Kirk Acevedo – 12 Monkeys

By starrymag | May 9, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

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

A) Right now, I can’t talk about some of them. There are two things I’m trying to finalize so I can’t talk about both of them.

Q) How was your character José Ramse originally described to you?

A) He was the moral compass of the show. Originally, I auditioned for the role of Cole. For whatever reason, it didn’t go any farther. Then, they kept wanting me to come back in for Ramse and I kept saying “no.” It was like four or five times. So, finally they said, “We want you to play Ramse. Can you just speak with us over the phone?” Then, they pitched the Ramse story and the idea behind him. The idea was that it was going to be like a cop show, but set in the future where you figure out how to solve this problem in the past. It was a pretty good story. I realized it, capitulated and surrendered. Then, I said, “Okay!”

Q) Was there anything you added to your role as Ramse that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) I added so much that they probably despise me. [laughs] I added a lot! Originally, it read more like comedic relief. I maybe added a little bit more seriousness to it. I added a little more weight to it and pep.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together?

A) It’s cool. It’s fun. We all get along. We have a good time. It’s cold in Toronto and that I don’t like. I don’t like cold weather. Other than that, things run smoothly.

Q) The show is a part of the Syfy Network. What makes it such a great fit for them?

A) It’s a science fiction show. It could be on another network because as a film it was stamped with sci-fi all over as a classic. It’s just more a complimentary fit for Syfy.

Q) What was your most memorable moment from filming “12 Monkeys?”

A) I like doing the episode where there was a lot of silence and quiet. It was being methodical and it was contemplating the next move. It was very flashy and I liked doing that. I had fun in the second season filming in Budapest where I was running across the bridge. That was fun and cool.

Q) What was it for you filming in Budapest?

A) It was bittersweet because I was sick. I had a fever for like a week. It was crazy because I had to run across the bridge and I had a big fever. I probably could have enjoyed it more if I weren’t sick. Every day I wasn’t filming, I was literally in bed feeling like hell.

Q) Is there someone you would like to have some scenes with or more scenes with?

A) I work with everyone this season so there wasn’t anyone that I didn’t get to work with. I had fun with Brendan Coyle.

Q) You often take on these dramatic roles. Is there something that draws you to them more than say sitcom work?

A) The first two films I ever did were comedies. Unfortunately, in our business you are only as good as the last thing you wrote. So, if they think you can only write this sort of material for these types of people they don’t know what else you can do unless you can show them. It’s kind of the same thing with our business. I’m a classically trained actor so I’m used to doing Shakespeare. I’ve done all the classics, but no one knows this because they haven’t seen it. All they’ve seen is he played an inmate. Then, they go “He’s going to play a cop.” So, now I play a cop. Well, I can’t play an FBI Agent because it is different. Now, they’re like, “Well, I don’t know if he can play an inmate.” It’s hysterical! It’s bizarre. You’re only as good as what you’ve played. Would I like to do other things? Of course. And so would any other actor. We’d like to do everything different all the time, but it’s the business.

Q) Do you still go out for comedic roles then?

A) I do, but it’s got to be the right thing. My humor is very deadpan. So, it’s got to be the right thing more than anything.

Q) What can you tease is in store for “12 Monkeys” Season Two?

A) It is a faster burn than last season. There is a lot of trust issues with me and Cole (Aaron Stanford) and Dr. Railly (Amanda Schull). The season delves into that more. We’ll see a lot more of that this season.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive from fans?

A) It’s cool. I have fun with people on Twitter and stuff. You have to take the good with the good and the bad with the bad. People put their opinions out there whether they hurt people or not. I joke around with everyone and I don’t take things too seriously. I love it. I love the banter on Twitter.

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

A) I think because it is ever changing. You get to go back in time. All the questions you ask yourself like “What would I do differently” and “What would I change?” are universal ideas everyone has had about their lives and their past. I think everyone can relate to those questions.

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

A) I am glad they tune in and watch what we do. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without their support. If you see me anywhere, stop and say hello. Hit me up on Twitter! We’ll exchange some humor back and forth. I’m just glad people even watch it!