New York, United States
Idel Gomez-Silverio:


Idel’s parents are both Dominican. Although he was born in the US (Providence, Rhode Island) he has been taught that you can never deny your roots and where you really come from which is for him – his homeland – the Dominican Republic. His parents were very strict with him about preserving his culture and not being “brainwashed” by letting him think otherwise. There was never a summer that was not lived in DR (short for “Dominican Republic”) and he was only allowed to speak their native language (Spanish) in the household. This made him completely fluent in both Spanish and English. He not only speaks them well; but, he can also read and write both languages perfectly. Something very difficult to accomplish when you’re surrounded in a different culture and society from your own. “We’re all human. Granted. But when it comes to representing who you are and where you come from – some people are ignorant. It’s not about legal papers or visas… It’s about blood, heritage, culture and your roots. I could’ve been born in Germany or Japan… I’d still be Dominican. As I read a quote online once: ‘Find your own tree – water your own roots’,” expresses the proud-to-be Dominican.

His parents made the move from Rhode Island to New Jersey a couple of years after he was born. He grew up living his life and attending schools between the Dominican Republic and New Jersey. He took his first school lessons in Los Minas, Santo Domingo, and then came back to New Jersey. Growing up in Union City, New Jersey, just minutes from New York City and right across the Hudson River; he attended Thomas A. Edison Elementary School. After his 6th school year in the US, they moved to the Dominican Republic (once again) where he would further along his studies to the 11th grade and making the move back to Union City for his senior year, which was attended in Emerson High School. After High School, he attended TCI College in New York. He majored in Digital Media Arts and graduated with an Associates Degree. “It was hard for me,” he says regarding to the College experience, “It wasn’t that the classes were difficult for me to learn or keep up with. I just wasn’t interested because my focus was elsewhere. Once, during an exam, I stared at the computer for so long that I dazed out and thought it was a camera about to record me doing a movie scene,” he laughs, “When I ‘came back’ there was only a few minutes left to finish up the exam; also, I once dropped out with excellent grades on all the classes with the semester almost finalizing; I didn’t think I was going to go back but I did – and I finished.”

Idel has always had a passion for the arts. His talent has range. He is poetic and is a great writer; also, he has been naturally gifted with having the ability to draw and to express physical emotions and bring characters to life; therefore, giving him the ability to act. He is a model and actor. Being that the two go hand in hand these days he uses both of the traits; but, Acting in his ultimate goal. “I can just picture myself working next to the likes of Denzel Washington or Russell Crowe and they being able to give me props and tell me that I did a good job,” says the aspiring young man, “That’d be great… To be noticed and cause an impression – hell, yeah!” He adds.

In the last 2 years, he decided that he was going to give a “little push” and see where his talents and abilities were going to take him. He expresses: “I was just sitting there, procrastinating, because although I’ve always had this ‘itch’ to pursue my dreams… There were certain factors going on in my life at that time. I’d be in school and all I’d do is daze out and think of people cheering me or yelling my name. I’d think of fans going crazy and asking me for autographs; regardless, I didn’t have the drive because of certain personal issues and depression do to acne problems” – he pauses – “It’s sad, you know? The irony was – that I never had acne in my early teens (when it usually occurs) and when I become 17-18, this is when I have to deal with that complication. Right when I’m about to branch out. It was devastating. Nothing worked for me. Not even the Proactiv Solution! Having to deal with that and being realistic to the fact that in this industry, that isn’t something good; therefore, making me feel really bad and not being able to do what I’d love to do. Some may not see it as a big deal but I am sure that there are people that can relate. But it’s, ok… I’m now doing what I gotta do.” Yes, he is… Since that “little push” he has been featured in 3 magazines, 1 short film, and has a small cameo appearance on rapper 50 cent’s music video “Still Will” featuring Akon.

Idel is on his pursuit of accomplishing his goals and representing for his Dominican people. With his Mulatto skin tone and the elegant stature of 6’1, an athletic build, good looks, and humility… He has what it takes. He hopes to network and meet the right people to put him on the right track. “This is a cut-throat industry. I’m very humble and remember and appreciate what people have done for me; still, I don’t let anyone take me as a punk either… I stand up for what’s mine. If it’s mine, why must I wait for someone to give it to me? Man, I’ll just take it!” He says.

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Dance: Hip-Hop, Meringue, Puerto Rican, Spanish Singing: Rap Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bicycling, Bowling, Boxing, Darts, Running, Horse Back Riding, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kick Boxing, Roller Skating, Rollerblading, Scuba Diving, Softball, Speed Walking, Swimming, Tae Kwan Do, Fishing Language: English, Spanish Accents: New York City, Spanish Additional: Billiards, Improvisation, Martial Arts, Modeling, Motorcycle Riding, Painting