Interview by Carol Wright | Photography: Peter Konerko
We got to chat with actor Bernardo Badillo about his role in the Sundance hit Emily The Criminal and his advice for aspiring actors.
Did a particular movie or television show spark your interest in acting?
As a young kid, I would watch reruns of I Love Lucy and see how much fun Lucy was having getting into trouble. I was precocious and always getting into trouble myself so I could definitely relate. I remember thinking I want to do all the silly, ridiculous things she’s doing. At the time I didn’t know what acting was I just knew I wanted to be on screen and make people laugh just like Lucille Ball. It was also the first time I saw a Latin man, Desi Arnaz, on English television be the star of a show. So the idea of actually being on screen someday didn’t seem farfetched. I had the will and belief that I too could be a performer.
What did you learn during your master’s program at the Actors Studio Drama School that you take with you in your career today?
Well first and foremost is ALWAYS SHOW UP! No matter if you had a bad day, if you were sick all night, if you couldn’t sleep—you have to show up, be professional and do the job you’re paid to do. More often than not you can use whatever you’re feeling in the moment good or bad to fuel the character’s intentions. Using your own personal life experiences to connect to the reality of what the character is going through will help ground you in truth and give your character depth. Often we think what’s most important is the character’s lines, but the behavior and experience of what the character is going through are just as important if not more so. All this to say at the Actors Studio I learned to be professional AND to utilize my own life experiences in my work.
Tell our readers about Emily the Criminal. What made you want to be a part of the film?
The film is about Emily played by Aubrey Plaza who gets into the “business” of being a “dummy shopper” using fake IDs and credit cards to buy and sell expensive goods. Let’s just say things spiral out of control very quickly and get dangerous for her. My character Javier happens to introduce her to the world of “dummy shopping.” Oops! I read the script and immediately connected to this incredible story, but specifically to the way my character Javier spoke and behaved. I understood what it was to be a blue-collar worker trying to survive and the words he spoke poured out of me without even trying.
How did you prepare for the role of Javier?
The character of Javier felt easy for me to step into so all I had to do was get out of the way and let the character live inside me. It sounds cliche, but I just had to be in the moment, committed to the reality of the situation, and receive from the other character.
Aubrey Plaza is your screen partner in the film. What was it like working with her?
Working with Aubrey was incredible! She welcomed me with open arms, and we quickly built a rapport. There were times when the director John Patton Ford would ask us to improvise within the scene and I felt free to do so know knowing she would receive it and throw it right back to me. I think part of acting is trusting your partner and I definitely felt safe knowing she had my back and vice versa. I can’t say enough great things about Aubrey. She’s so cool, down to earth and I can’t wait to work with her again in the future!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Learning the craft of acting is as important as actually getting to do it. Get into a class and do the work. Mastering the craft equals longevity!!!