Giancarlo Esposito’s childhood home was filled with soul-stirring poetry and his mother’s opera-singing vocals. It was this creative environment that inspired him to “let his imagination soar.”
Esposito, an award-winning actor, director and producer with a career spanning nearly five decades, shared his story as part of Cal State Fullerton’s Social Justice Week and Beyond the Conversation series.
“My life is about empowerment and it came from food stamps and my parents’ divorce. I pulled myself up by my own bootstraps and recreated myself over and over,” said Esposito.
Throughout his career, Esposito has played several iconic characters, including Moff Gideon in “The Mandalorian,” Seth Voelker in “Captain America: Brave New World,” Gus Fring in “Breaking Bad” and A.B. Wynter in “The Residence.”
Later transitioning into high-profile television and film roles, Esposito was scouted by director and producer Spike Lee. Esposito starred in Lee’s 1989 film “Do the Right Thing” and his 1992 film “Malcolm X.” Throughout their collaboration, Lee encouraged Esposito to always “have the courage to tell your own story.”
Chasing Knowledge in Higher Education
Esposito pursued his passion for the industry at Elizabeth Seton College in New York, where he earned an associate degree in radio and television communications.
As a student, he learned the value of hands-on training as he worked behind the camera and hosted his own radio show. Esposito encouraged CSUF students to take advantage of similar opportunities that will improve their career skillset.
“I learned that you’re not chasing the degree, you’re chasing the knowledge. You’re chasing the time to build your profile,” said Esposito. “This is your proving ground. This is your experiential time.”
For college students, Esposito encouraged them to embrace personal growth as it will set the stage for future career success.
“The challenges of your life deepen your character to make you the best you can be. When the door opens, you’re going to walk through and be a star,” said Esposito.
Esposito emphasized that students can take charge of writing their life story by networking with industry professionals, sharing their qualifications with potential employers and being inquisitive about new opportunities.
“Each individual in this room has a very organically beautiful and original self. When you’re quiet enough to let that self speak to you, you start to understand where your power lies,” said Esposito. “Go forth and change the world with the power that is inside you.”
Student Engagement Behind the Curtain
Hosted by Associated Students Inc., and the divisions of Student Affairs and Human Resources and Inclusive Excellence, the Beyond the Conversation series invites speakers to campus to share their stories and inspire the Titan community.
Alondra Gonzalez, vice chair of the ASI Association for Intercultural Awareness, helped coordinate previous speaker events for Tyler James Williams, Cynthia Enrivo and Ke Huy Quan. This time, she had the opportunity to interview Esposito on stage.
“He was refreshingly honest about his identity, biased ignorance and learned behaviors,” said Gonzalez, an accounting student. “I believe having candid conversations about race and identity is important to remove stigma and intimidation from these topics.”
At the sold-out event, students left the auditorium feeling empowered to channel their creative energy toward passion projects.
“You can definitely see his Broadway training in the way he speaks on stage, which made him so entertaining,” said Gonzalez. “Not to mention he is hilarious — nothing like the cold characters he is best known for.”