There are no right and wrong ways to work in this business, but there are some basic common-sense practices. Work very, very hard and always be prepared; never give up; and once you get the job, give them more than they ever expected: - Shine!
— Jimmy Smits
In my college years, I worked as a union labor organizer. I was just one of the many workers trying to do my part to help the community.
I like the gypsy aspect of this business.
I've been in California for about 15 years now. You're always in your car and insulated. I miss New York so much.
Celebrity hits like a bomb.
Just give me a good role that allows me to hone my craft, and I am a pretty happy camper.
If you're afraid to live your life in a glass bubble, how can you do what we do in this industry?
I am a firm believer in education and have worked very hard to tell young Latinos that they must go to college and that, if possible, they should pursue an advanced degree. I am convinced that education is the great equalizer.
I'm an actor. I love to act. That's my job. I'll leave the politicking to others.
It's less about the physical training, in the end, than it is about the mental preparation: boxing is a chess game. You have to be skilled enough and have trained hard enough to know how many different ways you can counterattack in any situation, at any moment.
I never thought television would or could be a long-term commitment.
I've been very lucky to work on a wide variety of projects, including two long-run and top-10 dramatic television shows. That is why it is so important to offer a helping hand to the next generation of young Latinos coming up behind me.
For minority actors, developing our own projects has to be the eventual path. We have a lot of stories to tell and a really unique voice. But none of that is going to be heard as long as we're just the hired hands, acting.
