John Leguizamo’s Continued Evolution in Film

With a career spanning over thirty years, John Leguizamo remains one of the most dedicated talents in the entertainment industry. Currently, he is involved in various projects, including producing a new Broadway musical titled Buena Vista Social Club, writing a play called The Other Americans, and advocating for the Latino community, particularly in opposition to President Trump. He is now starring in Bob Trevino Likes It, a role that significantly differs from his previous characters.

Exploring a New Masculinity

Leguizamo expresses his enthusiasm for portraying a new type of man in America, stating, “He’s a more sensitive, a [more] nurturing man. A man who’s not afraid of being vulnerable. This is the new masculinity that we need to put forward and the best kind of masculinity.” In his opinion, this role is crucial in representing modern masculinity.

The Story Behind ‘Bob Trevino Likes It’

Directed by Tracie Laymon, Bob Trevino Likes It is inspired by the filmmaker’s personal experiences. The plot follows Laymon (Barbie Ferreira) as she develops an unexpected friendship with an online stranger who shares a name with her estranged father. While searching for her actual dad (French Stewart), she uncovers that this alternate Bob offers a more compassionate and supportive father figure than the one she was seeking.

A Powerful Message

Leguizamo appreciates the movie’s message, emphasizing its importance during these divisive times. He says, “To show that decent human beings are really worthwhile people who respect each other, people who will reach out and do a kind act… is something so lacking in our culture right now.” He acknowledges that this role is markedly different from his typical performances as the comedic or villainous character. Instead, he portrays a regular, nurturing dad figure, which resonates more closely with his true self.

Reflections on Past Roles

The actor has always embraced challenges, from tackling Shakespeare to narrating his own life experiences in various one-man Broadway shows. His breakout role as Chi Chi Rodriguez in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar continues to resonate with audiences even decades later.

Addressing Relevance and Representation

Leguizamo notes that numerous themes from To Wong Foo remain relevant today, including inclusivity and respect for transgender and LGBTQ+ communities. He passionately argues against contemporary discrimination: “The hate against transgender people is so ridiculous… Relax people; just let them be and respect them. And we could bring that back.”

The Importance of Latino Representation

As a lifelong advocate for Latino representation in film, Leguizamo highlights that despite Latino individuals making up 20% of the U.S. population and buying a significant portion of movie tickets, their onscreen representation remains shockingly low at under 5%. He reflects on industry practices from the past and expresses joy over being part of a film with another Latino actor, saying, “It’s amazing! …I was glad to be a part of it.” However, he emphasizes that Latino stories should not only focus on cultural themes but also portray universal human experiences, as demonstrated in this touching narrative of a girl finding a father figure online.

In Theatres Now

Bob Trevino Likes It is currently available in theaters, showcasing Leguizamo’s versatile acting and the importance of diverse stories in cinema.