Andrés Mejía Vallejo’s Bold Journey As An Actor, Model & Author

Beverly Hills Magazine: Can you share your journey from Colombia to the United States and what drove you to pursue your dreams here?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: I was born into a very ambitious family, and ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to fly high and far from home. At 19, I packed my stuff and left. I came to Miami, taught myself English, got my legal papers right, and then went to LA. My career has spanned many different fields. Coming from a family, especially my mom, who was such a go-getter, I was raised as a jack of many trades, and I couldn’t help but pack up and leave Colombia.

Beverly Hills Magazine: It takes a lot of courage to pursue your dreams, but for those who do, dreams do come true. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career and ambitions?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: I always think of my mom. As a single mother raising two kids while building a successful career, making ends meet, and retiring with a wonderful life, she was incredible. She’d wake up at 4 a.m. to do crunches, get us breakfast, send us to school, and she was an athlete too. Her courage and strength made me who I am.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s so beautiful. What’s a core value, Bible scripture,  or life motto you live by?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: A core value for me is integrity. I was asked recently why I don’t have an OnlyFans account, and I said it’s because I take pride in not selling my body or compromising my values. I want to be remembered on my deathbed as someone who stuck to his career goals without breaking his principles. I’d rather maintain my integrity.

Beverly Hills Magazine: Absolutely, staying true to your values is so important. I always say dirty money never lasts. What sparked your passion for acting and modeling, and how did you land your first role or job?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: My mom was very animated, always dressing up and playing different characters at home, so I grew up in an artistic environment. I was introduced to performing arts at an early age and did theater in Colombia. My first big television role was in Los Angeles after auditioning six times for Jane the Virgin—I got the seventh. Acting and writing are in me, but more than that, I find purpose in helping others, whether through physical therapy or storytelling.

Beverly Hills Magazine: I love that service-oriented mindset. As a Christian, I believe we’re called to serve others with our God-given gifts. How do you see your work aligning with that idea of service?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: Absolutely, I feel like God places you where you need to be, not just to heal yourself but to heal others. Right now, I’m pursuing acting, but I also feel called to touch people’s lives, whether through physical therapy or other ways.

Beverly Hills Magazine: So true. Those small acts of kindness add up, and I believe God rewards us for serving others. As an actor, how do you prepare for emotional scenes or new roles? What’s your process?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: I dive into personal experiences that align with the character’s emotions. If it’s pain, I analyze how my body moves, how my breath changes. I’m very detail-oriented, using repetition and building relationships with the character’s connections. I’d say I’m a method actor, but it’s about finding the truth within to perform authentically. Sometimes, just listening and taking a beat—without overacting—creates the most powerful moments.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s such a great point about the power of silence in acting. You’re also an author—tell us about your book.

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: I’ve been writing since I was eight or nine, processing emotions on paper. A few years ago, in Hollywood, I had a toxic upstairs neighbor who’d wake me up at 2 or 3 a.m. with loud stomping. Out of frustration, I started writing, not intending to publish. Years later, it became The Upstairs Neighbor: From Rage to Forgiveness. It’s about navigating urban living in Los Angeles while finding healing through forgiveness. It’s a comedic drama with illustrations, a quick, funny read that takes you from Miami to LA.

Beverly Hills Magazine: I love the subtitle—it really shifts the context. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from that experience?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: The biggest lesson is how to maintain sanity in despair. I went through rage, punching walls, and losing my senses. The journey was about facing my demons and learning to forgive, not just the neighbor but myself. Writing became my way to channel and heal, and I encourage anyone going through hardship to try it—it’s therapeutic.

Beverly Hills Magazine: So powerful. I do the same. Writing is a way to connect with your inner feelings, confront them,  and process them to be able to move forward, healed and whole.  What does a day in the life look like when you’re in full creative mode, whether on set or producing?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: If I’m on a TV show, it starts with coffee, meditation, stretches, and warming up my creativity. Then it’s wardrobe, makeup, filming all day, with breaks or naps if possible. During audition periods, it’s self-taping, ensuring the frame’s right, having fun with characters, and communicating with my management team in LA and Miami. I also coach acting, which helps me learn, and I’m creative in other ways—dancing, making TikTok videos, painting, sculpting, and running a digital marketing course.

Beverly Hills Magazine: You truly are a jack of all trades! I love that you’re also diving into spirituality. How does that shape your life right now?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: My energy is shifting toward a spiritual journey. I’m studying metaphysics, meditating, and connecting with God daily. It’s my top priority—unlocking the day with prayer, fueling myself with heaven’s energy, and locking it with gratitude. My career’s in a good place, but my spiritual growth fuels my creativity and purpose.

Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s beautiful. What advice would you give aspiring actors, models, writers, or creatives trying to break into the industry?

Andrés Mejía Vallejo: Work on your energy—find a way to meditate, and channel beautiful energy. Believe you can do it; self-submit on websites or publish books on Amazon. Stay consistent, disciplined, and avoid distractions like drugs, alcohol, or unnecessary partying. I walked away from those to keep my energy aligned with my goals. Be patient, especially during tough times—allow yourself to grieve and heal. Your dreams won’t vanish if you take time to nurture your energy.