Jon Stojan
Up-and-coming actress Vanessa Gelacio has always known what she wanted to do with her life. That passion has driven her forward in her career, taking her from Colombia to Hollywood.
“I’ve always felt this undeniable impulse to act as if it was something I needed to express. In a way, I’ve been fortunate to know from a young age that acting is my true calling—my passion and my plan A, B, and C,” Gelacio says.
Starting in a Grubby Theater in Colombia
Born and raised in Colombia, Gelacio discovered her love for acting at around age 11. What began as a one-month acting class at a “bohemian and grubby-looking theater” quickly turned into the foundation of her artistic career, sparking a lifelong passion for storytelling and performance.
“I can still remember the smell of gasoline in that old garage,” Gelacio notes.
One month of classes evolved into three years at that grubby theater, which would become the setting for some of Gelacio’s most valuable lessons as an artist and storyteller. Although it lacked glamour, she credits the theater with having the best teachers in town, and during her time there, she achieved notable local success.”
“We were often commissioned by various Mayor’s Offices from different provinces to create plays on specific topics, and we’d go on tour around the Andean Mountains, performing wherever we were needed. Imagine having that much exposure at the age of 11. It was a formative experience that shaped who I am today,” Gelacio explains.
In high school, Gelacio continued her theater training at a different academy, expanding her knowledge base and collaborating on “visually captivating shows” that utilized black lights and shadow play. These early experiences shaped her creativity and prepared her for the professional life of an actress.
“I’m proud to be a versatile performer—a triple threat who sings, acts, and dances—and above all, I strive to tell meaningful stories with professionalism and integrity,” Gelacio shares.
Arriving in Los Angeles as a Triple Threat
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Gelacio pursued her passion for performing arts by earning a degree in Drama and Filmmaking from the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory. In addition to her formal education, she honed her skills as an improviser, showcasing her talent at prominent events such as Phoenix Fan Fusion and LA Comic Con, as well as performing with her improv team, Spinach Ninja, which is set to host the 2025 version of the “California Long Form Improv Festival” (CLIF).
Among Gelacio’s accomplishments is her role in an upcoming slasher zombie film featuring Danny Trejo, where she brings a unique energy to the project. She describes it as “truly surreal” working with the legendary actor.
She was also part of the team that brought the films Miranda’s Victim and The Italians to life, enabling her to assist seasoned professionals such as Abigail Breslin, Donald Sutherland, Andy Garcia, and Ryan Phillipe.
“Most recently, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of RIP, where I got to meet Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. As a huge fan of Good Will Hunting and Ocean’s 11, it was such a cool moment for me,” Gelacio adds.
Enjoying the Journey and Trusting the Process
Vanessa Gelacio’s ambitions drew her away from her home country, family, and friends to start anew in the United States, and the transition has been rough at times. By prioritizing her mental health and cultivating a new, stable social circle, she has remained grounded and focused on her acting goals.
“I’m someone who wants to see results immediately because I’m always pushing myself to work hard, but the reality of this industry is that it requires a lot of patience. I’ve learned that the key is to enjoy the journey, trust the process, and focus on other aspects of my growth while waiting for the right opportunities to come. It’s been a humbling road, but ultimately, it’s been incredibly rewarding,” Gelacio concludes.