Gil Fajardo, a Santa Clarita filmmaker and resident for nearly 30 years, was given the honor to participate in the 50th Annual Pacoima Christmas Parade along with cast and crew of his new film, “Ride Or Die.”

The “Ride Or Die” team joined the parade with 50-plus members of the production to celebrate Christmas at the 50th annual Pacoima Christmas Parade and promote the upcoming film.

‘Ride or Die’ cast and crew

 A convoy of about 20 Harley’s and 15 classic lowriders from 1950-1970 carried the cast and crew along the parade route on Dec. 16.

Actors, producers and writers sat atop convertibles or coasted on thunderous motorcycles up Van Nuys Blvd, waving at parade-goers and wishing the public a merry Christmas.

Entertainment figures and public officials attended and rode in the parade, including L.A. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez and actors Danny Trejo, Tyler Posey and Emilio Rivera.

Tyler Posey, star of “Teen Wolf” and a Santa Clarita resident, also attended the parade with his family to help spread the holiday cheer.

Tyler Posey, star of Teen Wolf with family.

“This is something we never got to do as a family,” said Posey. “We got the opportunity to hang out and be a part of it, so we jumped on it because we thought it would be really sweet to do it as a family.”

Fajardo, the main character in “Ride or Die,” described his excitement over the production of his film and being honored in the parade.

“I never experienced anything like this”, said Fajardo, I’d like to thank the parade coordinator, Gina Felix-Goldman for inviting the cast and crew of ‘Ride Or Die’ to be apart of this event, we are truly grateful.”

Gil Fajardo and Lacie Newell main characters in ‘Ride or Die’ film.

In 2014, tragedy struck Fajardo as he went through a divorce, then lost his home and job within the next two years.

“In the end of 2015, I lived in the Lowe’s parking for almost a year,” said Fajardo. “I didn’t know what to do but turn to entertainment.”

Fajardo took first place with a stand-up comedy act featuring a variety of impersonations in an open mic contest back in 2014 at the PAC, hosted by College of the Canyons.

Gil Fajardo at PAC open mic contest 2014

Related: Open Mic Night Highlights Santa Clarita Valley Talent

Winning that competition inspired Fajardo to pursue a career in entertainment, leading to many stand-up comedy performances at the Laugh Factory, Ice House and the Comedy Club in Los Angeles.

Fajardo began to make progress shortly after when he launched his own show across social media sites called ‘The Real G Show,” where he interviewed many celebrities and the public.

He started to work in short films as an actor playing various roles as a teacher, hit-man, gangster and police officer, as well as a PSA to help stop bullying among adolescents.

“Ride Or Die” is expected to begin filming in Spring 2018. Those interested in keeping updated with the production and release date can click here.

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