Celestino Cornielle is a name that you should definitely get familiar with. He’s a new face in the Fast and Furious franchise and fans love him! His strong acting skills helped him snag the role of Raldo in hit movie The Fate of The Furious over hiphop music super star Pitbull. Recently, Cornielle met up with Cachet for a fun photo shoot. He also sat down and gave us a glimpse into his background and how his life has changed since acting in one of the highest grossing films of all time. Many movie goers may not know that Celestino is no newbie to the acting world. He’s been acting for years and all of his hard work has caught the eye of casting directors in a big way.
Celestino is more than just an actor. If you follow him on Instagram, you’ll see that he is deeply spiritual in addition to being a successful entrepreneur. I actually met him in person months before I ever interviewed him and he was just warm, authentic and very handsome. Yes, handsome. He’s naturally striking and he has a classic charm that translates on film and in person. His personal style is flavorful and adds to his overall allure. I’m looking forward to seeing his fashion choices on red carpets in the future! Check out our interview with Celestino. I think you’ll find him intriguing if not fascinating. There’s a wealth of intellect behind that dreamy stare and warm smile.
Tell us a little about your background/ upbringing:
The first chapter of my life began in the Dominican Republic where I was born into a large family -I AM the youngest. I was raised by 5 mothers (mom + 4 sisters) who taught me how to love. As a child I was very curious, artistic, and I loved solitude.
From DR we moved to New York and that was a cold concrete jungle- life in it was just that even though we lived in a Dominican neighborhood, Washington Heights.
That was my barrio… my hood, the kind of world that forces you to grow up fast and witness things that kids should not.
Miami was a warmer and felt more like home… loved how green it felt. It was there where I got into the entertainment industry. First as a model than an actor, which is how and why I moved to California.
How did your background contribute to your current success?
My mother is very “old world” she instilled in my strong values and humility. She taught me that what ever I do, I AM to do to the best of my ability and to greet the janitor same as I would the president. I represent the family.
This is why my failed audition for 2Fast 2Furious had such a strong impact on me. I wasn’t ready and the experience was humiliating. I felt I let my mother down, and that was the fire that fueled me to take lessons. Without that fire I wouldn’t be where I AM today.
How does it feel to be a member of the Fast and Furious franchise?
I’ve been a fan of the franchise from the beginning. Add to that that it was a failed audition to the project that got me to consider acting as a career and then the fact that I AM part of the biggest installment of the franchise and you can begin to understand just how surreal it all feels!
How did you prepare for your role once you received the script? Walk us through that process:
The first thing I do is read the script and figure out what’s going on. Then I learn my lines. After I do those two things is when the magick begins. I then allow for the character… the lines to become my own and I “live” with them. The exact process of how that happens I can’t put into words, but I now it has happen when I begin to “dream” the characters dream. The lucid dreams give me the characters background, motivations, traumas, desires… etc., etc,. The Fate Of the Furious was extra special because it allowed the opportunity to “fine tune” even further submerged in the Cuban culture.
How has it added to your life in just this short time?
Lots of people recognize me in the streets and in casting circle. There’s definitely a buzz around me, I can feel it, I am also being considered for some very cool projects.
What has been your interaction with fans of the franchise after the film was released?
It’s been really cool… they really dig Raldo. They make cool edits (photo/video) of Raldo. They made a fan page for him and write cute storylines for him with a girlfriend or running around doing alpha stuff with Vin. Lol It’s pretty cool!
Describe the moment you found out you had been cast for your role?
Well it was very interesting; because the next day after my audition my agent got the call that I was F. Gary Grey’s choice but that we had to jump through some hoops before it was final. We all new what that meant… the role was meant to go to a bigger name. Later I would learn that the studio wanted rapper Pitbull for the role. Because of this, for a period of about two months, I would get an email every other week telling me that we got through a few hoops but that there was a couple more to go… it became comedy after a while. Lol …but I knew it in my heart, that the role was meant for me.
What words of advice and/ or encouragement do you have for actors who have been acting for sometime and are looking for their “big break” in the industry?
Grit… don’t stop until you get what you want. That’s the magic sauce. Everything is a lesson… know yourself and believe in yourself.
I noticed that you have a very strong and distinct sense of style. Describe your style aesthetic:
We are art… fashion is an expression of this. I “feel” my way through fashion and love mixing old world with the new. I will rock sweats with a guayabera, adidas, and a fedora and make it look fly. My style says: Bohemio Afro-Latino con mucho ashé.
What is your take on the new push for diversity in the film and tv industry?
I believe it is only the beginning. I believe that more and more, WE the people will begin to realize that WE are the ONE we have been waiting for. We are the clean up crew. We didn’t create the mess, but it is up to us to clean up the mess. Simply put, if the program or project does not represent you DO NOT BUY IT! How we spend our dollars is revolutionary.
Tell us a little about the Ushaman tribe movement:
I AM an Urban Shaman. By that I meant that I AM an Urbanite that practices earth-based spirituality as my ancestors did. The Ushaman tribe is my dream of creating community based on love & oneness. To that end, I regularly facilitate “Conscious Connections” a fun workshop-style social event that I created to help nurture our heart-felt desire to connect with others on a deeper level. Topics ranch from conscious artistry, shamanism, ancestral wisdom, spiritual activism, sacred sexuality, and alchemy. In short, it is sacred space where other conscious artists, healers, and seekers can gather to nurture the growing seeds of consciousness. @UshamanTribe”
How has spirituality contributed to your current success?
I AM a mystic. I believe that ALL is ONE and ALL is energy. This “energy” compels us into certain stations in life so that we can help create higher consciousness… spread positive vibes if you will. I believe that this ancient infinite wisdom is responsible for ALL of my successes.
Do you patronize any charities or a specific cause that you would like your fans to support?
I do but more importantly I believe that “making a difference” and “being change” is not difficult to do. If I were to ask my fans to do anything, it would be to practice “mindfulness”. All is mind. Think before you act… what is your action or in action supporting? Consider this in all aspect of your being, from what you put into your body to how you spend your money. Would you put toxin into your body? Then do not support companies that make these toxins and pollute mother earth with them. How do you want to be treated? Denounce and resist anyone or anything that seeks to oppress and deny basic human rights to you or anyone else.
Make sure you stay up to date with all things Celestino via Instagram @officialcelestino or Twitter @HeyCelestino!
Photo Shoot Credit: Styling by Celestino Cornielle, Grooming by Elizabeth Alvarado , Photography by Cachet Digital
