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Joan Kuri: Talent Isn't Everything in Acting, Technique and Discipline Are Key
🇲🇽 Mexico /Culture & Society

Joan Kuri: Talent Isn't Everything in Acting, Technique and Discipline Are Key

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Mexican actor Joan Kuri believes success in acting stems from technique and discipline, not just talent.
  • He learned from his acting mentor that a committed work ethic is as valuable as interpretive skill.
  • Kuri advises aspiring actors to embrace all opportunities for experience and networking, citing his own contract negotiation mistakes early in his career.

Joan Kuri, a Mexican actor who has found significant work in ViX Micro (micro-soap operas), emphasizes that talent alone is insufficient for success in the acting world. He believes technique and discipline are paramount, stating, "I don't have talent, I think I have technique. Personally, I value self-control and having command."

I don't have talent, I think I have technique. Personally, I value self-control and having command.

— Joan KuriJoan Kuri on his approach to acting.

At 31, Kuri, an alumnus of Casa Azul, credits his mentor, actor Ricardo Campos White, for instilling the importance of a professional attitude. "He always told us that a committed way of working is highly valued out there. That talent isn't everything. If you're talented but late or rude, no one will work with you," Kuri recalls.

His first professional role in TV Azteca's "La hija pródiga" taught him the need for adaptability on set. Initially overwhelmed by memorizing extensive scripts, he learned that understanding the production's logic and a character's emotional arc is crucial before diving into scene work. "It's no use if you're blocked or can't concentrate," he notes.

He always told us that a committed way of working is highly valued out there. That talent isn't everything. If you're talented but late or rude, no one will work with you.

— Joan KuriRecalling advice from his mentor, Ricardo Campos White.

Kuri also shared lessons learned from contract negotiations, particularly early in his career. He recounted accepting payment per day on long projects, which resulted in insufficient earnings. "That taught me to never do it again," he stated.

It's no use if you're blocked or can't concentrate.

— Joan KuriOn the importance of understanding character and production logic.

For aspiring actors, Kuri's advice is to diversify their experiences. "Do everything. It will serve you for exposure, experience, building a name, making connections, meeting directors, learning to manage your emotions, and improving memory, which is a muscle we need to keep well-trained," he advises. He has found opportunities in ViX Micro to explore diverse characters, enriching his career.

That taught me to never do it again.

— Joan KuriReflecting on past contract negotiation mistakes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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