We Speak Actors

From Mexico to LA to SA: actor Alonso Grandío on his exciting and varied acting career

Published

3 years ago

July 17, 2023

Mexican-born Alonso Grandío started acting in 2013 when he moved to Los Angeles. After four years, South Africa was calling – and now Alonso’s career is going from strength to strength. He played characters in South African TV series ‘Rhythm City’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘The Docket’, and landed a breakthrough role in Olivier Megaton’s film ‘The Last Days of American Crime’. Here he talks about his childhood imagination, the people who inspire him, and moving into writing and producing…

What have been your favourite acting experiences?

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of some of the biggest TV series here in South Africa – ‘Rhythm City’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘Binnelanders’. It’s still mind-blowing that people will come and ask me about my characters and what they’re up to; I think that shows it’s been a great project, something that left an impact. Working with the best of the best has been a dream come true.”

What are you currently working on?

“There are a few on the cooking pot right now, but I’ll be making an appearance in the hit TV show ‘Diepe Waters’ as Mr James. We also just finished production on a character arc for the long-running ‘Binnelanders’ as Julio Herrera.”

“A couple of projects are in pre-production as we speak, but the most exciting one has to be ‘Bloody Proposal’: this is the first film I’ve written, alongside the brilliant Ferdinand Gernandt.”

“We’ve received a ‘recommend’ status through coverage in Los Angeles, and we’re currently developing the film.”

Photo credit: Production company Arcade Content, DP Justin Prins

Who have you enjoyed working with?

“Wow, so many people come to mind. The Mexican actor Jorge Luis Moreno – we instantly had this brotherly bond when we met, which served us well when we were in the 2015 short film ‘Camarillo St.’ The amazing indie directors Jaime Carbajal and Eduardo Hidalgo. Olivier Megaton, director of ‘The Last Days of American Crime’ for Netflix. And more recently I’ve been blessed to work with masters of their craft here in South Africa: Justin Strydom, Clint Brink, Bianca Amato, Amo Chidi, Jesse Suntele, Jolette Roux, Charl Van Biljon… The list goes on and on, but humility comes to mind. Everybody is at the top of their game, but they are incredibly grounded and kind human beings.”

Any future projects that you’re looking forward to?

“I can’t wait to start production on ‘Bloody Proposal’. I’m hopping into the producer’s chair and learning as much as I can from incredible people. We currently have the acclaimed South African actor Sean Cameron Michael in the project; it has been a dream so far. This fast-paced film will definitely excite audiences. There’s comedy, action and horror elements to send chills down your spine… Honestly, just talking about it makes me want to start production already.”

How did you get started in acting?

“It might sound cheesy, but I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller. Pair that with an over-the-top imagination and I think you get an actor. My mom still tells me the story in which, as a child, I told her that the three wise men visited us, complete with robes and animals. Did it really happen? That’s for you to decide. “

“Professionally speaking, I think my first paid acting job was ‘Furious 7’, as a young actor in LA. I was over the moon.”

Who’s helped you get where you are today?

“In this industry, it takes a village. So I want to thank all the amazing, talented friends and colleagues who are beside me. And of course my beautiful wife Monique Grandio – without her, none of this would be possible. It has been a heck of a ride so far, and it is only the beginning.”

Featured photo credit: Production company Arcade Content, DP Justin Prins

We Speak Actors

Joseph Nybyk Guests On “If These Walls Could Talk” With Hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

April 19, 2026

Jimmy Star

Who else but hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss could “spill the tea” on their weekly show “If These Walls Could Talk” live from Pangea Restaurant on the Lower Eastside of NYC, with their unique style of honest, and emotional interviews, sharing the fascinating backstory of celebrities, entertainers, recording artists, writers and artists and bringing their audience along for a fantastic ride.

Joseph Nybyk will be a featured guest on “If These Walls Could Talk” with hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 at 2 PM ET live from the infamous Pangea Restaurant.

Wendy Stuart is an author, celebrity interviewer, model, actor, filmmaker and along with If These Walls Could Talk, she hosts TriVersity Talk, a weekly web series with featured guests discussing their lives, activism and pressing issues in the LGBTQ Community.

Tym Moss is a popular NYC singer, actor, and radio/tv host who recently starred in the hit indie film “JUNK” to critical acclaim.

Joseph Nybyk is an award-winning writer, actor, director, and stand-up comedian with a career that bridges both the creative and business sides of Hollywood. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, he moved to Los Angeles in 1997 and began his career in the marketing department at Paramount Pictures before serving as a creative executive at Landmark Entertainment, where he worked under James Cameron and Michael Jackson. That early industry experience gave him a rare, inside-out understanding of how stories are made—and sold.

Joseph left the corporate world to pursue acting full-time after landing a role in Jerry Maguire, launching a performance career that includes over fifty national commercials and appearances across film and television. As a filmmaker, he has written, directed, and starred in numerous short films, web series, and independent features that have screened at festivals around the world. His work has earned awards for Best Film, Best Short, Best Screenplay, and Best Director, as well as Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the provocative short The Day the Rabbit Died. His short Feeling Blessed got into virtually every faith based film festival and two Academy Award nominating festivals. He made this short back to back with a horror short titled Lights Off that got into 10 of the most prestigious horror film festivals in the world. His indie feature Ocean Front Property, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, marked his feature debut. He has since continued developing and financing original projects while optioning scripts to multiple producers.

A veteran of the stand-up comedy circuit, Joseph’s comedy blends sharp observation with personal storytelling, often drawing from his time bartending at the legendary Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. His routine has taken him to clubs, colleges, theaters, and casinos nationwide, and in 2025 he was named Best Comedian by Tucson Weekly. He is also the founder of the Faith in Film International Film Festival, dedicated to supporting meaningful, faith-driven storytelling. Joseph holds a Master’s degree in Film from the New York Film Academy. He is a proud alumnus of the University of Arizona and continues to balance performing, filmmaking, and developing original content from his home base in Arizona and California.

Watch Joseph Nybyk on “If These Walls Could Talk” with hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss on Youtube here: