles
Model: Javier Carrasquillo - @carrasquillojavier
Makeup: Sophia Lamb

3. Star Trek played a pivotal role in shaping your imagination as a child. How has that influence carried into your acting or choice of projects today?

I heard the absolute most perfect quote from the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry: "Star Trek was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate, but take a special delight in differences in ideas, and differences in lifeforms. [...] If we cannot learn to actually enjoy those small differences, to take a positive delight in those small differences between our own kind, here on this planet, then we do not deserve to go out into space and meet the diversity that is almost certainly out there." As a child, seeing the potential of mankind, how truly amazing it could be, and then being exposed to the horrors and uncertainty that we face as a whole, I thought to myself that the best way for me to contribute, with my talents and aspirations, is to attempt to educate through entertainment. Gently and subtly push the viewer or audience into simply entertaining new ideas that just might make the world a better place. This is why I tend to be rather careful in the roles that I select or where I want my career to go.

4. You’ve worked on a variety of independent films and recurring roles in shows like Army Wives. Can you share what you learned from these sets and how they prepared you for future opportunities?

They humbled me, and I felt that once I got over the jitters and felt as though I "deserve to be here," that also came with a caveat that in order to deserve anything, you need to prepare. Arrive ready already.

INTERVIEW

5. Earning your SAG card was a significant achievement. What challenges did you face on the journey to that milestone, and how did achieving it impact your career trajectory?

I was told that the SAG card is the mark of a professional. It seemingly opened the possibility to at least try to go for national credits to reach the most people.

6. Your "fire-and-forget missile" analogy for auditions is unique. Could you elaborate on how this mindset has influenced your successes and helped you navigate the competitive nature of acting?

This is simply preparing and giving it your best shot, but once the audition is over, it’s over. There’s no use in beating yourself up about it if something didn’t go well. You’ll go insane otherwise.

7. You’ve mentioned wanting to create entertainment that subtly encourages humanity to improve. Can you share an example of a project or story you’d love to bring to life that aligns with this vision?

I’m actually working on something now that shows humanity at its most vulnerable, and how the youth, with their stubbornness, must be shown what honor is in action when faced with a seemingly unstoppable threat. And my character is gonna look really cool doing it.

7. Striking a balance between personal growth and professional success is important to you. How do you maintain this balance, and what advice would you give to others struggling with it?

I would suggest simply educating oneself in what is needed, organizing, and accomplishing those goals in a time frame per day. Don’t let a single day pass that you haven’t done something—anything—towards your goals.

8. What are some upcoming projects or dream roles that excite you? Are there specific genres or themes you’re particularly drawn to?

I’m working on a sci-fi/action project, and I absolutely love anything sci-fi and action. Anything that is more cerebral, that makes a person think—not necessarily psychological. I am drawn to anything that is just fun to watch, where the bad guys are well thought out, and where the hero(es) isn’t this perfect boy scout, but a flawed being, like us normal folk. A seemingly normal person thrust into an extraordinary situation yet finding themselves capable of doing extraordinary things.

9. How do you hope your work will be remembered by your peers and audience? What do you want people to take away from your performances and the stories you help bring to life?

By my peers, I would like my work to be remembered as authentic. By the audience, I would accept simply being remembered. My intent is to deliver something so visceral and real, should the material provide for that, that they have no choice but to feel pulled in and truly experience the piece.