‘LL: You mentioned you’ve been in the business for over twenty years, we remember you from the Resurrection Blvd. days.
Nicholas Gonzalez: [Laughs] Oh yeah, we had a blast doing that one. We didn’t have anything else back then. That was the first prime time series for Latinos. My most successful show so far. All my other shows have been just one season, so hoping for a repeat with The Good Doctor.
‘LL: Speaking of other shows, you’re also on Being Mary Jane. When we last left your character Orlando, the expectation was to deliver a wedding ring, but that didn’t happen. Will we be seeing more of Orlando?
Nicholas Gonzalez: I’ve had a great experience there. I got involved because Lisa Vidal called and was like “Hey we have this part coming up and you’re perfect for it. Would you do this?” I was like…yes, but the show is good. It’s a really well-done show, the manner in which they talk about professional women. They deal with topics straight out of the headlines. So, I am honored to be a part of the show. I’m invited back, it’s just a matter of scheduling. But they do film at a different time so it could work. Willing to do it. Same goes with How to Get Away with Murder.
‘LL: You’re on so much of this quality television, it’s as if you’ve become woven into the cultural lexicon. What’s the secret to your success brother? What’s your method? Or is it grinding out auditions, taking all the calls?
Nicholas Gonzalez: Getting married and living your life. Seriously, I think it wasn’t until I really decided to live my life fuller. As an actor, you’re always waiting for that next job, waiting for that next level, waiting for the money, waiting to get somewhere and you forget to live your life. I can’t go on this trip, because I’m waiting for this. Or I can’t do this, because this audition might come up. Or you literally are working and just can’t get away. Once I decided to work on having a rich life. I think my career followed suit. It’s become a lot more of something I enjoy I’ve become more particular with roles and doing things I enjoy doing. I look at my life and my chosen profession that way. I took it back to the basics. I go in excited to see what’s going to happen. I’m surrounded by great actors and were going to tell a great story. I think the biggest thing is make your life rich and your career will follow suit. You can’t wait for it. Work doesn’t come to you while you’re waiting. It comes while your living your life. Mid-dance, mid-step.
‘LL: Is there any actor or actress that you would like to work with? On your dream list.
Nicholas Gonzalez: My current dream list is my wife [laughs]. Seriously, were actually going to be working on a project she wrote tentatively called Lily Pond that we’re going to be shooting in a week. She’s a brilliant actress, very intelligent writer and producer, mother, business owner. We could do a whole interview on her. We’ve been wanting to do something together for a long time. But, I’m living my dream know I get to work with Hill Harper, Richard Schiff, Antonia Thomas, Freddy Highmore, who is one of the most giving actors. Right now, I feel like I’m living it. I love Jimmy. I am a big fan of Jimmy Smits. I’d love to work with him.
‘LL: Everyone has a story to tell and everyone has stories they would like to see told. What are some of the stories you’d like to have told or tell yourself?
Nicholas Gonzalez: You know that’s the best question I’ve been asked that I still don’t have an answer for. I feel like I’m learning what the stories are. What feeds your voice at any given time. I would love to still be a part of projects that would help open up people’s worldview. But I’m still looking for my inspirational piece.
No worries, Nicholas. Something tells us, when you do. It’s going to be a story worth waiting for.
You can catch Nicholas on The Good Doctor, which premieres September 25th and airs every Monday at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. Central on ABC.