Interview by Andreea Boyer // Edited by Chris Charles of Idol Features

From a young age, award-winning actor Ricardo Chávez began his path to success. Born in Mexico City, he was a well-read student and accomplished in martial arts by the time he appeared in his first stage production at the age of 16. Besides theater, his resume now includes several films and a multitude of TV shows. Also a successful international model and author, Ricardo have been the face of such brands as Armani and Hugo Boss. In 2011, he authored his best-selling book on spiritual well-being and development, Your Life Does Not Have to be a Soap Opera. (Above photo by Virginia Anza.)

Andreea Boyer: How did you start your career as an actor and what has been your motivation?

Ricardo Chávez: I started as a commercial actor when I was a kid. I used to do commercials and that was fun since I was very young. I grew up very lonely, I would spend countless hours reading books and discovering the world through them. I had a vivid imagination and was always imagining different scenarios where I was either the hero or someone important in the story. I have always loved the Middle Ages and any film with swords in it would be the best thing in the world to me. So, when I was a teenager, I started studying drama and training in different schools and wanted to start creating characters at a professional level. I had my first experience in theater and that changed everything for me because the power that I felt on stage was something that I would never forget. I then realized that I wanted to explore deeper into my soul and find the way to transform myself into the character that I would be playing and not only interpret them.

Andreea Boyer: What has inspired you?

Ricardo Chávez: Inspiration always comes from pain. We all have gone through tough experiences at different levels and through acting I discover a way to “exorcise” that pain.

Andreea Boyer: Which moments in your career have been the most influential ones for you?

Ricardo Chávez: Every time I am able to positively influence someone with either my work or with he platform and the voice that “celebrity” gives me, it is a very satisfactory moment because I am able to help others through my craft. Certain theater plays that I have had the opportunity of working on have also been very important in my life.  Theater is always something scary for an actor. Same as for dancers, singers, etc. And every time I step foot on stage, in front of a crowd, it is a defining moment of truth where the artist needs to get out and the actor has to hide behind him. I love this because it is a “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” moment where one side of me has to take the lead and do the work.

Andreea Boyer: Which of your films do you feel have had the most impact on your career?

Ricardo Chávez: I have worked in a bunch of movies, theater plays, and TV shows. The movies that have had the most impact in my career are Se Habla Español and Pretty Boy.

Andreea Boyer: What can you tell us about your best experience in your work as an actor?

Ricardo Chávez: There is a play that I worked in where I interpreted an old, crazy homeless man called El Viejo Repudios. That was a very beautiful experience because during my preparation for the role, I went to the streets of Mexico City dressed like a homeless man and was able to live that fascinating, yet tough and sad world of homeless people. It was a life-changing experience. Also, a role that I did for TV called “Diosdado Amado,” for the TV show Sweet Secret (Dame Chocolate) was an amazing experience because it was the first time that I had a multitude of young children and teenagers following me. My character was a very strong and big guy with a child-like soul and that was a very beautiful experience.

Andreea Boyer: What are your favorite film genres?

Ricardo Chávez: I LOVE time pieces, mostly the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. I like anything where I can play a real life hero, who would sacrifice everything out of love. I obviously also love the romantic drama genre.

Andreea Boyer: What are your recommendations for all actors of all ages on how they should work on their goals and stay positively focused on their talent?

Ricardo Chávez: The most important thing that I can tell them is that you shouldn’t even attempt to become an actor unless you are willing to settle with NOT being rich and famous, but still, find joy in your art and passion. The reason to become an actor is extremely important because most actors think that they will become wealthy and famous and only a very small percentage get there. The other very important thing is that you have to train, train, train. Being an actor is like being an athlete who wants to compete in the Olympic Games. At that level, you would have to train 8-12 hours a day every day for many years. So if you want to be an actor, you have to be willing to do the same effort and don’t get depressed or quit just because you are rejected a thousand times because that will happen for sure. So always study and prepare your instrument and soul to get there. Just keep going and if you are truly passionate about your craft, you will certainly have a very rewarding and satisfactory career.

Thank you, Mr. Chávez. We wish you continues success.

See more on Ricardo Chávez and his works at his official website and his IMDb page.