Antonio Jaramillo – Mayans M.C.

By starrymag | September 17, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) Right now, we are still finishing up Season 2 of “Mayans M.C.” That pretty much fills up my schedule, so I have to wait until we wrap in order seek out other cool projects!

 

Q) What can you tease is in store on the upcoming season of “Mayans M.C.?”

 

A) Season 2 of “Mayans M.C.” will definitely be full of surprises! More blood, more trouble, more fun!

 

Q) How was Riz originally described to you?

 

A) Originally the role of Michael “Riz” Ariza was presented to me as the “Secretario,” the one in charge of the money for the club and one of the coolest guys in the club who was also a terrific fighter.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in that initial breakdown?

 

A) Yes! I wanted Riz to have a spiritual element and not be just a bad ass! So, I made him somewhat religious. In fact, all of the ink on his chest and arms came from scriptures from The Bible. I wanted him to have this personal internal battle of good and evil in him.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about portraying him? 

 

A) Personally, it is challenging as an actor not have a lot of storylines in a show. We have a lot of guys in the club, so it will take time to explore all the roles in the show. I’m anxious to play and find out more about Riz!

 

Q) Have you had much of a say in how the character develops in Season 2?

 

A) We had some conversations in regard to Season 2 and our roles. It is as much a surprise to us as actors as it is for the audience! The first time we find out about it is when we do the table read for each episode. I have some cool ideas for my role but not sure if they coincide with what Kurt [Sutter] has in mind.

 

Q) As El Secretario of the club, what do you think Riz isn’t willing to do for his brothers?

 

A) Well, I lost my “secretario” patch in Season 1 due some business I was doing on the side with bringing girls from Mexico into my Aunt Vicky’s ranch. I want to get it back! The club is about honor and loyalty, so I am going to have to do everything and anything in order to regain the trust from my brothers.

 

Q) Riz loves his hair almost as much as his motorcycle. If he were to choose between losing his hair and losing his bike, which would he be able to give up?

 

A) Let me clear something up! It is the women who love Riz’s hair and, naturally, I like that! But I am not choosing my hair over my bike. I will ride bald if I had to!

 

Q) Was there someone(s) you were looking forward to working with more in Season 2?

 

A) I wanted to work more with Angel (Clayton Cardenas) and Felipe Reyes (Edward James Olmos), but not sure how Riz would find himself talking to Felipe in the show. But we chat with one another off camera all the time.

 

Q) What have been some of your favorite moments from filming “Mayans M.C.?”

 

A) The best part of filming the show is getting to hang out with the guys and getting to know one another better. We really enjoy each other’s company!

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) I always come home and pour myself some tequila and listen to some good music.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) I think we have a very “sexy cool” show and fans seem to agree with us!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the fan feedback you receive to the episodes?

 

A) Personally, I’m still learning how to use all this social media stuff. I do enjoy fans comments and opinions and from time to time I answer back and say hello!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I sincerely appreciate all the fans and their energy and enthusiasm! Without them, we wouldn’t be here.