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Carlos Alazraqui [Interview]
August 21, 2020 by rontrembathiii Leave a comment
Hello Folks! I can not even begin to tell you how excited I am for today's interview. But, I suppose it is my job to do so. It's Carlos Alazraqui! Although I am certain I didn't have to tell you that. Carlos is absolutely legendary figure in the world of comedy. I of course, first became a huge fan of his portrayal of Deputy Garcia in the cult classic and absolutely timeless series Reno 911. To say I liked the show a lot during its initial 6 season run would be a drastic understatement. I fucking LOVED it. The show actually serves as a time stamp of a wonderful period in my life. Stranded for a half a decade in Nowhereville, South Dakota, there was hardly a single day that I spent at my job full of friends where this show wasn't quoted in some form. I wouldn't say the show was ahead of it's time, but I will definitely state that it is timeless. And my absolute favorite parts of the show occurred when Carlos was on screen, especially alongside Deputy Jones portrayed by Cedric Yarbrough.
Carlos has been working in the world of comedy and entertainment for over 35 years and has so many tremendous accomplishments even beyond the world of Reno 911. But, I would be a damn liar if I said I wasn't giddy as shit to have my favorite character from one of my favorite series of all time grace our digital pages here today. His new film Witness Infection, which looks incredible, is en route for your viewing pleasure real soon. Be sure to watch the trailer below and check out the film's website to learn more.
So, Folks, please enjoy some incredible words from the legend himself, Carlos Alazraqui!
(Yo, Temp – look at us now? "And the installation is freeeee!!")
When did you discover that you wanted to work in the world of entertainment? Was it something that you were always drawn to since your youth? Or did you happen to find yourself in this world one day?
I was definitely drawn to different dialects and characters at home with South American parents and my best friend Kevin, who's parents were from Glasgow , Scotland. Watching cartoons and all the great 70s TV sitcoms, Monty Python. But watching Carol Burnett really gave me some early inspiration. Mime and Stand Up Comedy found me at Sacramento State University in 85' with the help of a professor named Ernie Olsen – he got me to try those things and I was hooked!
What was your very first paid gig in the world of entertainment? And were there any sort of lessons learned from this gig that still affects your work to date?
I think my first paid gig was at Laughs Unlimited in Sacramento as an Emcee. I soon became the house Emcee and learned how to transition from comedy as a hobby into a job.
You legendarily portray Deputy Garcia in the beloved series Reno 911. I have to admit that the most memorable moments from the show occurred between Garcia and Jones. For me personally, it was the heart of what I loved about the show. With that, I am curious to know what you would consider your most memorable moments from working on the show? What sort of memories do you hold most dear in your heart?
I LOVED my moments with Cedric. Like having a younger brother on the set with me. I will always revere that chemistry. My favorite scene is in the patrol car when he throws a piece of trash out the window and we end up drawing guns on each other and laughing. It was all about what was felt- not said.
You have done extensive work in the world of voice over work. We have spoken with many folks who work in this field. And I am always curious to know how the work compares to on screen work? For you personally, how do you draw yourself into creating a character without physically being on screen creating the look of the character yourself? And how would you say it is similar to on screen work?
Voice acting, like stand up comedy, is theatre of the mind. We do it naturally. Think about playing with dolls as a kid or talking to your pets. You create scenarios in your head and play them out. Voice vs on camera is relative to the project. Reno 911 is a blast. Some on camera gigs you wait around all day for ten minutes of shooting. Some VO gigs are more tedious than others as well. I have NO problem not playing off others- it's how all of us audition
If you were handed an unlimited budget and all means necessary to create the biopic of any legendary figure in American history, who would it be about?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg comes to mind. 90 yer plus and still a Supreme Court Justice. Still fighting cancer. The road she must have taken and the obstacles….
What does the future hold for you? Anything you would like to share with our readers?
More VO work for sure- Kamp Koral, Maya And The 3, Trese, Casagrandes. My film , Witness Infection is nearing distribution – go to WitnessInfection.com – more writing. Playing with my kids, hopefully returning to Banc Of California Stadium to see my beloved LAFC.
Just my two girls, Rylee and Austen every day! That and Love on the Spectrum on Netflix!