By Eliana Alcaraz Esparza
In the fall of 2002, while working as an armed officer for the Miami Metro System, Roberto Sanchez received a serendipitous phone call that would forever change his life. Only moments earlier he had encountered a belligerent passenger who refused to stop smoking on the evening commute. The phone call was from his agent. Respected film director John Singleton had just cast him as one of the leads in 2 Fast 2 Furious, the second installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Roberto went on to co-star along side of actors Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson and Eva Mendez. John Singleton had tapped into that special something that told him this handsome, unknown, charismatic Latino had that rare gift of being a natural born actor.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Roberto grew up stateside in Miami’s well-known Cuban community “Little Havana.” Unfortunately, Roberto was forced to make this journey without his father who had been detained by the Cuban authorities—and as a result, he and his brother were raised by a single mother with a new language, in a new world. It would be 16 years before he saw his father again.
He distinguished himself in the Navy as a Desert Storm veteran, was a Virginia Beach military police officer and competed professionally in the highly touted European league as a Naval basketball player. He then became a successful print model and eventually an actor. Taking advantage of his role in 2F2F, Roberto packed his bags, purchased a one-way ticket to Hollywood, California and has never looked back.
Today, Roberto is one of the busiest Latino’s in the industry having worked in over 80 projects. Look for him in his upcoming role as Lucho Cruz in FXs new drama series, Gang Related, which premieres on May 22nd. In addition, Roberto stars in Mike Ott’s indie Lake Los Angeles, which premieres on June 14th at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
Herald de Paris guest contributor, Eliana Alcaraz Esparza recently ran into Roberto at a Toluca Lake, CA coffee shop and two hours later, was blown away by his inspiring acting career and some intimate details of his personal life.
Your big break came when you were cast in 2 Fast & 2 Furious in 2002. How and when did it finally sink in that you were part of something special?
RS: I’d say our first day on the set is when it hit me. That day we shot in “Little Havana,” an area where I grew up at the restaurant “Versailles.” There were so many people taking pictures and trying to get as close as they could to Paul [Walker] and Tyrese [Gibson]. Even though I was in this $80 million dollar film, it took those great fans that day to help me realize that this was a game changer.
How was John Singleton able to get the amazing performance you delivered?
RS: John had a wonderful way of directing me in terms that were not technical. I think he quickly realized that I didn’t have any experience as an actor. So he was able to break it down in ways that I could relate and make it my own.
How did the untimely death of Paul Walker affect you?
RS: It was totally shocking. I was having dinner with a friend and people were texting me about the news. At first I thought it was a hoax of some kind but then I saw the headlines on CNN. It was very sad because he was such a sweetheart of a guy and always extended himself toward helping others. It was a harsh reminder that we are here but for a moment, we are not promised a tomorrow.
You’re one of the busiest character actors in the industry, yet when you started you had never acted professionally! Had you any type of training?
RS: Sure, I’d taken a “Meisner” class early on (I believe that’s my foundation as an actor) to learn about the acting side of things. I even took a couple of improv classes in case I ever got a chance to do a commercial.
Starting an acting career at 38 is nearly unheard of. What do you say to someone who says to you, ‘it’s too late for me?”
RS: If I listened to everyone that told me “NO” or “You are too old” I wouldn’t be here talking to you today. It is never too late to pursue your dreams. If you want it, go for it! You’ve got but one life to live, so live it!
What’s next for you?
RS: I have a five projects coming out this year and in 2015. Lake Los Angeles, I also have The Night Crew” with Danny Trejo, Bokeem Woodbine, Luke Goss; and Visions with Isla Fisher, Anson Mount and Eva Longoria will soon follow.
Tell us about your role in Lake Los Angeles?
RS: Francisco is the quiet unassuming man who left Cuba years ago in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. His family, whom he left in Cuba until he could get them to the U.S., has spent years separated from him. He loves his family and is a hard worker, sends them money… but something happened to him. The dream [that brought him to America] had never truly materialized. He now works at a holding house and Cecilia, a 10-year old Mexican girl traveling alone ends up there with no family members to protect her. Though they are perfect strangers and are on opposite ends of this “pursuit of a better life” journey. They find a common bond.
Thank you, Roberto for sharing your inspiring story.
Watch Roberto Sanchez’s poignant performance in Lake Los Angeles on June 14 and 19th 2014 at the Los Angeles Film Festival world premiere. Lake Los Angeles is the third installment of Mike Ott’s highly regarded Antelope Valley Trilogy.
Originally printed in Herald de Paris.
Follow Roberto Sanchez on social media:
Facebook: Facebook.com/RobertoSanchez
Twitter: @mrrsanchez
Instagram: esecubanito
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