Jake Diaz: Young Latino Actor with Autism Discusses Authenticity, Inclusivity, and Future Adventures

Fifteen-year-old actor Jake Diaz, who is on the autism spectrum, discusses his journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals. He shares insights into building genuine connections with his social media followers and his passion for extreme sports, which he hopes to incorporate into future acting roles. Diaz also reflects on his HollyShorts nomination for Watch Over Me and his upcoming role in The Dead Place, while offering advice to aspiring influencers and actors about staying authentic and pursuing their unique paths. He stresses the importance of giving back and using his platform for positive change. Looking ahead, Diaz envisions a diverse career that encompasses acting, action films, and history studies, embracing his multifaceted personality and adventurous spirit.

As a young Latino actor with autism, you’ve carved out a space for yourself in an industry that’s still learning how to embrace diversity. How do you think the entertainment industry can improve in terms of inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals?

Great question and thank you for trying to find answers on how to help embrace differently abled people. I am just on the cusp of the Autism Spectrum and very high functioning. At times it is difficult to tell with me so I have not experienced feeling as if I was treated differently. I am, however, able to sense out my peeps and am both happy to know there are others I can relate to around me but also disappointed to see them not embraced or accepted like neurotypical people would be. I think step one would be in having an interest in understanding people who are different would be a great start and would lead to educating yourself through reading online articles, taking the time to speak to people who are different and also understanding that many high functioning folks on the Spectrum are actually brilliant minded, highly intelligent, creatives who have much to offer! We can probably write your college dissertation when we are 12! Lol

Your social media following has grown immensely, and your audience connects with you on a personal level. What do you think is the secret to building such an authentic relationship with your followers?

I feel it’s important to call people by name when you can. Ask them personal questions about their lives and mention those things later on so they know you remember, and they are special to you somehow. It can be as easy as remembering they make spaghetti for their mom every Wednesday or that they are looking for work, were booked on a job recently, etc. Sure, we are industry people but EVERYONE has something about them that shines. We need to acknowledge that in them. I am not afraid to laugh at myself or be a bit dorky. I am down to earth and genuine, which may feel relatable to people. There are followers who will read this and know exactly who I gave a quiet shout out to when answering this.

With a variety of partnerships under your belt, such as with The Nines Hotel, how do you decide which collaborations are the right fit, and what kind of brands do you hope to work with in the future?

I would say that I tried “Luxury” partnerships for a bit and deliver just fine. Although I enjoyed the experience, it is not who I am at the ripe age of 15. I am about relaxed fun, young at heart with a bit of wild child teen boy. In the future I hope to work with some extreme sports brands on some cool adventures like skydiving and experiencing Zero Gravity.

You’ve mentioned a love for extreme sports—do you ever incorporate those skills into your acting roles? Are there any projects in the future where we might see you blend your love for action and BMX?

I no longer ride BMX as the track by me closed. Maybe again soon. I am currently into paint balling and I just started Martial Arts to help develop a new skill I can use to book more action roles. My dream is to be in a Marvel Movie so who knows what the future holds!

Your role in Watch Over Me earned a HollyShorts nomination. What was it like receiving such recognition for your work, and how did it motivate you for future projects?

That was definitely a career highlight, and it was amazing to work with Sasha Roiz, Seth Boston and Nir Paniry. They were kind, patient and willing to get down on the ground with me to show me how to portray a vampire. I was also lucky to work with some of the best on SPX Makeup and effects. Had my fangs molded and made by one of the best in the industry and got to see the molds he made for movies like “Interview with a Vampire and Austin Powers!”. Being around such industry icons just feeds my drive to be better and dedicated to what I do in the future.

As someone with a passion for travel, if you could have a dream vacation to one place that hasn’t yet been on your list, where would it be, and why?

To the moon! Or any other planet really. I would love to travel in space. If ever given the opportunity I would gladly jump on that spacecraft!

In your journey as an influencer and actor, how have you dealt with the pressures of public perception, and what advice would you give to others who are just beginning to build their own platform?

Being on the Spectrum, I am pretty much oblivious to some of my surroundings such as how people are looking at me and whether they have judgment or not. I am genuine and pretty much in my own space and moment. I have a thick skin as well so public perception is not high on my list of worries. My advice to anyone getting started is to remember if you want to be a star, stay authentic and shine the way YOU are meant to and not the way you feel you are supposed to. Walk to the beat of your own drum as a leader and example of how we should move in the world, uniquely!

You've worked with organizations that support children and families, like St. Jude. How do you think the entertainment industry can be more involved in social causes, and how do you use your platform to promote positive change?

That is a loaded question! I think we need more financially successful people, donating to charities/causes and less million dollar parties! Now I do enjoy a great Hollywood party, however I feel we need to show our gratitude by going back somehow and as often as possible. My family just donated a decent amount of hard-earned money to the Pasadena Humane Society to help the displaced and injured pets of the Eaton Fire. I don’t often show all we do on my platform as I feel some things should just be done silently and without sharing it everywhere. The way I promote positive change is to try to be a leader in setting an example of being authentic and kindhearted. I want to show that no matter how successful you are, there is no need to think you are better than others or act pretentious. Just keep it real and relatable.

Your upcoming role in The Dead Place has generated a lot of buzz. Can you share a sneak peek into your character and what fans can expect from this thrilling film?

I was absolutely honored to have been asked to play a supporting role to some fantastic up and coming actors! Not every role needs to be a lead and not every job needs to have millions of dollars in their budget. Uplifting others to help them accomplish their dreams can be more rewarding sometimes because the payoff is much more than a large paycheck. It is being a part of humble support and helping make dreams come true. We were all GREAT together and formed a little family. Oh by the way, did you also hear the buzz that PART 2 is already in the making?

[Jake Diaz On Set of The Dead Place with Beatrice Boepple who played Freddy Krueger’s mom on A Nightmare on Elm Street]

With a strong presence both on-screen and online, where do you see your career heading in the next five years? Do you envision expanding into other areas of entertainment, or would you like to focus on what you’re already doing?

My mind is like a pinball machine with ideas bouncing all over the place! I want to get cast in an action film and acting will always be a part of my life. I also want to learn about Blacksmithing and experience living out in the wilderness someday. I want to major in History in college but also think about starting another business as THE KIDVENTURIST is an LLC so I am already thinking of my next business venture at the age of 15! Honestly, I can rock a Red Carpet one day and live in the woods with no electronics the next! I don’t believe in being boxed in and have many sides to me. All adventurous!

You’re incredibly active with your fans. If you could share one lesson you’ve learned throughout your career and personal journey that you think is important for your followers, what would it be?

I would like them to know I am grateful and honored for their support. I would also like them to remember that there is SO much each of them has to offer and I’m sure if I ever sat with each of them, I would learn so much and have a ton of laughs and good times! We all have special qualities, stories to share and roads to travel. My followers often share parts of their lives through their comments on my posts and I enjoy that more personal connection. I hope I make you feel as special as you make me feel! I hear you, I see you, I remember YOU! Thank you for being a part of my life and journey.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Instagram: @jake_thekidventurist