Rising Stars: Meet Tyler Laracca

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Laracca.

Tyler, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been obsessed with film and television. More so on the production side than in front of the lens. Despite my knack for memorizing dialogue and reenacting scenes from Wayne’s World and Back to the Future; acting never crossed my mind. For most of high school and college, I worked as a Production Assistant on several independent projects around Colorado.

In 2013, The Lone Ranger held a massive casting call for extras. Somehow I ended up in the production and found myself performing behind these huge names in Hollywood. It was during my sophomore year at CU Denver that I finally took an acting workshop with a family friend. About a week later, the host of the workshop (a local talent agent), asked me if I’d like to join the agency. From there, I cut my teeth on industrials and short films until I landed my first feature film role.

Fast forward nearly nine years, and I’ve had the great fortune of working in projects like: Wind River, Walker, Life is Strange, Alien Valley, and Marvels.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Hardly. Any actor will tell you that the majority of our work weeks are spent prepping and submitting for projects that we (most likely) won’t be a part of. It’s like playing the lottery every day, but that’s why we love it! Unlike most career paths, every amount of success is measured differently. As long as you love doing it, you’ll find your own way.

Having been raised from a family that thrives on a rigorous work ethic and job loyalty, I’d say one of the biggest struggles for me is refraining from working a normal office job. I’ve been in the service industry for most of my career due to the flexibility. However, it can be incredibly draining to your mental health. Not until recently did I realize I should start taking more care of myself and worry a little less about my day job. Once I made that change, I started booking more frequently.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Actor, Screenwriter, Producer, and Podcast Showrunner.

Here in Denver, I’m known for a lot of televised industrials and my film work. Wind River may be my most recognized project and I’m so thankful to have been a part of it.

When I’m not acting in films or tv, I’m producing my podcast, PRETEND WORLDS REAL PEOPLE, where I sit down with arts workers of all backgrounds and talk to them about their experiences in the industry. When I’m not submitting self-tapes, this really keeps me busy, and it’s something I hope to turn into a business soon.

For as long as I can remember, I always loved writing. Most recently, I finished a personal goal of mine from back in 2017, to finish ten feature scripts by my 30th birthday, Made it in just under the wire. Currently, I’m working on a second season for Marvels.

I think my inability to sit still sets me apart from others. Sometimes as actors, we just feel like we’re waiting for the next thing and that can start to become a negative element. You need something else outside of the industry to keep you busy/focused. Most days, I’ll pack my rollerblades up and go skate somewhere new just to decompress.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Welcoming opportunities. My grandpa always told me, “everything happens for a reason.” I look at every chance encounter the same way. Most of this career is built through networking right? Take a chance and see what happens. You just might find the right opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5415353/
• Instagram: @tyler.laracca
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pretend-worlds-real-people/id1531583988

Image Credits
Wind River photo by Fred Hayes