A writer, singer, actor and director started his career from his mum's living room.
Leon Lopez, from Toxteth, has TV projects he wants to develop and "it’s just a case of finding investment". He describes himself as a "dramatic director" and lives for the drama.
The 44-year-old's credits continue to grow and since first gracing our screens as Jerome Johnson in Brookside he’s appeared alongside Sir Ben Kingsley, performed at The Royal Shakespeare Company, in EastEnders, Hollyoaks and much more. Now as a director Leon has worked on Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Death in Paradise and his own productions.
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Leon told the ECHO: "I first started acting in my mum's living room, miming and playing along to my favourite films as a child. When I was 15 I was asked to be an extra in a play at the Liverpool Everyman Theatre.
"I'd never even been to a drama class, but that gave me the bug. I realised this was what I wanted to do with my life".
Leon never had a specific role model when it came to acting, but the movie Grease was a source of inspiration. It made him fall in love with singing and acting and still gives him goosebumps to this day.
He added: "For me inspiration has come from people like my Mum, her work ethic, her determination to do the best for herself and the people around her. That inspires me to be better and work harder.
"There are actors I think are great. For me inspiration is something that makes you want to get up in the morning and do great things and that doesn’t come from someone else’s talent. It comes from someone’s attitude and you can’t tell another actor's attitude from watching them on screen".
Talking about the difficulties being Black can create in the acting industry, Leon said: "The industry is what it is, you can’t escape that. There is a big push for box ticking these days, making sure they cover every ethnicity, gender and so on.
"There are opportunities, more than when I started, but sometimes it can feel like you’re only there to tick that box, or cast or crew can make you feel like that. To combat that, what you have to do is work hard at your craft, be the best in the room.
"Even if you have been hired to tick a box, no one can ever doubt your abilities. Work harder than your white counterparts and show the world why you deserve to be doing what you’re doing".
Leon's favourite role was on stage playing Collins in 'Rent'. This was a play he saw on Broadway when he was just coming to terms with his own sexuality and it changed his life.
He said: "I was only 20, and seeing a Black character like that portrayed on stage touched my soul, then to get to play the role was a dream come true. My favourite TV role was Tank Top in Hollyoaks in the City; I got to do the most bonkers things with such an amazing cast and crew".
The multi-talented Leon has directed episodes of the world famous soap Coronation Street, which first aired on TV screens in 1960.
Leon said: "It was surreal, walking on the cobbles for the first time was insane, it was like stepping into the TV. Every moment I’m on set is the best for me, as I know what it’s like to not be working.
"I guess to direct an intense dramatic scene, something that makes me emotional or moves me just from watching the monitor, those are my favourite moments. Everything in soap-land is dramatic, and I am a dramatic director, I live for the drama.
"I loved working on the Abbie and Toyah story line; the fight over the baby. It was an honour to be asked to work on the acid attack story line. I directed Ryan’s burn reveal after the attack and the aftermath. That was intense and beautifully acted, but seriously, there are so many moments".
For those wanting to be an actor, Leon believes you have to love what you're doing as it can be a horrid industry to be in due to being rejected for roles. When working it all becomes worthwhile even though you will have many struggles and may not make lots of money.
Leon's advice for those wanting to go into acting is love what you're doing, as not many go on to make lots of money, and being rejected for roles can be wearing.
Leon said: "At times it can make you feel like you have no self worth, but if you love being on that stage, if you can’t think of anything else other than creating characters and being a part of an ensemble then go for it. Go to classes, meet people, network and work on your craft.
"Even if you have natural ability, your talent is like a muscle. Keep working it"
As for his own future, Leon sees his career behind the camera continuing to flourish.
He said: "My aspirations are to keep working. I’m working hard to keep moving forward in prime time drama. I’ve done two years working for Midsomer Murders and three years on Death in Paradise and both shows have been very welcoming.
"I hope to continue working on dramas and eventually create my own shows. I have a few TV projects I’ve been developing. It’s just a case of finding investment."
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