An Interview With Actor Anthony L. Fernandez from THE EVIL GENE
Considering he’s best known for playing criminals and hoods, it’s a pleasant surprise to discover talented character actor Anthony L. Fernandez is one of the most pleasant actors to grace the earthly soil. The actor, known for his work in such films as The Wedding Ringer and The Book of Daniel, talks to us about his latest role, that of Juan in The Evil Gene.
Hi Anthony, it is great to meet you.
How did you get into the acting game, sir?
Throughout my life I have had many experiences. Always living on the wilder side and taking chances. I wasn’t great in school, messed around in the streets, sold drugs, and live a fast life. My decisions in life led me to Bouncing at a nightclub, which I discovered I was good at. Eventually as all good times do, the club, which employed me for years and paid me well, was over. This was at the same time I was starting a new family, which I had to support. So with no degree and my only job skill was beating ass, I decided to go back to school for a business degree. While attending college I signed up for acting classes, fell in love with the craft, worked my ass off, and after studying for about three to four years I decided to put the rubber to the road and enter into the career of professional acting. I have now been acting professionally for about six years. I consider myself extremely blessed and thank everyone for his or her support.
That is an amazing story.
Which role do you consider your big break?
Playing Angel in The Wedding Ringer was definitely my big break. Although I had been working regularly, it was my first breakout role on a major comedic feature production. Getting to work directly with Kevin Heart and Josh Gad was such an amazing experience for me. Walking the premiere red carpet I definitely felt the, “I have arrived” feeling. There’s nothing I like that feeling.
WOW! You have managed to achieve so much in a relatively short space of time, that is really inspiring to others.
Is there a genre you believe you’re best known for?
It was probably drama, but now not so much. From the start of my acting career, I have always portrayed the gang member, convict, and street hood . . . the bad guy. I don’t complain, in fact I love playing characters that get to commit acts that would normally get me locked up if I did it in real life, so I will never stop taking those roles. But in my career, so many great people that see my potential and give me opportunities to work on action, comedy, horror, drama, etc.
You have become very diverse.
Are you a fan of horror movies? Do you think you have to be a horror fan to be in one?
I do love horror movies, yes. I believe a talented hardworking actor should be able to work on any genre and can. However, there is something to be said of the actor who happens to also be a fan of that genre. I believe that something magical takes place when the actor understands what that particular audience expects from a great horror film. Those actors want to not only service the film, but the lineage of that genre as well. The more an actor understands, the more powerful the performance can be. The love increases the potency of the formula so to speak. So I don’t think an actor has to be a fan, but it certainly helps.
What can you tell us about your character in The Evil Gene?
Juan was a major cartel figure in the underworld before his incarceration and in order to be top dog, you have to be a special kind of psychotic and Juan Morales is just that. Now locked up, his only motivation is freedom or a chance to destroy, maim, rape, murder, or anything to gratify and satisfy himself. He knows who he is and embraces every evil twisted fiber of his being. The only thing that could make this guy more evil is if he was possessed.
That sounds like a very intense and terrifying character.
If you had to name two movies to compare The Evil Gene to what would they be?
The films I would compare to The Evil Gene would have to be, Deliver Us From Evil or Fallen. Both of those films are so suspenseful and deal with dark secrets, possession, the supernatural in conflict with imperfect human beings desperately fighting the war between the good and evil for mankind, in hopes of not losing themselves in the process.
That’s Brilliant. Thanks for your time.
The Evil Gene is now available on DVD and VOD through Uncork’d Entertainment
