At age 21, Cuban-American Antonio Elias did what thousands of aspiring actors do every year: leave behind everything he’s ever known to chase the bright lights of fame. After a life-changing move from his native Boca Raton to Los Angeles, he obtained a role in the ABC pilot “A House Divided.” However, the series was soon canceled. While this could have easily been a major blow for some, it was a blessing in disguise for the determined entertainer. Not only did he go on to appear in several television shows, including “Ghost Whisperer,” “Vanished,” and “The Game,” but by age 26, Elias had his major break in what would soon be one of 2009’s biggest blockbusters. Working alongside Latino actors Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana, Elias made his film debut as “Officer Pitts” in Star Trek, which made over $75 million in its opening weekend alone. Yet, Elias is only getting started in a fast track to becoming one of the most notable Latino actors on the silver screen.
Elias, who’ll be appearing in his first leading role as Ramon in the feature film Spoken Word, chatted with nocheLatina about his journey to an unknown city, working alongside music legend Ruben Blades, and whether Hollywood is all that its cracked up to be.
nocheLatina: When did you realize that you were meant to be an actor?
Antonio Elias: I think after the first show I did when I was eight-years-old. I always liked movies when I was younger and I would act out scenes from my favorite films, but as soon as I did an organized play I was hooked. It all seemed so natural.
nocheLatina: I read that as a child, you would do a lot of ‘impressions.’ What was that all about? Who would you say was your favorite person to impersonate?
Antonio Elias: I would just impersonate actors that I saw on TV and in films. I even impersonate family members. I have to say that my favorite person to impersonate was Jim Carrey. I was around 10-years-old when his films started becoming really popular. I would sit in front of the mirror trying to get his facial expressions down. I used to be really good at it, but I'm definitely rusty now. It's been years.
nocheLatina: How has being involved in community theatre impacted you as an actor?
Antonio Elias: The community theatre I did when I was younger laid the foundation of my acting experience and what I would learn in the future. I still miss doing as much theatre as I used to.
nocheLatina: Many stars talk about some of their first jobs they had. What was your most embarrassing job or role thus far?
Antonio Elias: I can't say that I've really had any embarrassing roles yet. Boring, I know.
nocheLatina: Would you ever consider Broadway?
Antonio Elias: When I first started acting that was my goal. My roots are in musical theatre so I would definitely like to revisit that in the future.
nocheLatina: At a young age, you did what most aspiring actors do, which is head to Los Angeles. Why were you so determined to make such a drastic move from Florida to LA?
Antonio Elias: I knew I wanted to be an actor. Los Angeles is the place to do it so when the time came I just did it. I'm not saying it was easy to pack up, move, and leave my family, but I knew it was something I needed to do. It was tough, believe me.
nocheLatina: What was your experience like playing Eduardo in the television series ‘In Justice’ for ABC?
Antonio Elias: ‘In Justice’ was my first job out here so I was super excited. I was grateful to even have that opportunity and to say I wasn't really nervous would be a lie. I got to meet Kyle Maclachlan who I really admired when I was younger after I first saw him as Paul Atreides in Dune. The day I met him I got a little star struck and wanted to talk about Dune. I think I may have embarrassed myself. I've tried not to think about it! I really learned a lot on that shoot though. It was such a great experience and I was so happy the entire time.
nocheLatina: Do you prefer working on a film or television set?
Antonio Elias: My dream is to do feature films, but being on television sets is just as exciting. It’s being able to work as an actor and that’s what I came here to do.
nocheLatina: What was going through your mind when you found out that you were chosen to be in Star Trek?
Antonio Elias: Words could never express what I was feeling at that moment. It was surreal. I was just so grateful. It took me a while to wrap my head around it. I'm still excited over the whole thing.
nocheLatina: Did you ever think that this movie would be as big as it turned out to be?
Antonio Elias: I did believe the movie was going to be big. Everyone on set had such a good feeling while working on the film. We all knew we were part of something special.
nocheLatina: Star Trek is known for their die-hard fans. How did you prepare for your role?
Antonio Elias: I was never a hardcore Star Trek fan when I was younger. I was more of a Star Wars fan, but I watched all the films growing up so I knew all the characters, their relationships, and the cultural weight it has. To prep for the role, I rented all the original Star Trek films to brush up and really get a handle on it again.
nocheLatina: How did you, along with the entire Star Trek crew, manage to keep the film such a big secret?
Antonio Elias: Under fear of death. No that's a joke. We had to sign multiple confidentiality agreements prior to filming. As excited as I was to tell my friends and family, I respected and appreciated what I was a part of. I wanted people to be surprised when they saw the film so I didn't have a problem not talking about it.
nocheLatina: Star Trek offered many Latinos, such as yourself, the opportunity to be part of a major film. What are your thoughts on Latinos in Hollywood? Do you believe that Latinos have truly come a long way in the movie industry?
Antonio Elias: I think people from all cultures have so many amazing talents and I think the world is starting to recognize that and shine a light on it. I do think Latinos have come a long way, as well as many other cultures. I would just like to see a continued appreciation for artists and their talents, no matter where they come from.
nocheLatina: What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced as a Latino in Hollywood?
Antonio Elias: Honestly, I haven't faced many at all. To say I've been blessed would be a gross understatement. I've been able to audition for all types of roles, not just Latino characters. I think it’s great that people can look beyond the fact that I'm Latino and just see an actor.
nocheLatina: Elaborate on your first leading role as Ramon in the upcoming feature film Spoken Word.
Antonio Elias: The film stars Ruben Blades, Kuno Becker, Monique Curnen, Miguel Sandoval, and myself. It's the story of a San Francisco spoken word artist (Kuno Becker) that returns to New Mexico to be with his dying father (Ruben Blades) only to find he loses his ‘voice’ as he is sucked into the dysfunctional life of drugs and violence that he left behind. It's a nice little movie. It was directed by Victor Nunez. It finished post-production this past February and is being submitted to various film festivals. The production company is actively seeking distribution.
nocheLatina: What was it like working with Ruben Blades who is an important figure in the Latin community?
Antonio Elias: I knew who he was growing up because my family always loved his music and he's in God knows how many films so it was an awesome experience. I really learned a lot from him on set. He's also a genuinely nice guy and very funny. I could go on and on about how great it was to work with him, but I'll just say I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
nocheLatina: Is there an actor or actress that you would love to work with?
Antonio Elias: Harrison Ford would be number one right now. The original Indiana Jones films were my favorite when I was younger. Ever since then I've wanted to work with him.
nocheLatina: How would you like to be remembered?
Antonio Elias: As a man who was loved by his friends, family, and loved ones, and as someone who had a positive effect on those around him and the world as well. I just want to be a good person and human being.
Photos courtesy of Dennis Apergis.
