Interview with Joel Celaya (from the earthquake to the big screen)

Through hard work and a deep passion, he made it to Hollywood, where he completed a master's degree in acting and signed with the Rage Talent agency. Since then, he has participated in more than 20 projects—including short films, series, and theater—and has been part of more than 10 international festivals.

His versatility, charisma, and dedication have made him an emerging talent who never goes unnoticed. Joel Celaya represents the power of perseverance, faith, and well-crafted dreams. This interview is an intimate look at his story, his learnings, and his vision for the future of acting.

Joel, after the shocking experience you had during the 2017 earthquake, how did you find the strength to not only move forward, but also to continue pursuing your dream of acting?

Yes, you were asking me where I got my strength from. Honestly, it was thanks to God and the love of the people around me. The earthquake was devastating. I was living in a building near Colonia del Valle, and the building across the street collapsed. Mine was uninhabitable. I lost neighbors, friends... it was a tragedy. I went weeks without sleep, under tremendous stress. But in the midst of that chaos, I found peace when I prayed. I thought, "I'm still alive. If I'm here, it's for a reason."

It was like an awakening. I felt that if I'd already been through something so terrifying, what else could stop me? One of my biggest fears was auditioning, and I decided to face it. I started submitting myself, was cast in short films, commercials... and my career began to take shape.

The support of my family and my church community was also key. I literally ran out of clothes, but they helped me so much that I ended up with more than I had before. So yes, it was extremely hard, but it was also the beginning of a new way of living, without fear.

Speaking of family, what role has it played in your artistic development?

My family has definitely been a fundamental pillar in my journey as an actor, and I especially want to highlight my father, Gabriel. His support has been key, not only emotionally but also practically. He worked at Televisa during the 1980s and 1990s, doing computer animation and post-production, when all of this was very new in Mexico. So he already had valuable experience in the audiovisual field.

The best thing is that today we work as a team. He helps me edit my short films, the castings I record, and also the content I upload to social media. He has a great eye and a technical sense that complements me greatly.

As you would say in Spain, "it comes from my heritage," yes, I think there's some of that. But beyond what I inherited, it's been his dedication, his time, and his enthusiasm that has motivated me to keep going. Having someone so close to me believing in me has made a huge difference.

Do you think the American industry understands Mexican actors? Do you feel it supports their way of working?

It's an excellent question, but I would rephrase it: Do Mexican actors really understand how the US market works? I say this from my own experience. Upon arriving, I realized it's a completely different industry, with very specific rules to learn. From the audition photos, which here must show different nuances of personality—happy, formal, dramatic—to the way you present yourself, everything changes. In Mexico, they ask for a neutral image; in the United States, they want to see your acting range. It's also key to understand the concept of marketability: how you position yourself, how your social media influences you. I learned this the hard way. That said, I do believe Hollywood understands Mexican actors, and in fact, many professionals in the industry are Hispanic. But the key thing is that we, as actors who are integrating ourselves, learn how their system works so we can stand out in it with authenticity and strategy.

Do you have role models who have inspired you in your acting career? Which film or television figures do you admire and why?

Yes, I have very clear references that inspire me greatly. One of them is Diego Luna. I admire him because his career began in Mexico, working in television and film, and he grew to establish himself as an international figure. Today, he's starring in "Andor," a Star Wars series, whose second season is about to premiere. I find it incredible how he's managed to stay true to his roots while succeeding in a universe as vast as Hollywood.

Another important reference for me is Eugenio Derbez. Many of us knew him for his work as a comedian on Televisa, but he didn't limit himself to acting: he also wrote, directed, and produced. That opened many doors for him. Since the mid-2000s, he's worked in the United States, and today it's common to see his films on platforms like Disney+, Prime Video, or Netflix.

I'm inspired by seeing how both of them broke barriers, proving that Latinx actors have a lot to offer internationally.

Does appearance influence an actor's career?

It definitely does, but it's also something that can be learned and worked on. Yes, having good genetics helps, of course, but there are many tools one can develop. In acting, you learn not only to interpret characters, but also to take care of technical aspects such as hair, makeup, how to pose, how to speak, how to move. All of that adds up.

I remember on my first day at acting school, they made us stand for two and a half hours. Just that: learning to stand with presence, without tiring. It may seem simple, but that posture completely changes how you are perceived. A good presence, a firm posture, makes you recognizable in a crowd.

You also learn to walk, to sit, to look differently. And while it's true that there is a market for those without traditional beauty, there is still an advantage for those who project confidence and poise. In the end, beyond the physical, what really stands out is presence. You can train for that, and yes, it makes a big difference in your acting career.

Would you be willing to drastically transform your physique for a role? For example, gain or lose a lot of weight, shave your head, or dye your hair, if the character requires it?

It would definitely be an interesting challenge. I've already had to make physical changes for some roles, and it's been fun and part of the process. But I also think you have to be very careful with your body, because in the end, it's the actor's main instrument.

Modifying it has its limits, especially when we're talking about extreme changes like gaining 20 or 30 kilos. In that case, I would think about it very carefully. Beyond the acting challenge, there are health implications that can't be ignored.

If I were offered a role like that, I would analyze it carefully, because there are also many actors with the right physical profile who could do a great job. It's not just about proving that you can do it all, but about being conscious and responsible.

I'm open to transformations, yes, but always evaluating the long-term impact. The passion for acting is enormous, but so is the responsibility to oneself.

What would be the role of a lifetime? What kind of character would you like to play? And while we're at it, do you feel more comfortable in film or theater?

Yes, of course I do theater. In fact, I'm a trained theater actor. I always say that film is like a girlfriend: it's exciting, it excites you, it makes you want to marry her, but theater is like your mom's house: you always come back, because that's where the warmth, the roots, the comfort food are. I love theater deeply, but I grew up watching movies, so it's the medium that calls to me the most.

As for the role of a lifetime, I have one very clear: playing a Jedi in Star Wars. It sounds very cliché, I know, but I grew up watching those movies and dreaming of being there. I was a gymnast in high school, I learned fencing in acting school, and I've worked on many physical skills that, in my mind, were always geared toward that universe. Being part of that franchise, with all its symbolic and cultural weight, would fulfill a childhood dream... and also a wonderful acting and physical challenge.

What do you think of Spanish cinema?

I think Spanish cinema is incredible, but what has truly surprised me in recent years is the growth of its series. The quality, the narrative, the acting... have been impressive. I'm a fan of Money Heist, like many people around the world. Also, I remember my mom and I used to watch The Secret of the Old Bridge together, a series that ran for many years in Spain. We ended up watching more than 800 episodes. I really admire what's being done now; the level is extraordinary. I love following actors from those series, like Úrsula Corberó, who is already working on projects in Hollywood. Truly, my respect. I also write and direct, and it would be an honor to one day participate in the San Sebastián Film Festival. It's a hugely important event for international cinema. It would be a dream come true.

What advice would you give to actors just starting out and dreaming of internationalizing their careers, especially in markets like Hollywood?

I would tell them to dream big and work even harder for those dreams. This is a good life, designed to be good, but you have to dare to do what it takes to achieve it. For Spanish actors, I would advise them to nurture themselves: explore how things are done abroad, especially in the United States. Film and the industry work differently there, and understanding those differences is essential. Here, for example, foreign actors are seen as "the ethnic flavor," as a distinct contribution to the cast, and that opens doors. But you have to know how to sell yourself, be clear that it's not wrong to want to make money or seek commercial opportunities. Be willing to transform yourself.

To this date, the only Mexican actor to have won an Oscar is Anthony Quinn. He won an Oscar not once, but twice. I can't help but imagine that, one day, Joel Celaya could follow suit. I would be immensely honored to say I had the privilege of speaking with him before the entire world recognized his talent. Because Joel is not only a skilled actor, with charisma and an overwhelming presence; he is, above all, a luminous soul who inspires with his story and his dedication. I'm sure his time will come, and when it does, it will be impossible not to celebrate his success as something of our own. I hope the world discovers him soon... because we already did.