Digest

Ismail Cruz Cordoba, an actor known for his role in "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," shares his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Puerto Rico to Hollywood success. He candidly discusses the poverty and lack of opportunity he faced growing up, emphasizing the limited resources and lack of voice in his community. Despite these challenges, Cordoba found a strategic path to success through swimming, which earned him a scholarship to a prestigious prep school and ultimately led him to NYU. He arrived in New York with only two laundry bags, determined to make his dreams a reality. Cordoba recounts his audacious approach to landing a role on Sesame Street, demonstrating his proactive and determined nature. He also details his persistent pursuit of the role in "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," facing multiple rejections but never giving up. His unwavering belief in himself and the character ultimately led to his success. The conversation shifts to rapid fire questions, where Cordoba shares his favorite part about his role, the best advice he's received, and his current projects, including a heist comedy action film with Eddie Murphy and a pirate film with Priyanka Chopra.

Outlines

00:00:00

From Puerto Rico to Hollywood: Ismail Cruz Cordoba's Journey

Ismail Cruz Cordoba, known for his role in "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," shares his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Puerto Rico to Hollywood success. He candidly discusses the poverty and lack of opportunity he faced growing up, emphasizing the limited resources and lack of voice in his community. Despite these challenges, Cordoba found a strategic path to success through swimming, which earned him a scholarship to a prestigious prep school and ultimately led him to NYU. He arrived in New York with only two laundry bags, determined to make his dreams a reality.

00:05:28

Landing Roles and Overcoming Rejection

Cordoba recounts his audacious approach to landing a role on Sesame Street, demonstrating his proactive and determined nature. He also details his persistent pursuit of the role in "Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power," facing multiple rejections but never giving up. His unwavering belief in himself and the character ultimately led to his success.

00:11:56

Rapid Fire Questions and Future Projects

The conversation shifts to rapid fire questions, where Cordoba shares his favorite part about his role, the best advice he's received, and his current projects, including a heist comedy action film with Eddie Murphy and a pirate film with Priyanka Chopra.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the biggest challenge you faced growing up in Puerto Rico?

  Ismail faced poverty, limited opportunities, and a lack of voice in his community. He describes a constant struggle for basic necessities and a feeling of being excluded from the larger conversation.

• How did you overcome the challenges you faced in your early life?

  Ismail found a strategic path to success through swimming, which earned him a scholarship to a prestigious prep school and ultimately led him to NYU. He was determined to make his dreams a reality, even arriving in New York with only two laundry bags.

• What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are facing rejection?

  Ismail emphasizes the importance of self-belief and persistence. He faced multiple rejections for the "Lord of the Rings" role but never gave up, ultimately proving his worth to the casting directors. He encourages aspiring actors to stay true to themselves and fight for their dreams.

Show Notes