Art: Hi, Jimmy. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
Jimmy: How are you, Art? How are you doing?
Art: Good. How are you?
Jimmy: Good, man. Good.
Art: Congratulations on the wonderful show.
Jimmy: Thank you.
Art: I was blown away by the pilot as well. It’s amazing of course. The cast is amazing as well and it’s good to see the diversity and inclusion that we’re seeing in several shows, including this one with a black lead, and with you and with women, and all this great cast. How do you feel about it?
Jimmy: I think it’s a really important thing. And, yes, with regards to our show it’s another reason why I was really positive about jumping on to this with regards to Corey’s casting and their choice of where they want to go story-wise. I love the fact that, and I’ve talked about this in interviews, that the women characters are very proactive and really move the story forward, and when they’re in positions of power they’re really exercising that power. Yes, so it’s something that I embrace totally.
Art: You have been a champion, especially for Latinos, in entertainment and outside, bringing the voices up. And we see that in TV and films things are changing for African-American, black actors and filmmakers. Not as much as we’d want, but they are changing. But you still see the representation of brown people, or especially Latinos and Asians and others are not where it should be. So how do you see that progression going, and what do you think the industry and the artists themselves can do to improve that situation?
Jimmy: Thanks for your question, Art. With regards to what you were saying about what’s happening generally, with regards to Latinos I think it’s a process. And of course you see the numbers in the major metropolitan areas increasing, and I think there’s a lot to learn with what the African-American community is enjoying right now in terms of a real resurgence in terms of story and quality types of writing and characters. And what we can see is that it’s not just about being in front of the cameras, to be in those positions where you’re doing writing, and producing, and directing, having people that are involved in it on those levels fortifies the possibility of those stories happening. So, if we can learn anything by that, that’s the place we have to get to, specifically with regards to your question about Latinos story-wise. I hope I was able to answer your question, Art.
Art: Yes. Absolutely. And I also think it’s great to see that you’re playing a presidential candidate. And when we see brown and other actors playing not just your typical roles but a wide variety of roles, it inspires other actors as well. So, thank you for doing that.
Just a follow up question on that. This is a wonderful show, but are there any other brown actors or characters that you’re a fan of right now? Any brown actors or shows that are representing brown folks that you are a fan of right now that we should look out for?
Jimmy: Well, I love the work that Dev is doing right now, he’s represented in that Oscar film that’s in contention right now.
Art: Lion.
Jimmy: Yes, Lion. Definitely. For a story like that being told not only because of the truth that’s happening with regards to the film, but for them to open it up even further and have a film about it with that quality just warms my heart.
Art: Thank you so much, Jimmy, for taking the time and all your wonderful wor and support.
Jimmy: God bless you, Art. Thank you very much, Art. Take care.
