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I have to share a realization I had on the afternoon of March 5th, 2025.
Rejection is a part of life. It's an even bigger part of being an artist. That's why knowing how to accept rejection is a HUGE part of success. If we're rejected and the only thing we focus on is loss, we miss where the success lives -- because the pain and the loss take over. It's the only thing we see, so we don't see the wins.
Here's personal testimony around that. I co-produced the film Find Me Guilty, Directed by Sidney Lumet (Academy Award Honoree). .
In an interview with CHARLIE ROSE (link below), Lumet mentions that 2 actors brought him the script. Those 2 actors are Roger Zamudio and me (Johnny Sánchez). This is over 20 years ago, I was a kid at the time.
Lumet references I brought him the script because I wanted an acting role in the film -- but in the end, my role got cut. That is true, you can read the letter he wrote me telling me my scene got cut (it's uploaded - here on the left margin).
I did get my Co-Producer credit, and I even fell in love with Producing. I’m still producing films today. Anyway, at the time I was a young actor. So, when my scene got cut I took it personally. And for decades I even secretly thought - maybe I did a bad acting job, maybe that is why my scene got cut. I'm being honest here for a reason, because this is about an inner, deep realization I had.
Let me stress, Lumet wrote me a letter saying I did a beautiful acting job. He said my scene was "beautifully acted", I quote him verbatim. Again, the letter is uploaded here... you can read it.
But because I was young of mind at the time, I missed the praise he gave me. I took it personal, and I only focused on the "your scene" got cut part of the letter.
Now that I'm older and a little bit more mature (still have more to grow), I see the value of Lumet's letter. He could've just cut me out of the film and ignored me, but he took the time to write me a letter and also send me the scene.
He typed a letter telling me my scene got cut... and took the time to compliment my acting. He even signed the letter! No one does that, unless they mean it.
Also, a director does NOT usually take the time to send you the scene if they think it's bad. But Lumet sent me the scene. I'm soooo grateful to him now.
If there was ever a DVD with bonus features for Find Me Guilty... this scene I share here would be on the DVD. But DVD's don't really exist anymore. So, I upload the scene here for posterity.
By the way, my buddy Roger Zamudio (who also wanted an acting role in the film), he did end up acting in FIND ME GUILTY. His scene actually made it, and it is great. I don't know why Lumet forgot Roger's scene is in the film. Either way, that should further tell you Lumet was talking about me on CHARLIE ROSE!
If you take anything away from this I share here... I hope it's that... even when you're rejected don't let the pain totally decide the whole experience for you. I lived with this pain for so long... I'm finally removing that pain today! I wasted so much time with loss. So if/when you're rejected, please don't let the pain remove where you've succeeded. See the beauty in everything, everything. Yes, the pain is real... but it is NOT everything. Otherwise, we will miss where we've won.
I wish I was younger when I realized this, so much unnecessary pain. But at least, I'm learning it now. I'm still young and healthy. I had to share this the very next day after I had this realization, I hope it helps you on your journey in life.
Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoy the letter and scene I post here.
S.P.I.C. is inspired by true events from my youth. I wrote the script. Heidi Miami Marshall (my wife) directed the film. Tons of amazing people collaborated on it. For a short film it was years and years of work. Many years of work.
I talk about the journey at length on the film's official website www.SpicFilm.com -- but in summary. S.P.IC. played over 30 film festivals worldwide and won over 15 awards. Including: Best of Fest (Blackbird Film Festival), Best Female Filmmaker (FOLCS Int'l Short Film Festival), Best Multi-Cultural Film (SPE Media Film Festival), Best Actor (Southern California Int'l Film Festival), Audience Choice Award (Phoenixville Film Festival, Best Coming-of-Age Short (Manhattan Film Festival), Best Cinema Writing (Blackbird), and Audience Award (Soho Int’l Film Festival).
Someone said, it's the little film that could. I agree. There's an IG post that Megan Elyse Fulmer (who saw the film) wrote. I promise you, I did not know Megan prior to her seeing the film. She wrote this post out of her own heart, and it says this:
"This morning, while walking to an audition, a man got in my face. When I didn’t give him my attention he yelled, 'Sp*c' twice. As I crossed the street he walked in front of me, and spit at my feet. A few things came to mind: I thought about a short film I saw recently titled, 'S.P.I.C.' @spicfilm that spoke on reclaiming that derogatory term, and turning it into something powerful. Spanish People in Control. So, I embodied that. I kept my cool, stayed in control, and kept walking."
Meg wrote a lot more, I only share a little here. To read her full post: visit MEG's IG
What Meg shared encapsulates EVERYTHING I want my work to ever achieve. It's what I endeavor to create with storytelling. Hope and light, specially if darkness abounds.
I won't lie. I didn't watch Sex and the City in the '90s. I felt it portrayed a NY I didn't connect to. Gentrification was a main reason, among others. But my father (an older, working-class Latino, English his 2nd language) watched it, Spanish subtitles on, and loved it. What!?! My Dad?!? But he's NOT even their target audience. LOL.
He'd call me and tell me about the deep meaning within each episode... the moral. He even found spiritual meaning behind each episode. I was like, get me outta here! OR, I just need to watch this show, and give it a chance. So, I watched it. -- Wow! -- I liked it. A lot! It was another reminder of how pre-judgmental I can be.
As an actor I was like: I'm not their type. I'll NEVER get on that show! I hated that, it hurt me. It also made me secretly jealous of them. I won't lie! So when the show came back in its new iteration, and diversifying their casting, I was like --- can I get on it? Not because of who I am anymore -- again, their casting had grown, evolved. But I was now asking about me as an actor -- are my acting skills good enough for them?
I did my audition as simple & natural as possible. BANG! They called me. Working with them on set --they were ALL beyond pros. Plus playful, chill, fun. It made me want to play back and have fun with them too. They were supportive during my closeups, created a space for me to feel equal. I could fall on my face and it'd be OK to get up and keep going - like nothing. When you have that -- magic happens.
And in-between scenes we hung out. Niall Cunningham and I went to LaGuardia High School. Had some of the same great acting teachers. David Eigenberg is a gentleman - personally initiated introducing himself.. already knew my name! And we have a good friend in common - Jon Seda. Sarah Jessica Parker is a class act! We spoke tons about life. I shared an experience I went through as a BIPOC actor. She listened and a gave me a powerful new perspective I'd NEVER even considered before. For a white person to really hear you, then go deeper with you, I was moved. Cynthia Nixon -- I voted for her! Kill me for it! We spoke about deep and inspiring politics. John Corbett is down to Earth. The guy can afford to take cabs (even limos) wherever he wants to go to. Yet, he rides the MTA because -- he said -- he wants to be surrounded by the people. Now, that's impressive!
While on set, I made sure to stay focused on the work. We had fun... but we also worked. I was focused on my character and my circumstances. After my first episode was done - Michael Patrick King (the director) walked up to me and said -- "We definitely want to bring you back". Yep, I did 2 episodes! It was more than a dream come true, it was beyond any expectations I ever had. Oh, and the famous RADIO MAN was an extra one of the days I was there. Amazing! I hope to go back!
There's incredible TV shows every actor wants to audition for and, more so, book. For many NYC actors, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is such a show. For years, I auditioned for it. Thought I'd never get on it. Thank my lucky stars, I finally got on the show... booked a great role.. and it happened on the final season.
I have to say, it's a great episode. I don't just say that because I was on it... I'm talking as a fan of the show too. Daniel Palladino directed. He's a gem to work with! I loved every minute, including the table read. The reading was amazing, met the whole cast and creative team. I learned just from watching them work. A master class in acting and writing. And in my first scene - I brought the house down with HUGE laughter... amazing. And just as quickly as I rose... feeling the energy, I forgot my next line!! Daniel, the director, had to step in and say... "You have another line". It was a room of over 200 people. How embarrassing! After the reading, Daniel and I had a good laugh about my guffaw. On set, we reconnected... and I have to say... he is a class act! He elevated everyone on that set. He brought creativity, professionalism, fun and love to the work. I truly hope I get to work with him gain. Michelle Gritzer was the A.D. -- she's a wonderful director too, in her own right -- and I love her Groot story! She takes her Groot to every set she's on.
And I got to work with Alanna Fox!! Who I met when she was just a kid on a show my wife worked on: Baz Lurhmann's LA BOHÉME on Broadway. Alanna and I worked on this episode, and had a blast. Also, I worked with Pedro Saint Morillo and José Monge. I truly hope I get to reconnect with all of them soon again. Hope you can check out The Testi-Roastial episode - Season 5, Episode 6 - where I play the Head Chef!
Every now and then you get to work with a director you've been a fan of for years. SAINT X was incredible on many levels! It's a great script, with a GREAT director that I've been dying to work with!!
It was such an honor, creatively & personally, to meet and work with the wonderfully gifted Dee Rees. I was like a kid in a candy store, being directed by her. Wow!!! She's honestly a lovely, genuine and warm person -- all around. I truly hope to work more with Dee.
Working with Alycia Debnam-Carey was BEYOND fun. We had a great scene together, and in-between takes she was very warm -- we got to connect and talk about life. I truly hope I get to work with Alycia again.
Last but not least -- Josh Bonzie is a pro who brought the heat to our scene. 🔥 ¡Puro fuego! 🔥 Hope we get to do more scenes like that.
As a born and bread New Yorker who grew up with hip-hop, I've been a fan of Queen Latifah's since I was a kid. So meeting her -- and working with her -- was a dream come true.
After we shot our scene, I thanked her for being a positive influence to many people. I can say, she's extremely gracious. Also, in-between takes we shared a fun little inside joke about Public Enemy's 911 is a joke.
She truly is a Queen -- or as my mom would say... ¡una reina!
The director was Solvan "Slick" Naim, he's cool and fun to collaborate with. Plus, Slick is a very talented musician/rapper too! The man is a talent -- and he's nice! And from Brooklyn too. Hope to work with Slick again.
Catch Season 2 of The Equalizer on CBS and Paramount+.
To be 100% honest, I'm a working actor who auditions for tiny roles just to get my foot in the door. So, when my manager called saying I was being offered a role I didn't audition for I asked, "You sure they want me?"
After I was hired, Producer Camille Janiffa Bradshaw did a Zoom reading of the script... I showed up and nailed it. Yet, I was still unsure if they wanted me - because just getting offered the part without auditioning is new to me.
After the reading I spoke to Camille and I said: "There's another Johnny Sanchez in the industry. A stand up comedian. You sure it's not him you want?" She replied, "No, we want you. But even if we ever wanted the other Johnny Sanchez -- we want you now. Trust me, we want you." I was so grateful.
Bru's was produced by strong, smart, creative and dedicated black women. Director Mark Harris helmed the ship, a gentleman who gave everyone love. I also met writer Lamont Ferrell -- I said, Lamont, let's keep doing this. I want to be back on this set again. As for Bruce Bruce and Brely Evans they're BOTH incredible. First off, Bruce Bruce has been in the game a minute -- decades! A pro who treated each actor with love and respect.. and full of the fatherly advice we all need more of in our lives. Brely, wow, a queen!! She knows what it is to be a star! And brought the best of herself. Plus, we shot on location -- in Atlanta. I felt the LOVE and I hope to be back there again!
I was a fan of Ray Donovan the TV show on Showtime.. so when I heard I was cast in Ray Donovan: The Movie -- I was beyond joyful.. I was very grateful.
Working with director David Hollander was a delight. We got to the set and he was like... let's play.. let's find the creativity.. and let's really create the truth of the moment. Holy shoots, that's so rare -- and we created some magic.
SPOILER ALERT: It was a flashback sequence... and we recreated the 1980s. Wow, the streets, the cars.. the clothing of the era. So much fun. David is a real creative filmmaker. Hope to work with David again.
There's a reason why they say FBI: MOST WANTED is a solid team. They delivered the goods! The cast, director, writers, producers, crew -- everyone was so on top of it that I was like -- man, I better bring my 'A game' to this job.
I haven't done a scene like that before.. so getting to do it was loads of fun -- quick and fierce action. My character comes face to face with a dangerous and deadly killer. -- Yeah, fun is the operative word here. Fun to work on this.
Johnny appears opposite Mariska Hargitay in the role of Marcos Arias. The episode is directed by Jean de Segonzac. Wanting to work on Law & Order for over 20 years, working on SVU was a dream come true. And as an NYC based actor, it felt like a right of passage for Johnny. Look out for Law & Order: SVU, episode #14 of Season 21.
Based on the Book and the incredible true story, Johnny will appear in MASTERS OF DOOM, opposite Patrick Gibson of THE OA.
Masters of Doom is directed by the extremely talented Rhys Thomas and written the genius mind of Tom Bissell (The Disaster Artist).
Johnny plays 'Jorge' in Porgies & Bass.
Log Line: When one fisherman sits too close to another, all hell breaks lose in a battle against life and death.
Synopsis: Ben is trying to catch his prized large striped bass, and has staked out his favorite spot on the beach. So when Jorge, who wants to catch porgies, a smaller, more abundant fish, shows up and sits too close he interrupts Ben's idyllic plans. What starts out as a beautiful, ideal day for fishing by the ocean turns into a conflict over territory -- one that erupts in unexpectedly dark ways.
See Porgies & Bass on Omeleto - link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAg_M_THHPc&t=2s
Cinematography Milton Kam.
Producer is Richard D'Angelo.
Casting Donna McKenna.
Starring, Jeffrey J. Scott as Ben, and Aidan Governale as The Kid.
Continuing his venture as a multi-hypenate, Johnny produced MUSCLE, Directed by Heidi Miami Marshall and Executive Produced by Frank Oz.
Log Line: A woman struggles to care of her dying husband. But, then she meets the other woman.
Synopsis: A wife takes care of her dying husband. But even before he was terminally ill, things were already falling apart. When she meets the other woman, she has to make an agonizing choice: will she leave him and live for herself, or stay and live for him? An examination into what "until death do us part" really means and the way commitments make, shape and break us, MUSCLE played at over 31 film festivals worldwide and won 6 awards - including Best Narrative Short Film, Best of the Fest Award, and Best Actress.
See MUSCLE on Omeleto - link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxZo265wkVw&t=3s
