Life & Work with Lenny of Kansas City Area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lenny.

Hi Lenny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello Voyager Magazine Readers! My name is Lenny and I am an entertainer. More specifically, I am a professional Actor, Producer, Podcaster, Host, and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild). I grew up in Southwest Missouri. Graduated from High School and College in Springfield Missouri. And even though I spent over 13 years living in California pursuing the dream I always considered myself a midwest kid at heart! Growing up in Southwest Missouri I knew very early on that I wanted to entertain people. In elementary school I had teachers that really encouraged my outgoingness by allowing me to “perform” summaries of the days/weeks lessons. When I left for middle school I started taking improv classes at the local community theatre as well as actively participating in every theatrical production I could find. I just wanted to make people laugh. 🙂

After graduating with his BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State University, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my passion. I was lucky enough to land an agent, as well as land a radio hosting gig with the online radio programming DASH RADIO. This gave me firsthand knowledge and access to up and coming artists and filmmakers for several years. These connections led to numerous opportunities. My TV & FILM credits include working on Nickelodeon’s Warped!, Adam the First, Aliens Clowns & Geeks, Wishfool, Tequila Mockingbird, Bachelor Night, Honk If You’re an LA Douchbag. My commercial credits include bookings with Listerine, Tylenol, Pfizer, Taco John, New York New York Hotel and Casino, Dairy Queen, T-Mobile just to name a few.

In the summer of 2022, with the industry pivoting heavily into the self-tape audition world, I decided it was time to move back to Missouri. Once settled, just south of KC, I produced and starred in my very first passion project, Paradiso. Made entirely in Missouri, this short film ended up winning multiple awards across several film festivals. In this area alone Paradiso won ‘Best Local Actor’ at the First City Film Festival, ‘Best Dramatic Short Film’ at the 573 Film Festival, and the ‘Audience Award’ at the Bird Watching Film Festival, located at the Bird Comedy Theatre. Because of its success I ended up spending most of 2024 traveling around to different independent film festivals across the country. Paradiso is now available to watch on YouTube! Feel free to leave a comment!
Watch HERE: https://youtu.be/JXBHcV-oYlw

Now completely back in Missouri my goal is to no longer just make people laugh but to make them feel something/anything through my talents. It isn’t enough just to pump out content but I truly want to inspire through thought-provoking storytelling. If you’re interested in a project let me know!

Find him on Social Media @lennyhernandez

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been smooth, for me, being back in Missouri? Well, honestly, yes and no. Getting re-introduced to the fickle Missouri weather and MUCH HARSHER winters than I recall, has not been smooth. Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. BUT the acting, producing, and filmmaking world here in Missouri has had some major benefits. Making films has never been easier with today’s access to technology and I plan to take full advantage of that. There are several different organizations in Missouri that aid filmmakers in their process that were not around 13 plus years ago, so that has been incredibly helpful to tap in to.

I was also able to sign with EXPOSURE Model and Talent Agency in Kansas City upon meeting Shawn the Vice President and owner. They have the right connections to projects so a personal shout-out to Exposure as they have been an absolute JOY to work with.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in entertainment. Not only am I an Actor, Filmmaker, funny guy; I also edit and produce podcasts, as well as Host a weekly YouTube show called ‘Arrow Nicely News’ for Arrow Senior Living Management Company based here in Missouri. They manage over 40 communities across the country with several being right here in the KC area. I recently celebrated my 10-year anniversary with Arrow and truly have them to thank for allowing me to flourish doing these silly things that I love.

What sets me apart from others is that I am a multi-hyphenate creator and entertainer. I love learning new skills. I love leaning about other people. I love challenging myself to grow. But most importantly I love being creative.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me, at this stage in my life, is proving myself right. But also not being discouraged when something new, I try, doesn’t work out. Life is all about experiences. When it comes to creating and making art, you will face many obstacles. Most of them will be external factors… like your coworker, friend, colleague, family members, or someone else telling you that you shouldn’t do that. Once you realize that the only obstacle you truly have to overcome, is obstacles that you, yourself create, you will truly be free to explore new opportunities. You do not need anyone else’s permission to try something outside of your comfort zone. Go live life. Go try that thing. Go have fun. Go fail, learn something, and try again but differently. Go prove yourself right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4390445/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lennyhernandez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LennyHernandezOFFICIAL
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/JXBHcV-oYlw
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-111-paradiso-the-short-film/
• Other: https://filmfreeway.com/projects/2816515

Image Credits
Leah Gunn Emerick: www.lgemerick.com