“The self-expression of the creative and genuine artist resonates with the collective consciousness. Artistic expression is vividly imaginative and ingenious when created and shared. Art is a reflection of society. The artistic and creative representation of society is vital in the process of society moving forward, developing, and progressing.”
“And, ultimately, art is a vehicle for social change.”
Yuval David describes this as he describes his own process.
Award-winning actor, host, filmmaker and producer Yuval David, who has become acclaimed for his own work, including evocative and sometimes provocative performances on screen and stage. Each role Yuval brings to life he treats as a masterclass in using art as a fundamental agent for social change.
His profound ability to get to the heart of his characters’ humanity and relay a very real life experience to his audience has landed him major series regular and guest starring roles in some of the most widely celebrated and talked about television series and films in recent years.
Whether he’s appearing in CBS’ hit political drama ‘Madam Secretary’ or ABC’s long-running primetime hidden camera show ‘What Would You Do?’ his appearances not only entertain with heart but explore the human experience. No role is squandered as Yuval always uses his robust platform to embed a vital element of using his art for social change, engaging his viewers and inviting them to take an active role in improving the world around them, while simultaneously empowering them, making them feel deeply appreciated.
His mission led him to host, narrate, create and curate video content across YouTube and across social media, and he currently produces almost a dozen web-series, all of which entertain, uplift and inspire viewers, following with his central mission, and regularly performs his one-person shows in theatres.
The charming, sharp-witted, captivating and funny powerhouse of energy is frequently invited to emcee and speak on behalf of countless cultural, humanitarian, philanthropic, social and political initiatives, including the Israeli Consulate in New York, most recently hosting Israel’s 70thAnniversary Celebration in Times Square, in front 30,000 at the event and millions of live viewers around the world. He has become a go-to host and narrator for short- and long-form video content and documentary features for Jewish, Israeli, LGBTQ, Arts, Cultural and Humanitarian Organizations and Initiatives, including The National LGBTQ Task Force, the Jewish National Fund (JNF USA), and Stand With Us.
As a social journalist and public speaker, sometimes this advocacy work takes on a more literal approach. He regularly travels across the United States and abroad, in recent years bringing him to the illustrious heights of Capitol Hill and to powerful major multinationals and nonprofit institutions, to speak about the significance of using art for social change. Yuval empowers people to see themselves as advocates for their communities, uniting together to support their own communities and others, and seeing these efforts as equally important.
In addition to “Madam Secretary” and “What Would You Do?” Yuval’s on-screen credits also include “The Michael J Fox Show,” “Unforgettable,” and “Days of Our Lives;” leading and supporting roles in films such as “Incipient,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Nephilim,” “Awakening of Spring,” “You,” and “The Fifth Estate;” and lead roles in contemporary and classic theatrical works, including: Broadway in “The Game;” Off-Broadway in “Daddy Issues,” “Bunburry,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “In The Swing.” As much as possible, Yuval enjoys performing in regional theatres across the United States and abroad. Yuval regularly does voice overs for animation, commercials, narration, documentaries, and industrials. As a TV host, Yuval specializes in human interest, environmental, travel, foodie, culinary, and lifestyle shows. He is the host of multiple shows on television and online.
For more information, visit Yuval David at the following links:
YuvalDavid.com, YouTube.com/YuvalDavid, Instagram.com/Yuval_David_, Facebook.com/YuvalDavid, IMDB.me/YuvalDavid.
Can you tell us about your work on hit series like “Madam Secretary,” “Days of Our Lives” and “Unforgettable?”
Being a working actor is a dream. My producers and directors have often mentioned that I am the actor who fuses being a character actor with being a leading actor. I think that is how I see all of my characters. They are characters, and they are obviously the lead in their own lives. So, I get to be the vessel, the actor, who expresses and reveals them; who expresses the character’s genuine truth. That is something I enjoy throughout my acting life, but, to be able to do so on major productions, such as these shows is, well, fabulous.
And what about your work on stage and on Broadway?
My acting career started in theatre. The magic of theatre is unparalleled. The risk, focus, and dedication to the moment, in the moment, is something that is only in live theatre. To be so connected to the process, and the work done to prepare, all comes together in the moment, listening and being aware of everything that is happening on stage, and keeping the audience as an active participant. My work and experiences in theatre have colored and added depth to all of the work I do. Knowing your audience and bringing them along on your journey is what theatre is about. Many of my most powerfully empowering moments have been when my performance made an entire audience respond the same way, to laugh, to cry, to lean forward in their seats. And their energy affects my energy on stage. It is the magic of theatre.
What kind of roles do you prefer or would like to play, and why?
Vulnerability is one of my favorite words. Playing characters who reveal their vulnerabilities is thrilling and exciting for me. Those are the characters who we can connect to, because they reveal what is really going on for them, their inner truth. Lately, I have played villain roles regularly — I have to admit that playing those roles has been great. I played them as the heroes, making the choice that they think they are ultimately striving to do what is right for themselves or for their cause…even though the other characters and overall narrative of the plot reveals that the villain is not the hero, but, in fact, the villain. The anti-hero, the antithesis…those are exciting roles to play, as they can truly chew on the set and respond in real ways, no matter how broken the character is.
Which role has been the most challenging and which one your favorite?
Some of the most challenging roles are in the productions where I engage with real people, as I have to keep the character completely authentic, and real, when interacting with people who are not actors. That is the work I do in my own webseries, and my original content, such as in “One Actor Short”, my “Public Improv Experiment”, and “Pranks of Kindness”. This was also the case in the episodes I did on ABC’s “What Would You Do?” Ultimately, I think those are the most challenging as those roles fuse complete artifice, and being believable and authentic when engaging with real people, all while being completely aware of the production and in many cases the hidden-camera-production.
What is next for you in 2019?
I have been lucky to have played roles that have served as representations of what I do as an actor. So, I have had some exciting direct bookings as a result. 2019 and 2020 will be quite exciting due to this.
What are three things you can’t leave your house without?
To answer this existentially, I cannot leave my home without knowing my goals for the day, the process I will take to achieve them, and the understanding that I will play throughout that process and improvise along with my plans.
Well, I am a food snob, a totally foodie. So, having my own food is truly vital for me to feel normal and balanced. I make the best coffee to be found in all of NYC, and am my own barista at home with my Breville Oracle Touch – so, I happily use that before leaving my home.
The other things are a bit more obvious, which would be my iPhone and my credit cards and ID. You know, just being practical.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Artistically dressy-casual, with flares of fabulosity.
What music do you like?
Music that shares a narrative, the music that takes you on a journey. I have quite eclectic and diverse tastes in music, and especially resonate with ethnic music from around the world.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Snuggling with my love, making food at home…and planning my next vacation.
What do you like to watch on TV?
I am a binger of Netflix and Hulu content.
What is your favorite healthy dish? And favorite cheat food?
Since I eat out often, as a host of Food Shows, and reviewing restaurants for blogs, I actually love eating in and making food at home. When doing so, I am on a mostly plant-based-diet, focusing on healthy, organic, natural products and produce. If it grows that way, I can eat it.
Uh, my favorite cheat food can sometimes become too much of a regularly occurring cheat food moment – Ice Cream. So, because of that, I aim to only have very unique ice-cream flavors that are not the normal basic flavors. Sometimes, my ice cream cheat-food moments happen too often, so I put myself on a self-imposed “no ice-cream contract.”
Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
As an actor, host, and social journalist, I aim to entertain, uplift, and inspire. My future goals are to continue doing so, but on an even grander scale with an even wider and greater reach.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, many. I support charities that focus on human rights, education, and supporting underprivileged communities. And, the charities I have been a long-time supporter of are The National LGBTQ Task Force, The Aguda, A Wider Bridge, and The National Holocaust Museum.
Where we can follow you?
IMDB.me/YuvalDavid
YouTube.com/YuvalDavid
Instagram.com/Yuval_David_
Facebook.com/YuvalDavid
Twitter.com/YuvalDavid
YuvalDavid.com
Quote: I live the life of the loving adventurer. Love is not just an emotion, it is a state of being. And, everything is an adventure.
Holiday Destination: I am an avid skier. So, I try to ski every month during the winter.
