Roberto Escobar
For Cuban-American actor Roberto Escobar, with a 38-year career, his greatest achievement has been staying relevant throughout the years, including nine spent in Colombia.
“If you look at the percentage of actors who can make a living from this, it’s incredibly small. According to SAG-AFTRA figures, less than 2% qualify for health insurance and a pension. I’ve been fortunate enough to qualify for both. This is true for both Latino and Anglo artists, but of course, American actors don’t face the same challenges. For Latinos, it’s much harder because the opportunities and work available are more limited,” says Escobar.
He further noted that, amidst the growing emphasis on diversity in Hollywood, “there should be more roles for people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Asians. Yet, Latinos, one of the largest minority groups in the US, with 60 million of us, are still underrepresented on the screen.”
Escobar believes that Latino talent is gradually making progress in global and Anglo markets, but not to the extent of their potential. He feels that Latinos are still often typecast into limited roles, such as mobsters, despite the diverse range of careers and professions among Hispanic communities. “They still pigeonhole us into certain characters, particularly in mob-related projects, when in reality, Hispanics are represented in all fields, from doctors to lawyers. However, I believe that more opportunities are opening up as audiences become more accepting of foreign-language films and TV shows with subtitles, something they were previously resistant to.”
He explains that his acting career initially led him to the English market. Through a program called Corte Tropical and other initiatives, he eventually made his way to Colombia. In the beginning, he focused on productions like Miami Vice and B.L. Stryker. Later, he ventured into the Hispanic market and continues to work in both markets today.
Escobar believes that there’s a need for more content that authentically reflects Hispanic experiences. “We need more talented Hispanic writers creating original stories with themes that resonate with our culture. Instead of adapting to the English market’s storytelling conventions, we should be showcasing our own rich and diverse cultures. I think this is the first step: more projects written by Hispanics. Many projects that are created by non-Hispanic writers often lack an understanding of Hispanic culture and idiosyncrasies. I’ve worked with directors from other countries, and their vision of Hispanics can be quite different from our reality. We are best equipped to write and tell our own stories,” he noted.
He recalled that many talented Latin individuals can contribute to these stories, such as writer Luis Zelkowicz and director Alfonso Cuarón, among many others.
Escobar also highlighted the rise of streaming platforms, which has benefited him personally through projects like Bad Monkey for Apple TV+ and Bloodline for Netflix. As a producer for Resplandor Films, he emphasizes that these platforms offer new opportunities to showcase diverse projects.
Escobar believes that strong professional ethics are essential for success. “As an actor, you’re known for your work ethic, delivering quality performances, ensuring your scenes are well-executed, and contributing to the overall success of the project. This includes promoting the project after it’s completed, rather than simply considering your job done upon finishing your part. I’ve always prioritized professional ethics, striving to give 110% to every project and contributing to its success. When I’m hired for a project, I feel like part of a team. I believe that an actor’s best introduction is their work ethic and professionalism. It’s not just about talent; it’s about showing up prepared, focused, and ready to work. I think all actors should prioritize these fundamental aspects before focusing solely on talent. Once you’re hired, give your best performance and support the project.”
Throughout his career, Escobar has had the privilege of working alongside actors he’s always admired, including Albert Finney, Colin Firth, and Burt Reynolds. “I’ve been fortunate enough to live my dream. As an actor, you dream of these opportunities, and I’m living that dream. And when I achieve my current dreams, I’ll have new ones to pursue. After all, if you don’t dream, none of your dreams will come true.”
Escobar predicts that the future of film and TV will see significant changes in the realm of special effects, while content driven by strong storytelling will remain relatively unaffected. “Action-oriented films will likely undergo substantial changes, as actors may increasingly find themselves performing in front of green screens or motion capture suits. The majority of the visual effects will be added digitally, as seen in films like Spider-Man and Avengers. While these technological advancements will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of special effects-heavy films, I believe that art cinema and storytelling-driven projects will remain relatively untouched by these trends.”
Escobar’s recent projects include the film Plantados directed by Lilo Vilaplana, in which he portrayed the character of El Cabo, a prisoner. He also appeared in the Apple TV+ series Bad Monkey and the play Sweet Fifteen. Additionally, he has worked on Colombian productions such as the films Línea de Tiempo and Descendientes (which was also adapted into a series) through his production company, Resplandor Films. Escobar emphasized that Resplandor Films is a small, international team dedicated to producing high-quality content.
He also worked with the English actress Mary-Louise Parker in the film Omni Loop which recently debuted in theaters.
View Escobar’s reel
View the trailer of 11 Grados de Culpa
View the trailer of Perseguida
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