The Pamilya Sagrado actor navigates the complexities of fame with a determination to forge his own legacy
A famous family’s lineage can be both a blessing and a challenge, and Grae Fernandez knows this all too well. As Rudy Fernandez’s grandson and Mark Anthony Fernandez’s son, he is no stranger to the expectations and pressures that come with his family’s legacy in the entertainment industry. However, instead of being overshadowed by his heritage, the actor is carving his own path and establishing his identity in the industry.
RELATED: How Grae Fernandez Cares For Himself and Hones His Craft
Collective Individuality
Grae acknowledges the significant impact his family’s legacy has had on his life and career. “It’s a very big factor in my life and my career for sure,” he admits. Despite the opportunities that come from being part of such a renowned family, the actor strives to be his authentic self. “I think the number one thing that I’ve done or tried to do is just to be my truest authentic self and veer towards what resonates with me as an individual.”
He credits his journey of self-discovery and independence as the bedrock of his growth. “The past couple of years I’ve become more independent, more self-sufficient. Within that solitude, I’ve learned so much about who I am and what I like.” This introspection has given him the grit to make his own decisions and shape his own tastes, helping him navigate the industry on his own terms.
Identity on Edit
Carving out your own identity in the shadow of a famous family is no small feat, but Grae is determined to do just that, trekking through the dense forest of expectations. “It’s not even about avoiding what they’ve done or trying to be different. It’s about being myself as much as I possibly can,” he explains. For him, this means carefully choosing the material he works on and being open to various influences while staying true to his core values.
“You are the editor-in-chief of your own life. You get to sift through everything and make decisions based on what resonates with your soul.”
– Grae Fernandez
Grae took a significant turn when he decided to study acting in New York, a move that proved pivotal in shaping his perspective and honing his craft. “It was the first time I left the house, away from family. Just being in New York taught me so much about being yourself, being independent, and being tough,” he recalls.
New York was like diving into a cultural pot for the actor, expanding his horizons and sharpening his global perspective. “You meet so many kinds of people with different perspectives. It humbles you and makes you more open to learning.”
Familiar Influence
Despite the legacy he comes from, Grae’s family has always encouraged him to be himself. “They never pushed me into doing this. It was more of me gravitating towards it because it was an option in front of my eyes,” he says. The actor has learned the importance of finding his purpose. “You really have to look for your purpose in life. Why am I an actor?”
One of the most valuable lessons his family imparted is not to fear failure. “Failing is part of the process. Once you realize that it’s part of the journey, you don’t fear it anymore. That’s when progress and growth happen.”
Overcoming the Label
Grae grasps that once his work is out in the public eye, it ceases to be solely his own. “An artist’s journey is to make art and let the people see it. It’s not yours anymore; it’s the public’s.” This awareness drives him to concentrate on what he can influence, continually refining his craft.
In an industry where the term “nepo baby” is often used, quite negative in its connotations, Grae is determined to prove himself. “I’m a hard-working person. I put in all my time, effort, energy, and psyche into everything I do,” he states. For Grae, the process and the craft of acting are what truly matter. “I’m really in love with the process and the craft of acting. The creativity part of it is such a powerful thing for my soul.”
Trekking His Trail
He remains wolf-like in his determination to stay true to himself and ground his craft like stone, shaping it with sharp teeth and strong bite. “Whatever people’s perception is, it doesn’t really matter anymore. It’s about your inner being talking to your craft.”
The actor treks his own trail with dedication, authenticity, and relentless purpose. With persistent passion, Grae Fernandez is well on his way to leaving his own mark in the industry, one that is distinctly his own.
Photographed by RAYMOND CAUILAN. Creative direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and CHLARINE GIANAN. Styled by DAVID MILAN. Grooming by DEXTER GONZALGO. Written by SEAN CASTELO. Photography Assistant SEAN GERVACIO. Editorial Assistant JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Special thanks to DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT and STAR MAGIC
