Brandon Delsid is a Latinx actor originally from Fresno, California. With an admirable dedication to the performing arts, Brandon graduated from Stella Adler Studio of Acting NYC and was awarded the 2023 Diversity Scholarships from both Anthony Meindl Studios and the prestigious Groundlings School.
As a multi-hyphenate talent, Brandon plays the piano, sings, and has performed in countless musical theatre productions. One of his most recent and notable theatre roles is his adaptation of the role Raj in the Off-Broadway premiere production of ‘The Big Bang Theory Musical’ at the Anne L. Bernstein Theatre. Brandon also loves fashion and being creative with his personal style. Not stopping there, he can add being extremely tech savvy to his list of talents.
What was it like to be working alongside J Lo?
Iconic. Dream like. It felt like taking a trip to wonderland that you didn’t want to end…but it was real. She was everything you’d hope she’d be like. I think the talent she has paired with her kindness was really magnetic to be around. We’d shoot a take and then she’d say let’s just improvise for the next one and have fun. She had a real playfulness. That’s what acting is at its best. It was fabulous over the last year to get to know her better. I’ve dreamed since I was 9 of working with legends like her and the rest of the cast. It’s still crazy to me it came true.
What have you learned from this experience?
I think I’ve learned to trust your gut and to invest in yourself. You’re the greatest project you’ll ever work on. Invest in that dream. JLo is such a testament that truly anything can happen. She funded, starred in and co-wrote this film. Even when others discouraged it, she kept at it. If you want something in life, create the space for it. Make it happen. Plan and daydream and plan again and then daydream about it some more. Preparation meeting the moment. That’s destiny.
What drew you to musical theater originally?
Gosh, it was everything about it. The magic of it. The score paired with the acting. The chills you’d feel in your stomach at a particularly scary or epic moment. I had to dive head first into it when soccer wasn’t exactly working out. It changed my life. I finally had found MY THING. There was never a plan B, C, D or E. I knew the second I was up there I was happy and where I was meant to be. I think life is often about becoming an expert on yourself and what you want. It’s so special and full circle to me that essentially my big break got to be an epic musical saga like “This is Me…Now”.
Who are your favorite actors and performers today?
I have so many favorites. I love the work of Bryan Cranston and Jessica Lange. I think when you watch them both there’s something so human and raw about them. Pure truth. Matched with impeccable timing. The performer who made me want to be an actor was Lucille Ball. She was everything. What an icon. I’ll never forget watching those DVDs on loop. I would pretend to be sick to stay home and rewatch “I Love Lucy” episodes. She had such a command for the stage and you couldn’t look away. Watching her was like a masterclass for me.
As a proud LGBTQ+ member and advocate, what do you think the industry should do to equalize the field for everyone?
I think it starts at the top. We need more stories of LGBTQIA+ members just existing. Just living. Just making mistakes. Just winning. Just hurting. Just thriving. Just following their dreams. People always want to put others in boxes. Burn the boxes. Create your own box. I think we need more scripts that showcase queer joy in all forms. Celebrating life and letting us do cool shit. We’re making strides but we still have a long way to go. I’m hoping to be able to continue to open doors for my community.
What are your next steps in 2024?
I’m hoping to really revel the next month in this dream coming true. It’s been twenty years in the making. I feel excited for what’s next though. I have a film coming out this year that I shot a small role for with Luc Besson (Taken 1, 2 and 3) and then a wildly fun “Cerave” skincare campaign I’m starring in that’s on its way out. I’m looking at scripts now that create more visibility for myself and my community. It feels like a happy spot to be in. Trusting the right ones are coming my way. Basking in life and truly believing the sky is the limit.
