A viewing of actor John Leguizamo’s interview was hosted by the National Society of Leadership and Success Tuesday November 10.
The interview was viewed through a live feed from New Jersey City University and was one of several interviews hosted by the National Society of Leadership and Success. As the final interview of the fall semester, host Kevin Bracy welcomed the voice of Sid the Sloth to the stage.
Bracy: Welcome! We’re all excited to have you. One of the first questions we would like to ask refers to your graphic novel, Ghetto Klown. You mention high school and several people that helped shape you. Can you tell us more?
Lequizamo: Several moments helped shape me when I was young. I was the black sheep. The problem child. Coming from an underprivileged family, I was used to acting out. I used to lock my teachers out of classrooms and organize school walk outs. Fortunately, I had people who cared about me, like my math teacher. I was also required to go to therapy. Having a safe space to talk about my feelings was invaluable. An unexamined life is not worth living.
Bracy: What advice would you give to artists struggling with doubt?
Lequizamo: Don’t let it overtake you. Self doubt will always be there. Push through and the fear will leave. No one is perfect, that’s okay. Accept it.
Bracy: Give us a time when you went after something and failed.
Lequizamo: Rejection is constant, especially when you’re young. Build a thick skin so you’re always feeding yourself positivity. You’re not meant for everyone to like you.
Bracy: Was there a moment when you ever stopped and said, “This is it?”
Lequizamo: Oh yeah. I won an Emmy for a show on HBO, and the build up was so intense. The award was in my hand — all shiny and sharp to fend off other actors — and it hit me. “Now what?” I flat lined. I realized it’s all about the journey, not the prize.
Bracy: How did you learn to move past others expectations?
Lequizamo: Love the process and the work. Control what you can. Ghetto Klown took eight years to write. Greatness doesn’t happen without hours of work. Right now, I’m working on Latin History for Dummies. It was spurred by a negative article about Latin dropouts and the low level of expectations. I’m passionate about the lack of Latin representation in history books, the media — everywhere.
Currently, Leguizamo is dedicated to Latin History for Dummies. He’s currently touring to promote the television series and has found himself in standup comedy clubs for the first time. Along with working on Ice Age 5, his most recent movie, Bloodline, will be in theaters soon. Anyone interested in learning more about the actor should pick up a copy of Ghetto Klown, the graphic novel that tells his life story.
