Hispanic Actors Past and Present

Hispanic Actors In Hollywood

The filmmaking industry is a vast field which has had stars from all over. Famous names have risen from almost every part of the world but Hollywood is considered the motherland of the most popular names as far as movies are concerned. Somehow, not all these big names are of individuals who are indigenous to the US. Some of the actors making it big in Hollywood are purely Hispanic actors either from Spain or any other Spanish-speaking countries like those in Latin America.

Hispanic actors have gained a name and fame over the past few years and seemingly, only the sky is the limit for them. From the very first classical actors and filmmakers like Carlos Saura, Florian Rey, Segundo de Chomon and the great filmmaker Luis Bunuel from Spain, there has been a series of big names treading the same path to fame. And their fortune and recognition has been heightened at Hollywood.

Who does not know Antonio Banderas, the chap with a guitar-cum-gun in Desperado? Or Benicio del Toro who won the Oscar Award for the Best Supporting Actor in Traffic? And let’s not forge the lovely lady Cameron Diaz who has featured in a number of movies starting from her debut in The Mask, alongside Jim Carrey. Charlie’s Angels was another great hit for Cameron and her star as kept shining all along.

Javier Bardem is perhaps the biggest inspiration to many upcoming actors who hope to get a share of the fame and fortune in Hollywood. This Spanish actor has an Academy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe and many others all courtesy of his magnificent acting career. It is from the film No Country For Old Men where he featured as Anton Chigurh that he got the most awards of his lifetime.

Hispanic Actors On The Rise

Far from Javier, Latino actor Rey Valentin is a rising star among the Hispanic actors today. Following in the footsteps of Benicio del Toro, Javier Bardem and many others who have gone before him, this actor has featured in major Hollywood films like Crossing Over and the HBO Award winning series Generation Kill. The man is unstoppable and on a mission to create a name for the Latino community. His star keeps on shining and the future seems brighter as he is presently working in Los Angeles.

photo by John Russo

Just like Rey Valentin, there are many other Hispanic actors who are rising and gracing the red carpet in almost every award film award ceremony. Their association with Hollywood has given them an edge in the filmmaking industry. Now, besides their famed names, they have awards to show for their success as well.

Hispanic Actors Moving Forward

As it is, Hollywood is now more open for Hispanic actors with juicy roles being written for the Latino and Spanish actors. Thus, it is much easier now for these individuals to reap from this land of opportunity. However, as Rey Valentin puts it, the actors still have a long way to go but the doors are now wider than they were ten years ago.

Pilot Season

Pilot Season Is Here!

Pilot Season is approaching and I like many actors are hoping for a chance to land a pilot. I have had the chance to learn the lay of the land being that I lived in LA for the last 4 years. I will tell you pilot season has it ups and downs! Last year for me it was really slow. I went out for a few of them but it was the slowest year for me. Usually, I am auditioning  a lot more but I think since the writers strike and the economy things are a bit different.

Big Name Actors For Pilot Season

Now big name actors that work in Film are taking the roles for upcoming actors. Its a winning situation for lots of the producers of the shows during pilot season. They will get big name actors at the fraction of the cost. This means less and less roles available for upcoming actors. However, there are still roles available. It is defiantly a lotto but if you get the right break it can change your career in a heartbeat.

Pilot Season Tips To Book Your Dream Pilot

So I wanted to share some tips for those of you coming out for the first time during this madness. First of all please come to LA with representation of some sort. Be it a manager or agent that can send you into auditions. Look for representation that has good relationships with the casting community in LA.

If casting directors have not seen you during the fall season it makes your chances harder to be seen during pilot season. So please please please do not come here for your first time and expect to land one. That only happens to a select few but think it up there with getting struck by lighting.

If you are coming out here for the first time then you can get your feet wet by going a few auditions. This is your chance to shine and get seen. Perhaps you may not be right for the role but now you are on the casting directors radar.

For those of you with a bit more experience during plot season know to prepare for fierce competition. Eat well, get lots of rest when you can, and avoid partying too hard. The last thing you need is a Lindsey Lohan reputation following you around. Network TV is super conservative and are always looking to protect their shows. If you can afford coaching by all means treat yourself to this! It always helps to get a veteran pair of eyes to review your audition material.

When you get in the room be sure to stay relaxed. You may have to do the audition a few times if you get lucky to go to producers and test for the role. If you get this far remember its because you earned your right to be there. So have fun and do great work!  I wish you the best and hope you make the best of every opportunity to grow as a stronger actor this pilot season.