Leland, an exceptionally talented teenage actor, boasts a rich portfolio of film appearances and has graced the cover of Relatable Voice magazine. Now 17, he navigates his junior year of high school while also enrolled in college courses. His versatility extends beyond acting into voiceovers, theater, commercials, and music.
Hello Leland, welcome to BrandEducation! Where are you from and where do you live?
I was born and raised here in Clermont, Florida. About 25 minutes outside of Orlando. 25 min from the Disney parks. I come from a family of 4- my mom, dad, sister and I.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Aside from acting, I love cooking. I’ll usually be in the kitchen experimenting with different ingredients to create new foods/recipes. I also love gaming, gym, serving at youth, hanging out with friends, and reading!
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey?
It’s been an eventful journey. Ever since It began at a young age, I started playing music, singing in choir and then theater performing in shows and productions. This is a career that takes dedication and passion! Great things come from hard work.
If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Grateful, Loyal, and Driven
What inspires you?
My faith, family, and the arts. I believe acting is a big part of art. The arts are fundamental to our humanity and bringing people together all in one place and putting a smile on their face is definitely inspiring.
Share something our audience wouldn’t know about you.
When I’m cooking, I listen to “Ratatouille Ambience Music” on YouTube. I’ve been doing this since I first started cooking, and it’s always helped me go through some recipes with ease.
How did you get into doing this work?
When I was around 7 years old, I was introduced to theater. I absolutely loved it, however when quarantine hit- all of the theaters were closed. So,I would watch shows and that sort of inspired me to try acting in other areas such as films. Enrolled in a acting school and upon graduating teen acting division, I signed with an agent and It’s been three years of acting on screen and all of this has been such an amazing experience!
Is there a cause close to your heart that you’d like to advocate for?
I would like to help promote life threatening food allergy awareness. May is Food allergy awareness month and Growing up with a life threatening food allergy I had an episode and almost didn’t make it to the ER. It’s always important to be aware of the ingredients in your food, and to communicate when ordering at restaurants and bakeries, as well as everywhere you eat. Living with a life threatening food allergy is real. It only takes that one second.
I’d also like to promote my sister spreading kindness and gratitude with her business- TeyArts. She has a small business that personalizes T-shirts, tote bags, hats, you name it for all occasions. She’s such a hard worker and I couldn’t have asked for a better sister.
TeyArts-Spreading Kindness and Gratitude is the motto.
Can you tell us what inspired your work?
My mom’s side of the family has always been involved in the arts. They play a huge role in my inspiration. My sister and I inherited our late grandmothers piano. When I play the piano I play for grandma. The Ukulele and Tahitian Drumming was taught to be by a prestigious Polynesian musician, who was like family to me. He is retired today, moved away to another state. When I was 7, my mom asked me if my sister and I if we wanted to try out a theater summer camp and I ended up absolutely loving it! Along with the many talented actors and actresses that I have watched through the years inspired me.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share?
Well, Recently got back from Los Angeles to be a Nominee Presenter for the Young Artist Academy awards. As of right now I’ve been working on voiceover, more auditions and have some films coming up in the next few months that I am excited about! Recently casted in a documentary feature film that explores deep into the life of legendary teacher, couch and decorated Vietnam Veteran, Hal Croft. This film unveils the brave journey of Hal Croft, whose determination left a huge impact on countless lives. Excited and truly honored and looking forward to working on this amazing project at the end of the month! In the end of May, I will be performing in the theatre production of Mary Poppins jr., as Bert.
What are your goals and aspirations?
In the coming year I am committed to continue to focus on skill building, learning and growing. Graduate high school in 2025, then graduate college and planning to pursue a career in either engineering or Aviation. Travel the world, all while pursing my passion for acting!
I would love to work on set Warner Brothers Studios. My mom and I took a tour of the studios when we were in LA. It was absolutely phenomenal.
A recurring TV series would be cool?
Which actors would you like to work with?
I’ve always wanted to work with Keanu Reeves and Dwayne Johnson, but just being onset with so many talented actors in this industry is amazing. Every actor is different, that’s what makes them unique. i’m always looking forward to working with them all.
What advice would you give to other young people like you?
Pursue what you love! Commit to it. Keep learning, keep growing, keep going, and never give up on your goals and dreams.
Where can our listeners connect with you online?
I’d love to connect!
You can find me on Instagram @leland.mergillano, IMDb.me/LelandMergillano, and Facebook is “Leland Mergillano”.