Vincent Vargas – Mayans M.C.

By starrymag | September 24, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I’ve been working on “Mayans M.C.” and a few of my own personal projects that I’m working on.

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

A) The same old stuff in the Sutter universe. The same kind of dramatics as well as a lot more death this season.

Q) How was your character Gilly originally described to you?

A) Gilly was described to me as an ex-MMA fighter. What he lacked in wits he makes up for in brut strength. So, I’m kind of the brut of the group. That’s exactly how they originally gave it to me and I don’t think its’ too far from the truth. [laughs]

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t initially in his breakdown?

A) I started seeing there was a lot of military lingo and a military background. I believe that probably was just because of who I am in real life it made sense to make my character have a military background. Besides that, the humor. There is a lot of laughter and comradery between the groups. I think that shows on camera and that’s really genuinely who I am as a person and what I think I brought to the character.

Q) In order to portray a former MMA fighter was there anything you needed to physically or mentally do to prep?

A) My biggest thing was getting myself in better shape, in case they ask me to do some kind of MMA fight (I’m speaking just for the character himself). So, I really focused on getting myself in better shape if that came about. But I love a lot of extensive training in martial arts and boxing and in jiu-jitsu. So, it was just something I felt like I was already prepared for, but I just wanted to get myself in better shape.

Q) What keeps challenging you about portraying Gilly? Is it the diet or the strength needed to embody this individual?

A) That’s always the challenge. I want to get myself in top peak performance. Obviously, that’s always a challenge. As well as I’m surrounded by incredible cast members who are brilliant and that’s a challenge every day to try and keep up with them and not let them blow me out of the water when it comes to acting. I think daily the challenge is the script and being surrounded by such great talent.

Q) Going into Season 2 did you have much of a say in how Gilly developed?

A) No, you really don’t. I just sit back and hope I can trust. The writers know that I can do the work that they ask and I know that Elgin [James] and Kurt [Sutter] have a plan. It might not be for me this season. It might be next season or what else. I just do my best to be the best team player out there that I can and hope for the best opportunity. When I get the opportunity, hopefully I take it and run with it.

Q) Was there anyone you were looking forward to working with more this season?

A) Edward James Olmos is obviously an icon in Latino acting and just acting in general. That’s obviously someone I would love to share the screen with and share a scene with one day. I’m still waiting on that day, but that’s definitely the goal.

Q) What are some of your upcoming favorite episodes for fans to look forward to or ones that stood out to you in Season 1?

A) My favorite from Season 1 was all Coco’s (Richard Cabral) dilemma. His daughter and his mother. I’m just excited to see what comes of that. I’m excited to see what happens there. There were a lot of secrets in Season 1 and some of those secrets finally get resolved and that’s a big thing. That’s what I’m excited for everyone to see. Me, being on set, I get to watch first hand as these actors do their thing and we get to be a part of it. Teasing it is something I’m not allowed to do, but if someone take the time to watch it, they are going to be pleasantly surprised and they won’t be let down, for sure.

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

A) Laughter and the gym! We joke about it. We hang outside of work as well. Laughter is probably the best medicine as far as relieving any of the stress and going to the gym and working on my fitness. That’s been a big thing for stress relief. Being able to call the family and kind of being able to disappear for a while, whether it is Facetime with the kids or whatnot.

Q) What do you think it is about the show “Mayans M.C.” that has made it such a fan favorite series?

A) It had a huge fan following from “Sons of Anarchy” and I believe that “Sons of Anarchy” fans just want to believe the story continues. They want to hold on to the fantasy of the “Sutter-verse,” is what they call it. It’s such amazing storytelling. The fans jumped on to “Mayans M.C.” They got a taste of it in Season 1 and it will continue to grow as such. There is something about the Mayans M.C. – the comradery and the brotherhood – that is always attractive for everyone. To see loyalty and brotherhood and all of that – I think people live vicariously through us so it’s a great way to enjoy your night and watch our dysfunctional lives on screen.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure we share with our readers about Season 2?

A) I’m the technical advisor on the show as well. So, I’m trying to make sure we bring a realistic feel and touch, trying to make sure that a lot of the stuff is authentic to real life and give the viewers the best experience possible. Just based off my experience with law enforcement and military and working as a prison guard I’m able to bring that to the table and help create the story and make it be a better experience for everyone else.

Q) What kind of response have you gotten then from former coworkers about the show?

A) The thing with Hollywood is it’s really hard to do everything actor-ly. Filming is a very challenging thing timewise and budget. So, I definitely get guys calling me up saying, “I hope you are going to make this look more accurate.” But there are critics everywhere. We’re doing the best we can as a show, as a whole, to create the best thing possible. There are guys that laugh at me because I was a military Special Operations guy and, now, I’m here playing an MC character who is an outlaw. There are definitely two different roads as for what I did in real life and what I’m doing now, but there are definitely parallels to both of those. The comradery in the military is so much similar to the comradery in the M.C. So, some of the guys will never understand it. This is my career and I love playing something I’ve never done in my life. It’s been a challenge as well as an experience that I’ll never forget.

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

A) I just want them to continue their support. Watch the show. Live viewership is always important. Tell your friends about it. Tell your family that Gilly is there and he’s going to be doing his thing on screen!