INTERVIEW
RAMIR
DELGADO
“You have to put a 200% effort always, it’s all about passion! ”
Ramír Delgado is a Puerto Rican Spanish and a neo-Latino character actor, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His career started in 2005 when he accidentally entered an audition for a low budget zombie film, and two weeks later, he got a part in that film. He then trained in Film Production and Theatre Arts. He was the lead in an AXE Hair commercial, which aired in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Ramír won 1st place in the T7 SITCOM Category of IMTA Los Angeles Convention 2010. He has also been the lead for TV ads for Walmart, Burger King, Tums, Ariel Pods, Antilles Insurance, Puma Energy, among many other brands. In the film, Ramír is known for Vico C: La Vida del Filosofo, Crime Waves, The Baker & The Beauty, and Hindrance Saga Pride & Bounty. He was nominated twice for best supporting actor in the film Bittersweet.
Thank you so much for interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?
This story is a funny one. In the fall of 2005, I was leaving an English class at the university. It was seven o’clock, and I was on my way to the bus terminal. Taking a shortcut through the School of Mass Communications, a geeky man approached me with a question: “Sir, are you coming to the casting?” Not thinking about it twice, I answered yes. Two weeks later, I got a part in that film. I say the best theatre in life is in the streets. So many characters can inspire you! Inside the bus, there are many more characters too. As months went by, I kept going to auditions for student projects in the university and decided to apply to a talent agency. I started attending auditions, and I worked as a background actor too. I learned a lot of things about the business along the way.
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Who are you grateful for your success and can you share a story about that?
I’m grateful to my family. I come from a family of storytellers. Either through music, family events, or the stories shared in the car, on our way to somewhere. Thanks to them, I got introduced to the Puerto Rican, Spanish and American pop culture. ‘Till this day, I enjoy cinema with my father. I also thank them for their values and their support to pursue my dreams. I take this moment to thank all the people in my journey, who believed in me, for their support.
Left — 1st Place at IMTA LA, 2010, Right —headshot by Eva M. Juarbe
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I started working as a background actor on independent U.S. productions, shot in Puerto Rico. One day walking in the mall, an American agent approaches me to audition. I accepted. He mentions casting in the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) in the upcoming year of 2010. I had just recently graduated from university, so I was nervous about the convention but confident. See, two years prior, I worked with Benicio del Toro. One year before, I worked in a scene with Johnny Depp in the film, The Rum Diary. I had nothing to lose in that audition! It was a tough week, but it paid off. Three talent agencies were interested in me. I won 1st Place in the T7 Sitcom category and got a grant, for studying Acting for Film, at the New York Film Academy campus at Universal Studios. I decided to take my career to a new level. I’ve had the opportunity to be the lead or supporting actor, in TV ads, short films and minor roles in feature-length films. I’ve been really lucky! You have to put a 200% effort always, it’s all about passion!
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What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
I would say the hardest challenge is, dealing with the noise of business. In the beginning, many people will say the following cliché phrases: “you’re a dreamer, you’re not gonna make it, get yourself another job”. I decided on ignoring negative comments and just following my heart. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but it was worth trying.
When I began auditioning, I was nineteen years old. I remember phrases like: “You’re too short, you have a baby face”, among many other phrases and even insults. I live by a single motto: “just do your thing”. There will be good days, there will be bad days. Some seasons are busier than others. And some production schedules can be quite hectic. It’s part of the business. If you enjoy your job and makes you happy, keep going. I attend seminars and workshops. As an actor, I am constantly learning and it’s one of the best things about this job. I try not to get typecasted. On camera, I’ve portrayed characters such as a cop, a builder, a contractor, an instructor, a drug lord, and the list goes on.
Left - From dubbing and ADR session at the studio Right - Still shot (Socorro Torres) from Vico C: Vida de Filósofo
What do you do to prepare for the role?
I read and connect with the character that I’m about to audition for or to portray. The more times I read about this character, the more info I’ll get. The script is the guide. Know the character. If you have the confidence of this character, people will see it.
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I use my imagination. Apart from the directions from the script, what can make this character interesting? How would this character do it? In what accent the character speaks? Little details that give depth and levels to the character played. I enjoy the understanding of the character. I even keep a journal to make a note. That journal could be used if the character will be used again in a future sequel or other projects.
I let go! After you studied your character, how’s going to be the delivery of this character? How natural is it going to be for your delivery? What acting choices are you taking? Whatever choices you take, OWN THE SCENE. And make the character look real. I use many old memories and past/present experiences on many of the roles. I find music very helpful to get in character and express emotions out.
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What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
From actor/director Henry Winkler, in Q & A at Warner Brothers, I learned that an actor should be like a sponge. I admit that I use a mixture of the Meisner technique, Chubbuck and Uta Hagen. So many starting actors still don’t understand how important is to study the acting techniques. The way how you dominate the technique can make you nail that audition. It’s all about the acting choices and using those techniques, to favour you.
with filmmaker Christopher Nolan
What are your top 5 tips for actors that are starting?
1. Put your feet on the ground. This is a very tough business. You have to have thick skin. You got to have an idea, where you want to go and what are your short and long term goals.
2. Educate yourself and network. Knowledge is power in an actor. It’s not who you know, but who knows you. Networking is so important. It can get you better auditions, castings and invitation for events in the industry, such as seminars, workshops and premieres. Build a stone foundation. On a sand foundation, the castle will collapse. When networking has your headshots, clips, and resumé ready, and keep it pro. You never know who you’ll meet on a set. Do not underestimate a project on which you are working. You never know how life turns. In 2018, I auditioned for a student film called, Bittersweet. Got the part, filmed and waited for the premiere. I was nominated as Best Supporting Actor twice. Yes, twice! ’Til today, there’s a scene in that short film, that gives many people the creeps. I can tell you that because I still get messages about it.
3. When working on film or theatre, be aware of the production team and other fellow actors. It is teamwork. Take direction carefully, make notes on your script and be focused. Have fun with the character. But don’t forget, LESS IS MORE.
4. Enjoy the delivery. I’m one of those actors that I learn other things about the character while filming. Some mistakes or improvisations can add interesting moments to the character. Sometimes I study footage from older projects and analyse the mistakes. I know it can be embarrassing but, it’s one of many ways to learn.
5. This is the most important — KEEP GOING !!! Persistence and focus are key. If you fall, get up. You have to be open to criticism and you should also learn from the mistakes. That’s part of life. Success is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey. Be patient. There are opportunities out there, go for it. It’s more than luck, I insist to keep working.
with filmmaker Christopher Nolan
Left — playing paparazzi in Baker & the Beauty (2020), Right — playing Lieutenant Warren in Hollywood Deal
What has been inspiring you lately?
I thought this lockdown was going to stop me but it proved me wrong! It has inspired me instead! One day, I was very sad but I decided to go back through time. Going through old files and older memories, I remembered to be thankful. It’s been fifteen years of ups and downs. I’m thankful for constantly working. Being active in this business is tough for many people. The moment I think of quitting the business, that’s the moment when the phone rings for an audition or for simply working.
During this lockdown, I decided to upload never seen footage, from older projects. I want to thank God for being blessed for having the chance of working on new projects and staying healthy. I just want to keep working.
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What movie would you recommend watching and why?
This is a tough question. I watch a lot of movies. What could I answer?
I’m a fan of films from James Cameron, Christopher Nolan and Stanley Kubrick.
