Luke Dimyan approaches both life and art with an infectious blend of humility, passion, and a disarming sense of humor. He laughs about the choices he faces in interviews: “Oh, man. Already, I see two diverging paths before me: honest and sincere answer or joke. I’m caught. I’m going to say “try hard.” But beneath his wit lies the soul of a dreamer—someone driven not by fame or accolades, but by the desire to inspire.

“At my core, I’m a dreamer,” Luke reflects. “I grew up watching performances that were outlandish, wild, and beautifully unique. Those characters bent genres, broke rules, and made you feel something unforgettable. That’s the feeling I chase—not the spotlight, but the chance to create that same beautiful, fun magic for others.”

A Dream Sparked by Cartoons and Courage

Luke’s love affair with performance began in front of the TV as a young boy. “I can’t say the year exactly, but I was about five when I saw Jim Carrey in The Mask. I loved cartoons—Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry—and suddenly, here was this real-life man who was a cartoon. I thought, Can I do that? Can I become a real-life cartoon too?”

That childlike wonder turned into determination, even in the face of challenges. “My parents immigrated from Egypt,” he shares. “My dad was more Americanized, but my mom was strict in her culture and faith. I used the gifts they gave me—resilience and stubbornness—and channeled them into performing. I knew this was my path. No matter what, I was going to find a way.”

That resolve led him to an unexpected love: musical theater. “It wasn’t planned,” Luke admits. “But the moment I stepped on stage, it was immediate. Theater taught me courage and self-awareness. It showed me how to fail gracefully and keep going. Performing live is raw, it’s real, and it demands your all.”

Even today, the lessons of theater remain his foundation. “You learn so much about yourself out there. You realize, I gave it everything I had. Even if it wasn’t perfect, it was honest. That kind of courage stays with you, whether you’re meeting Tom Hanks on set or taking on a new role.”

Finding Humanity in Judas Iscariot

One such role brought Luke face-to-face with one of history’s most infamous figures: Judas Iscariot. For many, Judas is synonymous with betrayal, but for Luke, he represented something deeper.

“Even as a kid, I empathized with him,” Luke says. “He betrayed Jesus, yes, but he also felt such incredible guilt that he took his own life. That broke my heart. As I got older, I saw how easy it is to reduce someone to their worst moment, especially in dogmatic narratives. But when I read about him returning the silver and being consumed by regret, I saw a human—a deeply flawed, broken human.”

Luke’s connection to Judas was personal. “I’ve felt like an outcast. I’ve faced depression, I’ve wrestled with suicidal thoughts. His story isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a mirror of our vulnerabilities. That’s why I wanted to tell it.”

Art as a Mirror and a Bridge

For Luke, storytelling goes far beyond entertainment. It’s about connection. “Art is a mirror,” he says. “Not just reflecting who we are, but showing us our dreams, our fears, and the best of what we could be. It’s a way to speak to each other on a deeper level. Sometimes, all it takes is one song or one scene to make someone feel seen. That’s what I want to create.”

This belief fuels his approach to his craft. Whether on stage or on screen, Luke aims to make his work resonate. “I’ve been lucky,” he acknowledges. “Both my parents were doctors—we had a good life. But true happiness for me came from agency and purpose. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, who inspire you. That energy is contagious.”

The Road Ahead

Luke is keenly aware that his journey as an artist is far from complete. “This show has been amazing, but I know it’s not the end of the line,” he says. “When it’s over, I’ll probably have to start fresh again. Back to square one. But I’m okay with that. I’ll face it with the same drive I had in the beginning.”

Despite the uncertainty, Luke is excited about what lies ahead. “I’ll miss my friends, my family, this camaraderie. But I’m ready to take the next step—and the one after that.”

The Dream That Drives Him

Luke’s dream is simple yet profound. “Maybe one day, I can be someone’s favorite song or the movie that makes them feel seen. That’s why we do this. It’s not about fame; it’s about making art that reaches people in ways words alone can’t.”

As Luke continues to pursue his craft, he does so with the heart of a dreamer and the soul of a storyteller. His journey is a celebration of resilience, humor, and the enduring power of art to inspire, connect, and heal.

Photography Credit: Dean foreman