Against All Odd's, In Music & Film, Texas Movie Star Actor, "Allen Bonilla " Slays it All!
Updated: Jan 22, 2022
Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in Acting?
Yes, my career started back in 2008 right while I was in the middle of graduating high school, my grandmother Dessie Davis, had placed me in theater while I was attending Foster middle school lol. Simply because I was gaining the wrong attention, there I started doing theater for the Longview community theater with director Reese Chapman, where I was one of the supporting actors as the news journalists in the play called “Run for Your Wife” then around my senior year, I then ran away off to Shreveport Louisiana Because they were having an Acting showcase.
When I fled to Louisiana, a few unfortunate events occurred. I had to sleep at the bus station for a little over 24 hours. In that time, I wrote and memorized a monologue in which I performed it before ShowTime. It was there that I met Odessa Feaster (Actress), and Whitney Hicks (Actress). I was recognizably under the age of 21 (I was 16 years old), but I never got questioned by anyone. So, I went into the actor's café where I was greeted by Jeffrey Nightbird and Odessa, and they placed me on the list. As I waited, I noticed that a few people were drinking and smoking, so I kept my head down and sat at the back in the room. Another thing I noticed was that there were a lot of talented people waiting also. Well, before you know it, they called my name. Although I wasn't familiar with the details of this talent show, I was excited to come to perform. Finally, it was my turn. I was called up by Odessa to come and perform. By the time I got through performing, everyone was quiet for a solid 15 seconds, and before I knew it, everyone was up on their feet clapping and hooraying! Because of my nervousness, I was unaware of how well I performed. The only thing I felt, was a sense of achievement. I compare it to a drug. I felt empowered! When I heard the consistent clapping, I said to myself, " they're are clapping for me!" As they were calling the winners, they called them in reverse order, (1-2-3).
Because I was number three, I thought that I was in third place, but they were just placing the performers back on stage for the crowd vote. The crowd cast their votes and I won! The house went crazy! The prize was a contract with "Acclaim Talent", A photoshoot, and opportunity to start working on the production.
Odessa swiped me up like her little child. From then on, she became my stepmother and mentor. She introduced me to "Whitney" who became a huge motivator to me as well as the greatest stepsister I could ever ask! From that day, I had the pleasure of working in major productions. Thereafter, I began excelling in acting, training and taking lessons. These are the events that led to my successful career today.
What was the most memorable moment in your Acting career?
When I was young, I and my acting sister, the Great "Whitney Hicks", (who is also a great actress), would sprout out and go on one audition after the other without knowing what to expect! lol! Although we were young, we were determined to make it.(who is also a great actress), would sprout out and go on one audition after the other without knowing what to expect! lol! Although we were young, we were determined to make it.
What was your most challenging moment?
Everyone thinks it’s so easy to be an Actor, but to be honest, it's the total opposite. It's all about continuously training. You have to really invest in your craft. You must set a daily goal on your approach and set out to complete and accomplish them both financially, mentally, and emotionally. There’s no smooth road, just a long one.
Who are your acting influences?
Would Have to say my mom, " Odessa Feaster, and Forest Whitaker, Bernie Mac".
If you could do a starring role and or have someone, write a movie for you from your favorite actor, dead or alive, who would it be?
It would have to be, Forest Whitaker or Tyler Perry
What is the last project you’ve done, and which were your favorites?
I, "Allen Bonilla" am a household brand! I feel as though I'm one of the largest & greatest upcoming actors from the great state of Texas. My style is similar to Forest Whitaker with a twist. I have been featured in (Vindication- 2021 Director Jarod O’ Flaherty) (Hardcastle – 2021 Director Cameron Hazelwood) (OverDoze-2021 Director Suman Paudel) (Red Stone-2020 Director Derek Presley) (The Runners -2020 Directors Joey Loomis & Micah Lyons) (Corporate Christmas-2019 Cameron Hazelwood). I have been in the Film industry for over a decade and am an advocate for the film industry in the state of Texas right along the side of no one other than “Roni Hummel “Who is a Trailblazing sought out Casting Director for multiple major productions, who I love so much! I juggled with music and when I'm not creating great pop music, I'm pitching commercials for local radio stations, using my great voice-over skills.
What was your most embarrassing moment while on a production set or interview?
LOL on the set of Hardcastle, lol afraid of unexpected questions or change-ups last minute, I’m pretty used to it now lol!
How many films do you have out presently and are there any projects in the works?
I Have been in over 14 productions Collectively Accredited and Non-Accredited and the latest ones I’ve worked in (Vindication- 2021 Director Jarod O’ Flaherty) (Hardcastle – 2021 Director Cameron Hazelwood) (OverDoze-2021 Director Suman Paudel) (Red Stone-2020 Director Derek Presley) (The Runners -2020 Directors Joey Loomis & Micah Lyons) (Corporate Christmas-2019 Cameron Hazelwood)
What are your either weird habits or traditions before Filming or Acting Live?
I would have to say I hum a lot when I’m in the zone or about to film or study a script.
What advice would you like to give to upcoming actors?
Absolutely! As an actor, you would have to continue to train and attend every bit of educational resources as far as Acting goes, like workshops, acting classes, seminars, and starting out on background work, w/ no pay or low pay projects to gain traction and experience on the set and or on production, not to mention you also want to create a stream of income in order to fund your career needs via Photoshoot to create a profile for you by a reputable photographer, along with a Professional acting reel, personal website, resumes, etc. If you want more specific information, please follow me on my social media platforms and I don’t mind helping new actors. I do have resources in order to get one’s acting career established.
Represented By: Acclaim Talent
Represented By: Icon Studios Dallas
Email: AllenBonillaTheActor@Gmail.com
Website: https://www.acclaimtalent.com/profiles/user2253temp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenbonillaactor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaseyAB25
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ca2ey
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4owHajljeFpCwLyfVu4lg