Answers with Antonio Jaramillo

Answer 1

How did you first get into show business?

When I was a kid I saw a live performance of "Jesus Christ Super Star" by this well-known Spanish singer and his voice and interpretation plus the music and lyrics were absolutely incredible! I had never heard or seen anything like that...10 or 12 years later I auditioned for a show called "Broadway's Greatest Songs" where I performed two songs from "Jesus Christ Super Star". Then someone approached me about doing a "Play" with no music, and I refused to take part in it because I had no idea how to do that. This man insisted I come down and read with the other Actors which eventually I did! The show was well received and the rest is history.

Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

No! I did not know what an Actor was or did because I did not watched TV until later in my teens. Even then I did not watch much of it, but I did listen to the radio a lot.

How does it feel to be part of such a critically acclaimed television series?

It feels good when your work is received well and when you are given the room to play and explore. I think the writers and producers of the show have done a terrific job writing for and casting the roles.

How did you land the role of Luis in TNT's hit drama "Dallas"?

I had read for Patrick Rush, the CD of the show before, and when Dallas was looking to fill the role of Nicolas Trevino I came in and auditioned, but the role went to someone else. I think they liked me though because when the role of Luis came up they thought of me and that's how I began my work on the show.

What can you tell us about your character Luis?

Luis is a very successful and loyal man who is willing to do anything including risking his own life and threatening the lives of others to do the job he's been asked to do.

Was there anything you did to make your role your own that wasn't originally scripted for you?

Every role I have the privilege to portray has to be my own and not an idea or a character description, so yes there are many things I do to achieve that. First I take what's on the page - the words he's been given and then I build from there creating a back story or life history that makes sense up until the point he shows up on the screen for the first time.

Describe "Dallas" in three words.

Dallas is...Dirty, Sexy and Dangerous!

Do you have a favorite episode?

I think my favorite EP thus far is "Boxed In" because the Ewings have finally seen what "Luis" is capable of...they have unleashed the beast within and the show became more dangerous and edgy. I also love EP "Trust Me" when my character debuted on the show and I got to play to with the fabulous Judith Light! We had fun - papa like!!

How is the new, updated continuation of "Dallas" different than the 1978 original?

I'm not sure how different this Dallas is from the original, but I think the producers have done a terrific job at keeping the tone of the original as well as introducing the show to a younger generation and adding a few things here and there to keep the show exciting.

Have you heard any feedback from original "Dallas" fans as to what they think about the revival series?

I have not read much about how people feel about the revival of the show, but I think they like it and believe they are enjoying!

The 1978 "Dallas" set the bar high with its 357 episodes and remains one of the longest lasting full-hour prime time dramas in American TV history. Is it difficult trying to live up to that kind of achievement?

We have a long way to go to measure up to the original 1978 series but we're on our way and we'll get there if the fans keep supporting the show.

What's the funniest thing that's happened while filming that you can share?

For me, one of the funniest moments was when Judith Light's character on my debut EP "Trust Me" had to say "Mama like" after having snorted cocaine - I could not keep a straight face and kept laughing!

How committed are you to getting into the characters you portray?

I'm extremely committed to finding and giving the characters I portray a truthful voice, a genuine sense of identity and then I let them play me!Do you have any techniques that help you channel the characters you are playing?

My technique is simple - what is this person trying to say? What is he doing? How clear is he? What's in his way? What is he afraid of? What does he value the most? I try to find the character's core - what makes him tick?

You've juggled recurring and guest roles on several shows including "The Mentalist," "CSI," "Burn Notice," "Arrested Development," "CSI: Miami," "Dark Blue," "Charmed," "Days of Our Lives," and "Outlaw." Do you prefer playing a variety of characters or a single character for multiple seasons?

It's fun jumping from show to show and adapting yourself to the different tones or a particular rhythm of a show, but it's also liberating and challenging to play a character that keeps growing and evolving within as the show keeps on!

Where is your acting career taking you after "Dallas"?

We will see what happens to the show and the character of Luis, though I think things are just starting to get interesting. Anyways I'm ready for another movie - maybe one directed by my fellow countrymen, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón or Guillermo del Toro?