John Leguizamo continues his remarkable career spanning over three decades, starring in the new film “Bob Trevino Likes It.” The movie, directed by Tracie Laymon, is loosely based on her real-life story and explores themes of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. In this role, Leguizamo plays a more sensitive and nurturing man, marking a departure from his usual tough-guy characters.
“What excites me about this project is the new type of masculinity we need to put forward,” Leguizamo says. “This guy’s just a regular dude, a parental figure who shows vulnerability and kindness.” The film follows Laymon, played by Barbie Ferreira, as she forms an unlikely friendship with an internet stranger who shares her name.
Leguizamo has never shied away from taking on challenging roles, from playing Shakespeare to creating one-man Broadway shows. One of his earliest major movie roles was in “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar,” a film that still holds power 30 years after its release. He praises the movie’s enduring themes of inclusivity and respect.
Despite significant progress since the film’s release in 1995, Leguizamo notes that many of these themes remain sadly relevant today. The actor has been an advocate for representation, particularly for the Latino community, highlighting the importance of casting more diverse actors in leading roles.
Leguizamo’s latest project is a notable step forward in this effort, with both he and Ferreira being of Latino background. He expresses his excitement about being part of a film that celebrates the beauty of Latinx culture while also promoting respect and inclusivity for all characters. “Latino stories don’t always have to be just about Latino culture,” Leguizamo emphasizes. “They can be about anything because we’re the same as everybody else when you scratch beneath the surface.”
Source: https://ew.com/john-leguizamo-patrick-swayze-wesley-snipes-could-have-wrecked-careers-to-wong-foo-11700063