Meet Mark McClafferty: From Vega to McClafferty, a Return to Identity and a Rise Toward Deeper Storytelling

We are here today with a very special guest, the talented and well-known actor Mark McClafferty. It is a pleasure to connect with him and have the opportunity to share his story, his journey, and his voice with our readers.

We would like to sincerely thank Mark for accepting this interview and for taking the time to speak with us. His presence in the vertical drama world has made a strong impact, and today we are excited to learn more about the person, the artist, and the passion behind his work.

Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to speak with us. Before we dive into the interview, you have a major announcement for your fans, you’ll be transitioning from Mark Vega to your real name, Mark McClafferty. Can you take us back to how the stage name “Vega” originally came to be, and what inspired your decision now to embrace your real last name “McClafferty” moving forward?

Mark: It’s always great to talk to you, and I’m very excited to announce my return as Mark McClafferty, which is the name I used when I started my career and for my first 10 vertical drama shows.

“Vega” is a name that means a lot to me, it comes from my mom’s side, Lasso de la Vega, and was my great-grandmother’s maiden name. I made the switch in 2024 to honor that part of my family, and it also helped with pronunciation.

That said, the change was largely driven by my team at the time. I was still early in my career and finding my footing, so I trusted their direction. It was part of the process, but it also made me realize how important it is for me now to feel fully aligned with the choices I make going forward.

I think for me it really has recently came down to stepping into a new chapter, both personally and creatively. “Mark Vega” was a name I used during a period where I was finding my footing, taking a wide range of opportunities and learning the industry. That name has served me well. But as I’ve grown, I’ve felt a stronger pull to ground myself in who I actually am, and that means going back to Mark McClafferty.

It also reflects where I’m headed as an actor. I have been lucky enough to work on more serious, layered film work, stories and roles that require a deeper level of honesty and vulnerability. Using my real name feels like a way of showing up more fully in this space. It’s less about reinvention and more about alignment, bringing my personal identity and my work closer together as I move forward.

Now let’s take a step back into your early years. How was your childhood growing up? Are there any memories, stories, or moments from that time that shaped you and that you’d love to share with the fans, anything you think they would be interested to learn about the boy you once were?

Mark: I grew up in what I like to call “the valley over”, Valencia, in Santa Clarita. It was hot summers, a lot of sports, and being outside all the time, before social media really took over. We’d knock on doors to see if friends could come out, ride bikes everywhere, and basically treat the whole neighborhood like our playground.

I didn’t even get my first phone until seventh grade, and that was only because I had a bad fall off my bike one day. My friends and I were stranded, I was injured, and we had no way to call for help. After that, my parents figured it was time. Something people might not know about me is that my dad’s side of the family has deep roots in Delaware, we’ve been there since the 1830s. I’ve always felt a strong connection to the state and the tri-state area. I used to visit multiple times a year, and I ended up earning my degree in Sport Management from the University of Delaware, where I was also a member of Phi Gamma Delta. GO BLUEHENS.

Another fact, for a long time, I actually thought I was going to go into the military. That was a lifelong interest of mine before acting came into the picture. In high school, I earned a congressional nomination to the Naval Academy, but I didn’t receive an appointment, and that’s what ultimately led me to pursue college instead, and eventually, acting.

Imagine for a moment that you’re face to face with your 10-year-old self, that young version of you who was still discovering the world and his own dreams. What would you say to him now, with everything you’ve experienced and the success you’ve built? What message, reassurance, or wisdom would you want him to hear from the man you’ve become?

Mark:Something I would’ve told myself when I was younger is to just stay kind, patient, and curious. The world has a way of breaking you down and bringing you back up again, over and over again. It’s hard to remember that it’s never the end of the world, even if it seems like the end of yours. I tend to over-analyze things, and I remember always being anxious about transitions in my life. I had no idea what I wanted to do coming out of college, and even the end of high-school felt like a big challenge for me as far as what my direction was. Transitions are always tough but I wish I told myself to just enjoy the ride. I think I’m finally getting the hang of that. There is no ‘making it’, all the good things come at different times. You just got to be grateful for things along the way, and when you look back at where you started, I think it’s easy to be grateful.

I would’ve also told myself to stay strict with myself and patient with others, but to never be too hard on myself. Just keep working hard and be kind to yourself and others. Everyone’s got a struggle you know nothing about.

You’re are one of the biggest names in the vertical drama world, Mark. When did you first discover your passion and talent for acting? Was it something you felt from a young age, something that grew with you over time, or did it come later, once you fully understood what acting meant to you?

Mark: Acting didn’t really come into my life until later. However, my first experience was this small “movie camp” one summer. Only five kids signed up, including me and my brother, but he got sick and couldn’t go, so I ended up doing it on my own. We made a short film in about five days called Agent Birdbrain, a little spy comedy, and I ended up starring in it. That was the first spark, but I didn’t revisit acting again for years.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college in 2019 that it came back around. I was living in Delaware when I randomly got offered a role in a short film shooting in New York. The director had seen a photo of me on Facebook and, funny enough, reached out to my mom. I took a Greyhound up to the city, did the film, and that’s when I really caught the bug. Acting turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it was going to be, i was so nervous, and the cold was very present as it was November in the city at the time. I gained a lot of respect for the craft at that point, and knew I was very interested in it. I always appreciated movies, they made me feel like I was never alone, even when I felt lonely with my problems. I was always able to find a movie where the main character shared some issues I was dealing with. Cinema was a teacher for me when I was a kid, I learned about life through the lens of people who were attempting to portray human existence. And that’s what acting is to me.

Even then, I knew I had to finish what I started, so I put acting on hold and focused on graduating. After college, in 2022, I came back to it fully and joined an acting class in Beverly Hills, and that’s when things really began to take shape.

Let’s turn to vertical dramas. How did you first encounter this format, and what went through your mind as you stepped into its uniquely fast-paced style of storytelling?

Mark: I was struggling a bit in 2023, working a ton of odd-jobs, uber driving, caddying, and serving. I was auditioning for everything I could. I had done some short films and music videos, I finally booked a ‘web series’ after auditioning for a year straight for narrative shoots. I had no idea what it was until I got there. I met Alexa Reddy and Daniele Cusso on that shoot. We really got along. I didn’t expect to do any more after the shoot ended but then I got a ReelShort audition and booked it. I gained a little more traction after each job. I was developing a small fan-base after a year or so. I just kept doing them as I auditioned for other things. They kept me afloat and I was grateful to work with a lot of people all the time. It truly is the people you work with on set, this is what brought me joy. That and the fact that I got to act all the time.

What was the first role you landed in the vertical-drama format, and how did it feel stepping into a world where everything moves so quickly, with entire projects often shot and wrapped in just 7 to 10 days?

Mark: The first role I landed, as mentioned above, was ‘Destined Redemption’ with GoodShort. I felt grateful, and made a lot of great friends. As far as the paste goes, it’s all I really knew besides theatre and a few short films, so I adapted quickly. I liked the idea that you only had a few tries to get across something, it made me feel like I had to truly prepare, like how you have to when you only have one shot for a stage production. It was fun. I looked at it like a game, but also and opportunity to portray human existence on the stage.

Out of all the projects you’ve been part of so far, is there one role or character that resonated with you most deeply, someone who stayed with you long after the cameras stopped rolling?

Mark: There are two roles that have stuck with me. One because of the storyline and the amount of work I put in for the role and the other because of the production and the memories I made on set.

The first one is a role I recently finished for a feature where I played a very troubled Mormon teenager who goes against his own religion to satisfy his own temptations. It stuck with me because the things I had to do, the actions and decisions my character made, were very tough to act out and to perform in front of the crew and fellow actors. I also had to answer for all of these actions in the story as my character, and when you have to portray sincere regret and convey believable emotion, it’s a very challenging thing. There’s many way an actor can convey a breakdown. I tend to try to bring real emotions in, probably because I’m still learning how to do it with ease, and I tend to have to get myself into a somewhat dark mood on the day or hour of filming. It’s stuck with me these recent weeks because it was such a dark role, storyline, and had locations to match that tone. It was, overall, a dark and challenging shoot. But I’m proud of it. I can’t wait for this feature to come out.

The other role that has stuck by me was one for Lionsgate where I played myself. We shot in Hawaii (maui) and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Halogen Cinema was the production company that brought me on board. They’re like family to me. I think about how fun Hawaii was everyday, and I hope to have a production like that again soon. Sometimes it’s not the story or the acting that you remember, but the people you worked with and spent time with, along with the locations.

What would your dream role be, whether in a vertical drama or a full-length film, and what kind of story or character do you hope to bring to life one day? And looking ahead, do you see yourself transitioning from vertical dramas into more traditional forms of storytelling?

Mark: My dream role would be playing someone living on the edge, like a bank robber or someone caught in a dangerous, high-stakes lifestyle, but who’s desperately trying to find a way out. There would have to be something on the other side worth fighting for. Usually a girl or a storyline having to do with romance or redemption.

Another dream role would be that of a young father, almost something like Paul Mescal in ‘Aftersun’. Something about playing just an ordinary person in a slice of life type of film would be a dream, considering I usually play over-the-top fantasy-like figures.

I have recently transitioned into feature films and it’s been very satisfying. There is more preciousness to the days, but the pressure of time and having to be efficient with time is never absent. However, I’ve been happy to be able to play roles in stories that are more realistic and human.

You’re nominated in two major categories at the Vertical Drama Love Awards and will be attending the ceremony alongside Jayda Stephens as a couple. What was your reaction when you learned about these nominations, particularly knowing they were driven by fan support?

Mark: My reaction was that of sincere gratitude and excitement. Knowing that it was fan-based meant a lot to me. The fans have always been very vocal about how special each show is. They’re honest about not liking specific ones as much, too. So, I know when something like a nomination comes my way, or a good review, it’s genuine and something to be grateful for. I still find it amazing that so many people watch the things that I’m in. I don’t think about this aspect when I film my projects, it’s a very private yet public thing that actors do. Just making the show with the crew is always satisfying enough, but knowing there’s a whole after-effect with an audience makes it very special and exciting.

What does love mean to you today, and how has your understanding of it evolved as you’ve grown both personally and professionally?

Mark: I think love is a gift, and it’s not to be taken for granted. It’s the sweetest thing in life. I’ve recently fallen in love with my current girlfriend and fellow actress, Jayda Stephens. I can honestly say that she is the best thing to have come into my life, ever. I’ve learned that love doesn’t happen very often, and all I know is that I’m going to treat it in a very precious manner. It takes a lot of effort and care, and it’s the most rewarding thing I do. I will never take Jayda for granted or the love that has developed between us. She’s taught me so much, and has stuck by me even when darkness came into my life. She’s the most incredible person I’ve ever met, and the love that we share has taught me that some things are worth giving everything you have to.

Recently, Jayda opened up to our readers about how your connection began and how it naturally evolved from friendship into something romantic. With fans so invested in and supportive of your relationship, what would you like to share from your own perspective about that journey?

Mark: My journey with Jayda, and something I’d like to share with people, is that relationships may be difficult, but it’s more exciting and rewarding than anything I can dream up for the screen. My life with her is very private, but you don’t need everyone’s attention when it comes to something special between you and someone else. When I’m with her, nothing can bring me down. I appreciate all of the fans’ support and love towards us. It’s very exciting for us to be able be in a profession where we can eventually tell stories together, and hopefully bring some of our truth and mannerisms to light.

Mark, what does success truly mean to you? Is it defined by career milestones, personal growth, the impact you leave on others, or something entirely different?

Mark: I think success has to do with knowing that you’ve contributed all you can when given an opportunity. Any job that comes my way is a chance to be the best teammate I can be. Making movies and shows takes a village, and an actor is just a position on the team. Being lead actor on a show or film, or a stage production, is a very privileged position to be in. With that being said, it’s also a position where people depend on not just your ability to be prepared and to deliver, but your energy and attitude. You can be the best actor in the world between action and cut, but if you’re not a good person when the cameras aren’t rolling, then nobody will want to work with you. Everyone works very hard and I think success can be measured in not only your preparedness, but in how you treat your crew, and your ability to be a good team player. Energy is very infectious on set, and it can be challenging to always be a positive force, but I consider that a very important part in having such a privileged position such as being a lead actor on a project. A perfect example of someone who leads by this kind of example is my girlfriend, Jayda Stephens, who is such a bright light to people she works with, as well as Nicole Mattox, Ryan Jacobucci and Jared Staub. I look up to them and consider them successful not only because not only because they are great actors, but they are fantastic teammates and such positive forces while working.

When you look ten years into the future Mark, where do you see yourself, both in your career and in the life you hope to be living?

Mark: I hope to be producing and acting in great projects that mean a lot to me. I’ve already been lucky enough to do this. I also see myself having a family and being a father, staying in touch with my friends and family regularly, and to be able to live a life that exemplifies discipline and gratitude. I see Jayda in this equation, I hope to be with her the rest of my life, and to be a good partner and man to her. She’s been so incredible to me.

To conclude, what message would you like to share with your fans, the people who believe in you, and the friends who’ve stood by you throughout your journey?

Mark: I just want to say that I am so thankful and have a lot of gratitude for any fans that I have. It’s because of them that any of this exists. I hope that I can make a lonely fay go by a little faster and to maybe provide some comfort, entertainment, and insight on their own lives through the stories I can hopefully continue to tell. As for those who have been with me from the start, I say thank you. You know who you are, and I certainly won’t ever forget. It’s easy to become busy with things in each of our own lives, but I don’t ever forget those who have shown their support, love, and care. Thank you.

To close this interview, Mark’s story feels like more than a career update. It feels like the beginning of a new chapter. After being known to many fans as Mark Vega, he now steps forward again as Mark McClafferty, the name he began his career with and the name that brings him closer to his personal truth. It is not a rejection of the past, but a return to alignment, a way of honoring where he has been while standing more fully in who he is becoming.

Throughout our conversation, Mark opened up with honesty about his childhood in Valencia, his early dreams, his unexpected path into acting, and the way cinema shaped his understanding of life and human emotion. He reflected on the fast-paced world of vertical dramas, the gratitude he feels for the fans who have supported him, and the deeper, more layered roles he now hopes to pursue in film and traditional storytelling.

Beyond the actor, we also saw the man behind the work: someone who values kindness, discipline, gratitude, love, and the people who stand beside him. His words about Jayda Stephens, his hopes for the future, and his definition of success reveal someone who understands that a career is not built only through talent, but also through character, teamwork, and the way one treats others when the cameras are no longer rolling.

As Mark McClafferty moves forward into this next chapter, carrying both his past experience and his real name into the future, we thank him sincerely for taking the time to share his story with us. We wish him continued success, both personally and professionally, and look forward to seeing the powerful stories, performances, and new milestones that await him.