Rafael V. DeLeon – She’s Gotta Have It

By starrymag | June 2, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I’ve been continuing to build my television credits. I’m always auditioning and working on my craft. Most recently I worked on “New Amsterdam” on NBC.

 

Q) What is new this season on “She’s Gotta Have It” and with Manny?

 

A) SO MUCH! This season finds our characters continuing to grow while navigating both personal and socioeconomic hurdles. Manny finds himself caught in the middle of factors larger than himself.

 

Q) How was your Manny originally described to you?

 

A) He was described as a gear-head, Brooklyn Hipster. Best friend of Mars de Blackmon (Anthony Ramos). I live in Brooklyn myself so it has been a fun experience filming a project “at home.”

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally in the script?

 

A) With all scripts I try to inject aspects of myself to humanize and create a character. The script was created by a room of great writers so besides my lived experiences and character analysis, I didn’t have to add much.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about portraying him?

 

A) I believe the challenge for me has come communicating the layers and depth of his character with limited lines. Making sure to deliver the storyline and maximize the opportunity.

 

Q) Have you had much of a say in Manny’s character development?

 

A) I have not, but sometimes staying fateful for being on the boat means that you don’t need to be the captain.

 

Q) Coming into Season 2, were you looking forward to sharing more scenes or any scenes with any specific cast members?

 

A) I was! Being onset with Anthony and Dewanda [Wise] has been amazing. I’ve been able to watch and learn as they work which has been an incredible experience these last two seasons.

 

Q) How hands on has creator Spike Lee been with the filming of the show?

 

A) Very hands on! Spike directs with an actor-inclusive approach. He had everyone from the show do a table read before we started filming and it was like the first day of school.

 

Q) What do you think about this “She’s Gotta Have It” that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) The relatability. In today’s society, when social media, social justice, online dating are all commonplace, SGHI shows and dives into this space. Plus, being in Brooklyn is second-to-none.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Netflix that makes it such a great home for this series?

 

A) Netflix is the premiere place for new media. It’s the ladder of online streaming and accessible for the masses.

 

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

 

A) I do. I love engaging with fans. It’s been great to hear from friends who I grew up with or people I’ve crossed paths with at various points in life.

 

@rafaelvdeleon on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat

Rafael V. DeLeon on Facebook.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) I would tell them to continue doing their research. Study the craft. Study how you’re favorite actors communicate emotion via the film and television mediums. Invest in yourself.

 

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

 

A) Thank you. My career doesn’t have a platform without the support of family, friends, and fans. For that I’m eternally grateful.