The “Elite” Actor Who Found His Voice: Omar Ayuso’s Story Of Self-Acceptance
Omar Ayuso, the 26-year-old Spanish actor, has had a rollercoaster ride with fame. He’s best known for his role in the Netflix hit Elite. Ayuso recently spoke to Vanity Fair Spain about his experiences.
“I was in bed with depression”
Ayuso’s rise to fame wasn’t all glitz and glamour. In 2021, he starred in a Calvin Klein Pride campaign. A huge billboard of him was on display in Madrid. But Ayuso never saw it. He was struggling with depression at the time.
The actor thought about quitting acting. He soon realised his issues weren’t about his job. They were about growing up in a society that wasn’t always accepting.
“Before I didn’t enjoy myself, I was always tense,” Ayuso shared. But things have changed. He’s now in a better place, thanks to therapy.
“It was a return home”
Ayuso left Elite after season 5. But he came back for the final two seasons. This return helped him heal. He found the set of the series to be a safe space.
“I am an Elite boy and now I can say it proudly,” Ayuso stated.
Despite his success, Ayuso still grapples with the fashion world. He finds it “toxic”. He questions the fleeting nature of being “cool” in the industry.
What’s next for Ayuso? He’s set to star in Yo, Adicto, a series about addiction. It’s based on filmmaker Javier Giner’s book. Giner, who’s directing the series, believes this role will showcase Ayuso’s true acting skills.
Yo, Adicto will premiere at the San Sebastian Film Festival next month. It will then stream on Disney+ in Spain.
