Ramón Rodríguez, the star of ABC’s “Will Trent,” aims to break the Emmy barrier as no Latino actor has ever won for outstanding lead actor in a drama series. The Puerto Rican actor remarked on the importance of representation in awards, indicating that it conveys the value of Latino-led stories in television. Historically, only three Latinos have been nominated in this category: Pedro Pascal, Jimmy Smits, and Jose Ferrer.
Rodríguez is not only leading a hit show but also pushing for more Latino narratives in media through his production company. He feels the “unspoken” pressure of being part of the 4% of Latino talent in TV, acknowledging the challenges faced by previous generations while striving to ease the path for future actors.
“Will Trent,” based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, follows a dyslexic orphan turned detective at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, framed as an underdog with a compelling journey. Rodríguez resonates with his character’s resilience and struggles, describing Will’s narrative as heavy yet profound.
Despite mixed critical reviews, the show has attracted a sizable audience, with an average of 11.6 million viewers across platforms, ranking among the top ten prime-time shows. Rodríguez praises the writing for its balance of comedy and drama, noting his extensive involvement in shaping the character, including shedding his “Nuyorican” accent and crafting a distinctive look.
Season four of “Will Trent” is expected to debut early next year, continuing to highlight Rodríguez’s contributions to a genre that he aims to help redefine for Latino actors.
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