Benito Martinez may have one of the best track records in television. Over the past ten years, he’s starred in critically acclaimed hits like The Shield and House of Cards. Now he’s bringing his unique talents to ABC’s American Crime; a heavy drama, which has already been building Emmy and Golden Globe buzz. Touching on issues like race, class and wrongful persecution, it’s a story ripped from today’s headlines and puts Benito’s character in the middle of an emotional firestorm. We spoke to the veteran actor about his take on the role, his rise to fame and what it means to be a Latino role model on the small screen.
‘LL: People really love American Crime. Did you know from the beginning that this was going to be so well received?
Benito: I’m over the moon about this show. It really is a great piece of work and this is the right time for it. It’s done so well and I’m very, very proud of it.
‘LL: What initially drew you to the project?
Benito: The script had all of the right elements. Most importantly, it had very unique writing. I immediately fell in love with my character, Alonzo. He’s a hard-working guy and a mechanic, just like my dad. I’m also the father of two teenagers, so there was a lot to relate to. The whole piece is so fantastic. I knew I had to play Alonzo.
‘LL: How would you describe the character of Alonzo?
Benito: He’s a man filled with integrity. Alonzo just wants what’s good for his family. And the interesting thing is, how quickly that falls apart. This is a man whose wife died, whose son gets arrested. Everything in his life that’s supposed to go right isn’t working. It’s a fantastic journey.
‘LL: He definitely goes to some interesting places. Without giving too much away, where would you like to see Alonzo’s journey take him?
Benito: I can tell you this much, it’s gets a hell of a lot worse before it gets better. Alonzo has to learn about his children in a way he never thought. But honestly, the journey is so beautiful and complex. It’s a wonderful story about a man doing his best to have a decent life and give to his kids.
‘LL: People have said that American Crime has been inspired by some of the civil unrest happening around the country. Do you think it’s intentionally tied to current events?
Benito: This isn’t just inspired by current events. It’s inspired by events five years and ten years ago. These are timeless stories about struggle, pain and hardship. What makes it timeless is that when families go through hardships, they find out who they really are. I tip my hat to the writers for starting the conversation.
‘LL: You’ve obviously got a great track record when it comes to picking projects. What do you look for when you choose a role?
Benito: I look for roles that challenge me or put me in a place where I’m working with talented people. I also look for diversity when I read a script. I hate roles that feel like cardboard cutouts. It has to be challenging to grab my attention.
‘LL: It’s hard to believe you’ve been working in film and TV for over 25 years. Do you have a proudest moment thus far?
Benito: Back in 1993, I did a movie called Mi Familia, with Edward James Olmos and Jimmy Smits. It was amazing to see those guys perform and to see how much respect they were getting from Latinos. I looked at them as artists, but then I began to see them as pillars of the community. Ever since then, I’ve been aware of how we can touch people’s lives in our industry. And American Crime has taken it to a whole new level. Now African-Americans and Asians are reaching out to me, telling me how we’re telling their story.
‘LL: Is there any advice you’d like to share for people who look to you as a role model?
Benito: For me, acting is a lifelong journey. I never set out to be a star. I love my craft and want to do this for the rest of my life. I still take classes, I still do theatre, I’m constantly learning. That’s what I believe; always keep working at your passion.
You can see some of Benito’s best work yet on the season finale of American Crime, airing this Thursday night on ABC.