A well-known actor, he has appeared in several films but is probably best known for his roles as Lt. Tony Rodriguez on NYPD Blue and Joseph Adama in the science fiction television series Caprica. As a founding member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, he is working to promote access for Hispanic artists and professionals in the entertainment industry. Meet father of one, Esai Morales.
I&S: How has your life changed since having children?
EM: My life has changed in many ways; some greatly. The odd thing is I can’t seem to remember not having my daughter. It is almost like she has always been there just waiting for me to grow up. I am sure mature parents everywhere can relate.
Truth be told, it has curbed a lot of my unnecessary social life.
I&S: What has surprised you most about yourself now that you are a parent?
EM: I thought I was already compassionate enough. After having my child and looking into her eyes its like compassion squared.
I also seem to be more understanding and patient – especially of other parents. Before kids I was like “somebody keep that child quiet”. Now I could be at any restaurant and a child throws a tantrum…. so I exchange understanding smiles with the other parents as if saying, “Yes, I know…. I have one too.” I may not have been as understanding before.
I&S: Were you prepared for the role beforehand or are you still learning?
EM: I am learning everyday. My daughter is also incredibly smart. She loves to entertain – especially members of my staff when we are having meetings. She “cooks” Sesame Street food to all of us and we have to pretend we eat it. She stands there to get your plate.
I guess the greatest lesson I have learned from her is that life is a game! Stop being so serious.
I&S: What personal strength did you inherit from your father that you hope to pass along to your children?
EM: My father has incredible strength and conviction. He really stands up for what he believes. As a religious man his faith moves mountains. I remember him waking up before dawn and coming home after dark. He had incredible work ethic. I also remember he liked to play. Something my daughter is passing back to me.
I&S: If you have played the role of a father on film, how is it different playing one in real life?
EM: While expecting my daughter I went and played a dad in a movie called Gun Hill Road. I played an ex-con who returns from jail and finds that his only son is now a transgender – rather traumatic to a macho father. In real life you live with the consequences of your choices. With feature films you go home at night. If you are a real good actor it is not that different. You transfer the love you have for your family to your fellow actor.
I&S: You are one of the founders of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts. How has your organization benefitted the community and what are its plans for the future?
EM: Gun Hill Road is a great example of what can come when we support our aspiring filmmakers.
Since 1997 the Foundation has provided scholarships to more than 350 Hispanic students pursuing graduate degrees in the Arts totaling in excess of one million dollars. The plan continues to be the advancement of Latinos in the media, telecommunications and the entertainment industries. The foundation concentrates on increasing support and access for Hispanic artists and professionals while fostering the emergence of new talent.
I&S: You have played on Broadway with Al Pacino. For those of us who can only dream of the stage, how does it feel working at the highest level of the theater world?
EM: It’s more like I opened for Al in Salome. My character commits suicide over her and he steps in over my dead body. When I saw him in Dog Day Afternoon as a young boy that sealed it for me. I had to become an actor. It was quite the honor to be on the same stage with him. I look forward to finding another opportunity to actually act alongside him.
I&S: You will be playing a former freedom fighter in the second season of Magic City on the Starz network (June 17, 2013). How do you create and maintain the intensity of such a figure when you know that Castro was never removed despite many honorable men’s efforts?
EM: It’s a work of fiction, but again I believe the Arts can project possible realities. My character is a man who joined Castro’s revolution only to be disillusioned. Now he has joined forces with the best fighters among the Cuban exiles in Miami. While we may know how it played out in history you would be quite surprised as to how it plays out in Magic City. The story of Cuba is not over…yet.