Aaron Dalla Villa was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia, and studied music and dance training at the prestigious Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia, in classical ballet and classical modern dance. He had a career in dance and worked with Nashville Ballet, Elements Contemporary Ballet, and Minnesota Ballet Theatre before moving to NYC. After moving to NYC, Aaron continued to pursue performance as an actor and has been featured in numerous film, television, and theater roles.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do.
I’m Aaron Dalla Villa (ADV), and I like to think of myself as an unstoppable force of nature, or at least my ego does. I’m an actor, musician, and all-around entertainer. I do what I do because nothing else excites me the way creating art does. It really allows me to let my freak flag fly.
As a public figure, how do you think being hailed as a role model impacts others, and what pressure does it put on you?
I never thought about being a role model. I just wanted to do cool things in the entertainment industry. The fame and followers came as a result of those things. It’s just the nature of the beast. And I don’t need to put more pressure on myself than I already do. It’s great that people are starting to care about what I do and respond to my work, which is what it’s all about. The power of celebrity is a very real thing today, and I use my powers for good. I inspire people to go for their dreams. And I make this impact through my hustle, grit, and relentless determination. Don’t let others clip your wings. I do have to be cautious about what I say and what I post, but doesn’t everyone? You don’t need to be in the public eye to be a role model. Oh, and making people laugh, I love doing that.
Can you tell me one favorite humorous story from your career?
I think it was the first time I met my mentor, James Bonney. I was such a dead-end kid; I didn’t even know it. I showed up for a private acting session thirty minutes late and tried to negotiate to pay him for only 30 minutes. This, in my mind at the time, was very logical. I’ve learned the importance of promptness and integrity since then. Be a person of your word, and don’t be late.
Do you have a motto or a mantra you apply to either work, life, or both?
Right now, it has to be Marc Rebillet’s song “Get the F* out of bed B* Go.” I grew up watching my mother in pain and bedridden. That terrifies me. To sleep your life away. I choose to exhaust myself. How much could I accomplish? What opportunities are out there? I have this fire inside of me that has to be fed. I have to get up and make it happen.
How do you cope with stress?
First, I panic, and if I let myself spiral, I start to break down. I’m happy to say that that happens less often these days. Now, if I’m stressed, I find a positive outlet to put it into. That stress generally comes from fear, and I combat that fear by facing it head-on and taking action. I’ve also incorporated yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques to help me stay calm and grounded. With all the energy I have, it’s important to keep myself laser-focused.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
I would be Super Producer Man. I wouldn’t have to sleep, eat, or drink. I think meth turns you into him, but I’m not sure, and I don’t wanna find out.
If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?
I would play my recently deceased mentor, James Bonney. He basically saved my life and helped put me on the right path. It would be really interesting to step into his shoes and see what he saw in me.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
The Wire. Best show ever made. RIP Michael K Williams.
As a kid, were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?
YES! Especially when I’d watch a scary movie. I had to sleep with a nightlight sometimes. I used to be very afraid of the dark.
What’s your favorite board game?
Monopoly. I learned how quickly people can change when money is involved. And how much taxes sucked.
What are you working on now?
Besides auditioning, I’m mainly working on a few upcoming Dalla Villa songs, which I’d like to have out before the end of the year. I’m also creating a Tucci Badaducci comedy rap album, but timing is everything, so I don’t know exactly when that will be out. Tucci is basically an SNL sketch, and I’d hate to turn off people from the lyrical content that I put out under Dalla Villa. So we will see in time.
I’m also developing a star vehicle script for myself with a really talented writer and good friend of mine. It’s very Good Time/Uncut Gems. I love gritty, transformational roles. Those are my favorites to do.
Regarding upcoming film releases, be on the lookout for these — lead in Alpha Rift (opposite Lance Henriksen), lead in All Those Small Things (opposite James Faulkner), and That Night (with William Fichtner). Oh, and I’ll be in episode 9 of GOSSIP GIRL. That should give everyone a good laugh.
Official links:
IMDB – imdb.me/aarondallavilla
Website – http://aarondallavilla.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/aarondallavilla/?hl=en
Twitter – https://twitter.com/aarondallavilla?lang=en
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/aarondallavilla/
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ZPC8mi4UJerc12e765nyX?si=Qxqm1gIzT5G9gTa3n3Z_hQ
