RE-RELEASE - Jon Huertas and Us | Miguel Rivas
That Was Us
Deep Dive
How did Jon Huertas find out his character Miguel would marry Rebecca in the future?
Jon Huertas discovered that Miguel would marry Rebecca in the future during a makeup session for old-age prosthetics. The makeup team casually mentioned it while applying the makeup, which was a surprise to him as he initially thought he was playing a character named Mike.
What was Jon Huertas' initial reaction to the public's negative perception of Miguel?
Jon Huertas found the public's negative reaction to Miguel initially jarring but embraced it as a challenge. He was determined to turn the audience's perception around, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase his acting skills and the character's depth.
What was Jon Huertas' experience like auditioning for 'This Is Us'?
Jon Huertas' audition for 'This Is Us' was unconventional. He was called in last minute to Paramount after a chemistry read for another show. He didn’t have time to prepare but still impressed the team, including Dan Fogelman, without needing to read lines. He was offered the role on the spot.
Why did Jon Huertas initially hesitate to play a Latinx character in 'One Day at a Time'?
Jon Huertas hesitated to play a Latinx character in 'One Day at a Time' because he didn’t want to portray an abuser, which was the role he was auditioning for. He felt strongly about not perpetuating negative stereotypes, especially early in his career.
How did Jon Huertas handle the physical demands of old-age prosthetics in 'This Is Us'?
Jon Huertas endured a lengthy makeup process for his old-age prosthetics, which initially took up to six hours. Over time, the process was streamlined to about three and a half hours. Despite the discomfort, he embraced the challenge, even requesting full-body prosthetics to fully embody the character.
What impact did the caretaker storyline in 'This Is Us' have on audiences?
The caretaker storyline in 'This Is Us' had a significant social impact, opening eyes to the challenges faced by caregivers. It sparked conversations about elder care and paid leave, with the show’s social media presence helping to gather data and opinions on these issues for the first time.
What was Jon Huertas' experience directing episodes of 'This Is Us'?
Jon Huertas directed two episodes of 'This Is Us', including 'Four Fathers'. He described the experience as challenging but rewarding, learning to pace scenes effectively in the editing process. He also appreciated the openness of the cast, including Sterling K. Brown, to his direction.
How did Jon Huertas' military background influence his career?
Jon Huertas studied musical theater while serving in the Air Force, which helped shape his acting career. His military background instilled discipline and a desire to explore diverse interests, from acting to beekeeping and entrepreneurship.
What was the significance of the Miguel episode in 'This Is Us'?
The Miguel episode in 'This Is Us' was a turning point for the character, showcasing his immigrant experience and struggles with identity. It resonated deeply with audiences, particularly the Afro-Latino community, and was praised for its execution, direction, and emotional depth.
How did Jon Huertas' relationship with the cast of 'This Is Us' evolve over the series?
Jon Huertas developed a close bond with the cast of 'This Is Us', particularly with Chris Sullivan, with whom he shared the experience of wearing prosthetics. Their camaraderie on set made even the most challenging moments enjoyable, and the cast’s chemistry contributed to the show’s success.
- Jon Huertas's audition for This Is Us involved multiple chemistry reads with Justina Machado.
- He initially auditioned without knowing Norman Lear was present.
- Lear's notes led to Huertas's unique approach to the audition.
- Huertas learned about Miguel marrying Rebecca during a prosthetic fitting for the older Miguel.
- He was cast without reading the script for This Is Us.
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