Jaramillo to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a ride or die moment for Antonio Jaramillo.

The Latino actor will co-star opposite JD Pardo in Mayans MC, the Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot for FX from Kurt Sutter.

Set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014, Mayans MC will focus on the struggles of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ is the gifted son of a proud Latino family, whose American dream was snuffed out by cartel violence. Now, his need for vengeance drives him toward a life he never intended and can never escape.

Jaramillo will play Michael “Riz” Ariza, Vice President of the Mayans MC Santo Padre and former leader of a local Mexican MC that was patched over by the Mayans. He uses his even-tempered charm to mask his mistrust and lingering resentment.

In addition to Pardo, Jaramillo joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas.

Mayans MC was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James. Sutter is set to executive produce and direct the pilot; James is co-executive producer for Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Jaramillo recurred as Jennifer Lopez’s ex on the first season of NBC’s Shades of Blue and also recurred on TNT’s Dallas reboot. In features, he co-starred opposite Demián Bichir in Oliver Stone’s Savages.

Pardo to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

JD Pardo is ridin’ high…

The 36-year-old Argentine-El Salvadoran American actor has been cast as the lead in Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy spinoff pilot for FX, Mayans MC.

Pardo, a Daytime Emmy Award nominee for his appearance on East Los High, is taking the baton from Charlie Hunnam, whose Jax Teller led the mothership series.

Set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014, Mayans MC will focus on the struggles of Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (Pardo), a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border. EZ is the gifted son of a proud Latino family, whose American dream was snuffed out by cartel violence. Now, his need for vengeance drives him toward a life he never intended and can never escape.

Pardo joins previously cast Edward James Olmos, who plays EZ’s father, John Ortiz and Clayton Cardenas.

Mayans MC was co-created by Sutter and Elgin James.

Pardo, known for his role as Jesus on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated original series East Los High, as well as the role of Jason Neville in Revolution, fielded interest from multiple pilots.

His feature credits include The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Snitch.

Olmos to Star in FX’s “Sons of Anarchy” Spinoff Drama Pilot “Mayans MC”

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Edward James Olmos is ready to ride…

The 69-year-old Mexican American actor has been cast in Kurt Sutter’s FX drama pilot Mayans MC (working title), a spinoff of his hit series Sons of Anarchy.

Co-created by Sutter and Elgin James, Mayans MC is set in the aftermath of Jax Teller’s death at the end of SOA’s seven-season run in 2014. The offshoot will focus on the struggles of EZ Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the California/Mexico border.

Olmos, an Oscar nominee for his work in Stand and Deliver, will co-star as EZ’s father, Felipe Reyes, the once strong Mexican patriarch, crushed by bullets and hard labor, who struggles to keep his past buried and lead his sons down a lawful, righteous path.

Sutter is executive producing and directing the pilot, with James co-executive producing for Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions.

Olmos, a Battlestar Galactica alum, recently recurred on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His other television credits include Dexter, CSI: NY, Eureka and Portlandia.

Martinez to Star in Lifetime’s Original Movie About the Menendez Brothers

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Benito Martinez has landed a father of a role…

The 45-year-old Mexican American actor is set to star in Lifetime’s original movie about Lyle and Erik Menendez’s infamous double-murder case.

Based on the true story, the movie explores the inner lives and motivation behind the murders of entertainment executive Jose Menendez and his wife Kitty at the hands of their sons Lyle and Erik in 1989. In the months that followed the killings, Lyle and Erik spent their inheritance lavishly, adding to investigators’ suspicions that they were involved in the parents’ deaths. After months of guilt consumed Erik, he confessed to the murders to his psychologist, leading to the eventual arrests of him and older brother Lyle.

Their Los Angeles trial became a national sensation as the public devoured court testimony and the brothers testified that the murders were driven by a lifetime of sexual abuse by their father. After a mistrial and deadlocked jury, the brothers were later re-tried and convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. Erik and Lyle remain incarcerated today, serving their time in separate prisons nearly 30 years since murdering their parents.

Martinez will portray Jose Menendez, while Nico Tortorella (Younger) and Myko Olivier will play brothers Lyle and Erik Menendez, respectively. They join previously announced Courtney Love, who plays mother Kitty Menendez.

Martinez’s credits include American Crime, Sons of Anarchy, Supernatural and Saving Grace.

Gallegos to Star in Antoine Fuqua’s Drama Series “Ice” for AT&T’s Audience Network

Posted on August 18, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Rey Gallegos is getting Iced…

The Latino actor has joined the cast of Ice, Antoine Fuqua’s drama series for AT&T’s Audience Network.

The 10-episode series, hailing from Fuqua’s Fuqua Films and Entertainment One, was named after the slang word for diamonds. Written/executive produced by Robert Munic, it follows the Green family as they plunge into the underbelly of the L.A. diamond trade.

Gallegos will portray Carlos Vega, a Los Angeles police officer looking to take short cuts whenever possible, while maintaining his position within the LAPD.

He joins previously announced Judith Shekoni. Raymond J. Barry, Cam Gigandet, Jeremy Sisto, Ray Winstone and Donald Sutherland.

Gallegos’ previous credits include Impastor, Gang Related, Sons of Anarchy and Graceland.

Cantillo to Star in NBC’s Straight-to-Series TV Adaptation of the “Taken” Film Franchise

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Jose Pablo Cantillo has taken an action-packed new role…

The 36-year-old Costa Rican-American actor has landed a series regular role in Taken, NBC’s straight-to-series television adaptation of the film franchise.

Written and executive produced by Alex Cary, who serves as showrunner, Taken is a modern-day prequel to the film franchise that depicts how Bryan Mills (Clive Standen) developed and sharpened his particular set of skills.

Cantillo will play Bernie, a member of Bryan’s OPCON (Operational Control) team, an elite team of operatives who take care of America’s national security emergencies on the ground. Bernie is the one in the team that does not take anything too seriously until the situation requires it.

Cantillo is best known for his roles as Caesar Martinez on The Walking Dead and Hector Salazar on Sons of Anarchy. He also appeared in feature Chappie.

Curnen to Star in NBC’s Straight-to-Series Adaptation of Film Franchise “Taken”

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Monique Gabriela Curnen has taken on a new role…

The 45-year-old half-Puerto Rican actress has been cast as a series regular opposite Clive Standen in Taken, NBC’s straight-to-series adaptation of the hit movie franchise.

Written and executive produced by Alex Cary, who serves as showrunner, the Taken television series is a modern-day prequel to the film franchise that depicts how Bryan Mills developed and sharpened his particular set of skills.

Curnen will portray Vlasik, an integral member of OPCON, a role that has been elevated to a series regular.

Curnen recurred last season on Elementary and The Following. She has also appeared on Person of Interest, Sons of Anarchy and Lie to Me.

Rivera to Star in the Gang Drama “Badsville”

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Emilio Rivera is breaking Badsville…

The 54-year-old Mexican American actor has joined the cast of Badsville, a drama set amongst rival gangs from director April Mullen.

The story, set in the eponymous town of Badsville, follows the Badsville Kings gang as its members confront each other’s loyalty and rival gang The Aces, while at the same time discovering love, and trying to escape the town.

It’s the debut screenplay for cowriters Ian McLaren and Benjamin Barrett, who also costar in the film.

Along with Rivera, who is best known for his portrayal of Marcus Álvarez in Sons of Anarchy, the film also stars Robert Knepper, Tamara Duarte (Hard Rock Medical), Rene Rosado (Star Trek Into Darkness), Octavio Pizano (If Loving You is Wrong), Paul James Jordan (Piranha 3DD), Chelsea Rendon (McFarland USA), and Gregory Kasyan (Arms and the Dudes).

McLaren and Barrett will appear as “Wink” and “Benny” respectively.

Badsville is filming in locations throughout southern California.

Rivera’s credits include television appearances on NYPD Blue, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, JAG, ER and Walker, Texas Ranger.

Smits to Star in Baz Luhrmann’s Netflix Music-Driven Drama “The Get Down”

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Jimmy Smits really knows how to get down…

The 59-year-old Puerto Rican actor has been tapped for a key role in Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven drama The Get Down for Netflix.

Set in 1970s New York City, the series — a long-time passion project for Luhrmann — revolves around a ragtag crew of South Bronx teenagers who are wild in the streets — nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them, except one another.

Smits will portray Francisco Cruz, aka “Papa Fuerte,” a South Bronx political boss who delivers services the City fails to provide – jobs, housing, healthcare, etc. A big man with brass, he navigates downtown politics the same way he handles his uptown turf – with ease and a touch of deception. Whether it’s his niece’s desire for disco stardom or a recent immigrant’s struggle to grab a hold of the American dream, if you want something in the neighborhood, you come to Papa Fuerte.

“The Puerto Rican culture of the ’70’s Bronx plays such a large role in the story we are telling that the character of Papa Fuerte had to be played by an actor who could bring experience, gravitas and authenticity to the role,” said Luhrmann. “I know our entire cast is excited to have someone of Jimmy’s talent joining us on the journey we are undertaking. We are thrilled to have him on The Get Down.”

The setup of The Get Down — the story of how 1970s New York City on the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco told through the lives and music of several South Bronx teenagers — is familiar territory for Smits. Brooklyn born-and-raised, Smits, who is of Puerto Rican descent, spent his teens and early 20s in the city during the 1970s.

Following his role as pimp Nero Padilla on FX’s Sons of Anarchy, the Emmy-winning actor was offered multiple broadcast pilots this past season but opted to stay in the cable/digital space, leading to his casting on The Get Down, a project to which he immediately responded.

The 13-episode series from Luhrmann, Shawn Ryan and Sony Pictures Television, will debut in all Netflix territories in 2016.

Gallegos’ “American Sniper” Breaks All-Time Christmas Day Record at the Box Office

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a very Merry Christmas for Reynaldo Gallegos…

The Latino actor’s latest film project, American Sniper, has launched impressively in its Christmas Day debut.

Warner Bros.’ “Sniper,” starring Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller, has a stellar performance with $240,212 at four venues — breaking the all-time record for a limited release under 10 screens on Christmas Day.

It played in Dallas, Los Angeles and New York.

Clint Eastwood directed the R-rated American Sniper from a script by Jason Hall, based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography about his tour of duty in Iraq and his struggles as a father and husband.

Warner Bros. will expand American Sniper into a nationwide release on January 16 — the day after Oscar nominations are announced.

Gallegos stars as Tony in the film.

His previous credits include Gang Related, Sons of Anarchy, 24, Prison Break, NYPD Blue, Castle, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and NCIS: Los Angeles.

His feature film credits include Bad Boys II, Rambo 4 and Spider-Man 3.

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