Interview with Leland Mergillano - Cover Story - July2026
- Relatable Media Team
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Hello Leland, welcome back to The Relatable Voice Magazine! Your artistic journey started in theater at a young age. What was the first role or moment that made you think, this is what I’m meant to do?
Appreciate you all for having me back! I think, in a general sense, it was when I first started performing that I realized how much I genuinely loved this craft. That experience showed me it was more than just an interest, it was something I was passionate about.
Your personal motto is “Keep learning, keep growing, keep going.” Was there a moment in your life when you had to lean on that mindset the most?
There have been many moments in my life when I’ve had to lean on that mindset. The words themselves are simple, but putting them into practice every day takes consistency, discipline, and commitment. It’s easy to stay motivated when things are going well, but the real challenge comes when you face setbacks, uncertainty, or disappointment. I’ve learned that having the right mindset helps me stay focused on my goals instead of getting discouraged by temporary obstacles.
It’s a reminder to keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow stronger. I believe this mindset can benefit anyone because success is rarely about talent alone. More often, it comes from showing up consistently, staying resilient, and refusing to give up when things get difficult. No matter what goal someone is working toward, maintaining a positive and determined mindset can make all the difference over time.
If you could create your dream project—a film, musical, or performance—with no limitations, what would it look like?
This is a bit of a broad description, but I would love to create something that captures the world. Something that showcases environmental storytelling to its finest.
You wear many hats—actor, voiceover artist, musician, and singer, which one feels most like “home” to you, and why?
I appreciate that. I feel most at home when I’m creating, no matter the “hat.” I’ve always found myself in love with anything creatable, and what I value most is the opportunity to create and express something in different forms.
Your voice is often described as distinctive and memorable. How has finding your voice—literally and creatively shaped your confidence as a performer?
That means a lot, thank you. I’d say what has given me the most confidence is the feedback and support I’ve received throughout this journey. To me, the most important voice has been the reflection of that encouragement from others. Having a strong physical voice is one thing, but having people believe in you and stand by you means everything.
You play everything from piano to Polynesian drumming. How does music influence the way you approach acting and storytelling?
I’ve heard the saying that acting is like jazz - you never really know what’s going to come next, but in one way or another, it will complement the song. Both require active listening and collaboration, which come together to create beautiful pieces. I really connect with that idea, especially in how performance works in the moment. Shoutout to Dave Brubeck and Louis Armstrong, as they were my introduction to the beautiful genre of jazz.
You started professional film work in 2021. What has surprised you most about the transition from stage to screen?
I found it to be bold and bigger on the live stage than it is on camera, so from making the transition from stage to screen I had to adjust and find my tone a bit more, focusing on creating something real.
A lot of young actors focus on one lane, but you’ve built a multidimensional creative identity. Was that intentional, or did it happen naturally?
I’m not fully sure if it was intentional or natural, but I do think growing up in a household filled with art and music made it feel very natural. I’ve always been drawn to different creative spaces, so I just followed that curiosity rather than planning it out. I believe you can have multiple ideas of achievement but still stay focused on one overall goal. And I also don’t think it hurts to seize the opportunities presented, so, carpe diem!
If someone watched a behind-the-scenes of your creative process, what would they see that might surprise them?
I don’t think enough is talked about when it comes to studying your scene partner’s lines. Memorizing lines is just one part of the work, but understanding the full scene and the shared objective is something different and just as important. It helps shape how you listen, respond, and stay present in the moment. From the outside, it can sometimes look a bit unusual to see an actor highlighting or working through other characters’ lines, and I understand how that might be interpreted. But ultimately, the goal is to tell a truthful story together. So, I’ve always felt it makes sense to go beyond just your own dialogue and really take the time to understand the story.
As someone building a career at a young age, how do you balance ambition with staying grounded and enjoying the present?
Balance and humility. I find balance and clarity best when I’m active in my hobbies whether that be reading, cooking, time at the gym, spending time with friends, or family time. My humility stems from my upbringing, and having the support around me makes me feel very blessed. This industry has taught me that true friendships are rare and valuable. Over time, you learn who genuinely supports you through both successes and challenges. Keep your circle small, appreciate those who are sincere, and protect the relationships that matter most.
What kind of stories or characters are you most drawn to—and what do they reveal about you?
“Coming-of-age” and “Passion/Obsession” stories. Coming of age captivates a raw, authentic introduction to the world's ups and downs, and some of my favorites (Stand By Me, Breakfast Club) have been told through this genre. Passion to Obsession shows how far one is willing to go to become the greatest. To gain the world but lose it in the process. My introduction to this genre was Whiplash and the Red Shoes, which are some of my notable favorites. In a sense, both reveal qualities about myself. Navigating through life, while prioritizing goals but protecting my peace.
When people look back at the beginning of your career years from now, what do you hope they’ll say about this chapter of your life?
I hope they notice it's a chapter of change. A chapter of adaptation. A chapter of building. Time will only tell! God is not done writing my story yet, and neither am I.
“Don’t try to be the best. Be the only.” -Mr. Denzel Washington
Thank you for having me Relatable Voice Magazine!
Multi-award-winning actor and voiceover artist Leland Mergillano is quickly making his mark as one of the entertainment industry's most promising young talents. Known for his compelling performances, he has earned recognition across film, voice acting, and theatre, captivating audiences with his authenticity and emotional depth.
This year, he was honored with the 2026 World Entertainment Award for Best Voiceover and recently won Best Performance in Live Theatre at the Young Entertainer Awards in Los Angeles. He also received a nomination from the Young Artist Academy Awards, often called the "Youth Oscars."
Among his recent accomplishments, Leland won Best Actor at the Hard Faith Film Festival and Best Performance in a Short Film at the 2025 Young Artist Academy Awards.
Recognized for his professionalism, distinctive voice, and dedication to his craft, Leland has built a steadily growing body of work as an actor while continuing to refine his skills. He remains committed to his education and continues to balance college life with an active acting career. He maintains a humble and grounded presence, with a strong focus on his family and faith as a central part of his life and support system.
His dedication, discipline, and passion for storytelling have fueled his growing success and opened doors to exciting opportunities in the entertainment industry.
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Interview by Lucia Matuonto, Relatable Media.
Cover story published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - July 2026. Downolad the full magazine for free at https://www.relatable-media.com/the-relatable-voice-magazine
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