Charlene deGuzman's life story is a fascinating blend of artistic expression and technological savvy. Born and raised in the vibrant city of San Jose, California, she spent her childhood honing her skills as a competitive dancer. However, her passion for performance soon led her to trade in her dance shoes for a ticket to New York City, where she pursued a career in magazine journalism.
Although her stint as a journalist was brief, deGuzman's love for the stage soon drew her back in. She began performing Off-Broadway and later joined the national tour of the popular percussion-based show STOMP. This experience not only sharpened her performance skills but also laid the groundwork for her future success as a comedian and actress.
In the early days of social media, deGuzman made a name for herself on Twitter as @charstarlene, earning recognition as one of the "Funniest People on Twitter Right Now" from Rolling Stone. Her witty observations and humorous takes on everyday life quickly gained her a large following, and she soon turned her attention to creating her own short films.
One of her most popular short films, "I Forgot My Phone," has garnered an impressive 51 million views on YouTube and has been featured in numerous prominent publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, Time, NPR, Good Morning America, Vice, The Today Show, and more. This viral sensation not only showcased deGuzman's comedic talents but also cemented her status as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
In 2016, deGuzman teamed up with indie hero Mark Duplass to crowdfund her first feature film, "Unlovable." The film, which she stars in alongside John Hawkes and Melissa Leo, premiered at SXSW in 2018 and received special jury recognition. MGM's Orion Classics subsequently picked up the film, releasing it in theaters and VOD.
The critical response to "Unlovable" was overwhelmingly positive, with Variety praising deGuzman's performance as "arresting and engaging" and IndieWire noting that she is "a star in the making." Her full-force charm and talent have endeared her to audiences and critics alike, solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress with a bright future ahead.
