Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Del Cubo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’d say my journey as an actor has been anything but linear, more like a mosaic of moments, places, and people that shaped me along the way (some by design, others by delightful accident).
I’ve loved acting, especially theatre, for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was constantly putting on shows for anyone who’d watch; family, friends, the occasional confused neighbor. I was drawn to the magic of becoming someone else and telling stories that made people feel something, even if it was just a giggle or a gasp. Growing up in Switzerland in a multilingual, multicultural environment only deepened that curiosity. I became fascinated not just with performance, but with language, nuance, and the small details that make people tick.
That passion eventually led me to New York, where I trained at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. It was a transformative time; intense, inspiring, and full of beautiful chaos. I was exposed to a wide range of techniques and creative philosophies, but just as importantly, I was surrounded by people who pushed me to grow, not just as a performer, but as a human being. I learned that acting isn’t about pretending; it’s about presence, honesty, and making space for something real to happen.
Since then, my path has taken me through indie projects, self-made web series with friends, international productions, and most recently, life on a cruise ship stage (yes, it’s just as surreal as it sounds). Each experience has stretched me in different ways; teaching me how to stay grounded in motion, lead with openness, and collaborate across cultures and contexts.
These days, I’m less focused on chasing a fixed idea of “success,” and more interested in telling stories that feel alive; whether that’s through a character, a shared moment, or just the collective breath of a room that’s really listening. Acting, for me, has always been about reaching across; toward understanding, connection, and maybe even a little magic. And I hope I get to keep doing that for a long time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, definitely not a smooth road… but I think that’s part of the deal when you sign up for a life in the arts. There have been plenty of highs and lows, plot twists, and what-on-earth-am-I-doing moments.
One of my favorite (and slightly tragic) stories is that I booked my first paid acting job exactly one week before the world shut down for the pandemic. I was so excited; finally a “yes” after years of training and auditions. And then, bam: lockdown. Theaters closed, productions paused, and everything went quiet. So instead of stepping into rehearsals, I stepped into the world of sourdough starters and existential dread like the rest of us.
That moment kind of set the tone for the early part of my career; learning how to stay flexible, how to keep the creative flame alive when the industry’s on pause. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, of wondering if I should pivot entirely, or if I was just shouting into a void.
On top of that, I’ve always lived between cultures and countries, which is beautiful but also confusing. It can feel like you’re constantly translating yourself–linguistically, emotionally, professionally. Am I too much of this for here? Not enough of that for there?
But looking back, those challenges taught me how to adapt, how to stay grounded, and how to keep a sense of humor through it all. They also reminded me that being an actor isn’t just about the jobs; it’s about how you show up, even when the stage is dark.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor, which means I basically spend my life trying to understand people; what they want, what they hide, what they’re afraid of, and what makes them feel alive. I’ve worked across stage and screen, and more recently, on a cruise ship, which has been a wild and wonderful ride (literally and figuratively). That job alone taught me how to stay present no matter what’s going on around me; rocky seas, quick changes, or last-minute rehearsals.
I wouldn’t say I specialize in one specific genre, but I’m drawn to work that balances emotional depth with humor; characters who are trying their best, even if they’re a bit messy or misunderstood.
One thing I’m really proud of is a web series I co-wrote and acted in with a group of friends called “Filthy Rich.” We shot it on a shoestring budget, did our own planning, marketing, everything. It was chaotic, exhausting, and completely worth it. There’s something special about building something from the ground up with people who believe in the story.
As for what sets me apart… I think it’s that I genuinely enjoy the collaborative process. I don’t just show up to say lines; I love being part of the rhythm of a rehearsal room or a set. I’ve also got this weirdly helpful blend of actor-brain and admin-brain, so I tend to be a paradoxical specimen: an organized artist. And because I’ve worked in multiple languages and countries, I’m comfortable adjusting to all kinds of environments; whether it’s a black box theater in NYC or a ship sailing through the Mediterranean.
At the end of the day, I care a lot about the work. I want to tell stories that make people feel a little more seen, a little less alone… and maybe even laugh in the process.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I guess I’d just say this: if you’re someone out there who’s dreaming of doing something creative (whether it’s acting, writing, painting, or anything else that feels a little scary or impractical)I hope you give yourself permission to try. I have to remind myself of that too. The path is rarely straightforward, and it definitely won’t always look the way you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth walking.
Also, success doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Some of the moments I’m proudest of have happened in tiny rehearsal rooms. If the work moves even one person or brings you back to yourself; that’s something.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mariodelcubo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariodelcubo/
Image Credits
Joe Loper, Deborah Lopez, Yar Tkachuk, JeJu Caron
