After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles to do more theater, not realizing there is very little theater in L.A. It was a lucky mistake, though, because after just 2 1/2 months of waiting tables, my TV and film career really took off.

In this quote, Nicholas Gonzalez reflects on his journey after graduation, when he moved to Los Angeles with the goal of pursuing a career in theater. However, he soon discovered that Los Angeles is not known for its theater scene, which led to an unexpected turn of events. Gonzalez refers to this as a lucky mistake, as it ultimately pushed him into the world of TV and film, where his career began to flourish after just a few months of working as a waiter.

Gonzalez’s experience highlights the unpredictability of career paths, especially in creative industries like acting. His initial plan to focus on theater didn't align with the reality of the entertainment industry in L.A., but his willingness to embrace the unexpected led to a new opportunity. The waitressing job, which seemed like a temporary necessity, turned into a stepping stone toward a successful TV and film career, proving that sometimes the most unexpected circumstances can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.

The origin of this quote comes from Gonzalez’s own personal experiences after graduating and moving to Los Angeles. Like many aspiring actors, he arrived with big dreams and a specific focus, only to find that the industry was different than expected. His story reflects the serendipity of career development, where hard work and openness to new opportunities can lead to success, even when plans don't go as originally envisioned.

Through this quote, Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open to unforeseen opportunities. His journey serves as a reminder that career paths are rarely linear, and sometimes the most fortunate breaks come from situations that initially seem like setbacks. His lucky mistake became a defining moment in his career, showing how unexpected turns can lead to success.