Henri Esteve – Grown-ish

By starrymag | February 13, 2020

By: Malasha Parker

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your new character, Javier, from “Grown-ish.”

A) Determined. Ambitious. Smart, well-educated.  Javi’s resilience is probably my favorite thing about him. Dude is ready to put his hand to the fire if he believes in the cause. Those have always been my favorite people and characters.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) First and foremost, Kenya Barris. The opportunity to be a part of one of his brain children. I think Kenya’s shows have been doing a really good job of pushing the conversation forward, tackling present day issues and posing questions that I think need to be posed. Our writers do a really good job of exploring topics rather than pushing agendas. That’s not happening very much on TV and I was really excited by the opportunity to be a part of that.

 

Q) Were you a fan of the series before joining this season?

A) I definitely have watched it.

 

Q) What was your favorite part of portraying Javier?

A) Being able to play with that resilience I spoke about earlier. There is something about playing a character who is constantly trying to better himself. It slowly starts to appear in your real life, which in this case was a welcomed occupational hazard.

 

Q) What was the atmosphere like on the set of “Grown-ish?”

A) It was fun. The cast really are friends with each other, make fun of each other, sing along, dance and play games…Those types of relationships, that type of fun atmosphere off-camera, seeps into the relationships on-camera. You can see that on the screen.

 

Q) “Grown-ish” is known for tackling a lot of current issues. In what ways does your character get a chance to stir things up on the show?

A) I wish I could answer that, but if I tell you…I’d have to kill you. Or lose my job.

 

Q) Your character will be involved with Francia Raisa’s Ana. How would you describe their dynamic?

A) There is not much I can say without giving away spoilers…So, in the spirit of staying vague…I think they both remind each other of home, which automatically gives them a connection. There’s something really nice about finding someone that grew up the same way you did when you’re so far away from family. That being said, they’ll also push and challenge each other in ways you are not expecting.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes or episodes to shoot?

A) 312 was written by a really good friend and it’s rare that you get the chance to work with people you love. So, 312. Shout out to Wade Allain-Marcus.

 

Q) What does it mean to you to be a part of such an iconic series?

A) I am really proud of it. I’m happy to be part of something I think will stand the test of time. I think in “X” amount of years we’re going to look back at “Grown-ish” the same way we look at “Freaks and Geeks.” Almost like a little talent incubator, and I mean that for the talent across the board from directors to actors to writers.

 

Q) Please tell us a little bit about the advocacy work that you plan to do.

A) I just finished shooting “Grown-ish,” so I am in talks with a few people on what I plan to do as it’s a goal of mine to get involved as soon as I have the time, especially with mental health and Latino art programs.

 

Q) Why is it so important for you to be so active in 2020?

A) I’ve had my own struggles with depression. So, any chance to help out and let someone know they are not alone with these feelings that are so widespread and common, then I’m happy to do that, especially in 2020 where we all seem to hide behind some perfectly happy and successful representation of ourselves on social media. It makes it easy for people to feel really lonely, and isolated. I have felt that. So, trying to speak and bring awareness and empathy to the subject is the least I can do.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans that follow you and your work?

A) Truly just thank you.