Written by Alina Rose Armstrong
Born in Torreón, Mexico, a small town near the Texas border, LSTFI alumnus Eduardo Olmos found an unexpected path to acting — one that ultimately lead him a role in the critically acclaimed film La Cocina, starring Rooney Mara.
Unlocking a Passion for Acting
At 13 years old, during an extended stay in the U.S., Eduardo took on his first acting role in a production of Twelfth Night. At the time, he had not yet mastered English and was still adjusting to American culture. He recalls struggling to understand his lines, ultimately learning them phonetically. Even so, Eduardo was drawn to the tangible experience of performing on stage. Prior to this, his acting experience had been limited to school pageants, where the focus was “more on waving to [his] parents in the audience than on the craft itself.” Twelfth Night, however, sparked his passion for acting and, as his English strengthened, Eduardo realized that pursuing a career in the field was his true aspiration.
Eduardo’s parents, fully supportive of his ambitions, encouraged him to apply to New York University to further realize his talents. After performing a monologue from The Glass Menagerie for his Tisch Drama audition, Eduardo was asked about his process for getting into character. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, the approach he described closely mirrored the principles of Method Acting. Ironically, Eduardo recalls walking out of the audition thinking that as long as he didn’t end up at The Institute, he would be content. Little did he know, his natural approach to acting was perfectly aligned with Lee Strasberg’s renowned technique and he was placed directly into The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
Studying at LSTFI
Initially, Eduardo was apprehensive and intimidated by the rigorous demands of The Method. But, within two weeks of his freshman year, he was completely captivated by the approach. He describes that time as both “exhilarating and overwhelming — an intense period of personal and professional growth.” Eduardo quickly discovered that the technique was far removed from the common misconceptions of Method Acting. He easily connected with exercises like sense memory and substitution, experiencing significant breakthroughs with the material. He credits his instructors, including Lola Cohen and Tim Crouse, for their attentiveness and practical approach to teaching, which helped him fully immerse himself in the work.
Breaking into the industry proved challenging for Eduardo. After graduating in 2017, he was forced to return to Mexico when his visa expired. Just as he was about to receive a new one, the pandemic halted all immigration processes, leaving him uncertain about his future. Despite this setback, he remained determined, keeping his passion alive by working on short films, commercials, and collaborating with friends — all while continuing to audition. Eventually, his persistence paid off when he signed with a manager he trusted, who helped him secure a role in the critically acclaimed film La Cocina.
Landing the Role
In 2022, Eduardo auditioned for a mysterious project, only knowing that Rooney Mara was set to lead the film. The audition process was unconventional, involving a self-tape with minimal details about the director or the project itself. Despite the limited information, Eduardo instinctively knew the role was a strong fit for him. The process, however, took a unexpected turn, as it unfolded during the planning and execution of his wedding. The first twist came when, while at his bachelor party, he received a call from his manager informing him that the director wanted to speak with him about the role the following day.
After a night of celebration, Eduardo found himself on a serious phone call with the director. Things didn’t get easier when, during a wine tasting in Mexico City, he received another call from the production team. Through terrible cell reception, they bombarded him with questions about shaving his beard and his comfort level with various appearance changes. Just three days after his wedding, Eduardo had to pack his bags for a month of rehearsals. Balancing two of the most important life event — his wedding and this pivotal professional opportunity — was no small feat, but it made the entire experience all the more surreal. The whole audition process, from the initial self-tape to the final callback, marked one of the most chaotic and significant moments of his life.
Alonso Ruizpalacios’ La Cocina
Directed by the acclaimed Alonso Ruizpalacios, La Cocina is a high-stakes drama set in a fast-paced Times Square restaurant. The film explores the lives of undocumented immigrants navigating the complex pressures of their work and personal ambitions. Starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones, La Cocina had already garnered buzz, premiering at prestigious festivals like the Berlinale, Tribeca, and the London Film Festival. Ruizpalacios, known for his distinctive auteur-driven style with films like Güeros, Museo, and A Cop Movie, brought his signature depth and social insight to this ensemble piece.
Eduardo’s role as the tough, unlikeable restaurant manager required him to dig deep into the complexities of his character. He utilized the full range of techniques he learned from The Institute, especially the “pain comes before anger” principle, to make his character both compelling and believable. The rehearsal process was unlike anything Eduardo had experienced before. With a full month of improvisational rehearsals, the production approached the material like a stage play, allowing the actors to explore their characters through discovery and improvisation. Eduardo found this approach liberating, helping him to connect more deeply with the material and his fellow cast members.
Reflecting on his journey so far — from the unexpected path that led him to La Cocina to his evolving understanding of his craft — Eduardo feels “grateful for the opportunities [he has] had and the lessons [he has] learned” and hopes to continue to bring authentic, complex characters to life.
