Exclusive Interview: Christopher Rivas Chats Call Me Kat Season 2

Christopher Rivas is a gifted storyteller whose credits include projects like SEAL Team, Mi Casa Mi Casa, and Couch Potato Chronicles. Not only is he known for the dynamic characters that he’s brought to life on the screen, but he’s also an accomplished filmmaker, essayist, social commentator, and podcast host.

Currently, he can be seen as one of the leads of Fox’s hit series Call Me Kat.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Christopher about his multifaceted career, Call Me Kat, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts and storytelling?
Christopher: I grew up in New York, so I had the fortune of going to Broadway. I went to the theater at a young age, but I would say it was when I was thirteen that it was really solidified in me. I saw John Leguizamo do Freak on Broadway. I was smitten. Here was this man of Colombian heritage who looked like me. I’m also half Colombian. He was raised in Queens. I was raised in Queens. He was killing it in this Broadway show. I was like, “That’s what I want to do.” That was it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Christopher: He’s definitely one. But I’ve been lucky enough to come across incredible people in the industry. There have been mentors and friends who have helped guide me and show me that it’s actually about being honest and not always, “What are you going to do for me?” or “What’s next?” But realizing that in this industry, whether it’s a play, television, or film, you’re going to spend a lot of time with these people when you’re not in character, you want to be genuine with them about who you are.

A great example of that is I’m learning so much from Mayim [Bialik] on Call Me Kat. She’s a legend. She’s been doing this since she was a child. She has so much experience, and watching her navigate this world I’ve learned so much that’s outside of acting and about being present and showing up for everyone, not just for the work.

PC: In addition to the work that you’ve done in front of the camera, you’re also a producer, director, and soon-to-be podcaster. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Christopher: That’s the storyteller in me. I believe in storytelling, and there are multiple avenues to tell stories. When I first started performing at the Roth, which is live true personal stories for performance, I realized that whether you’re writing a poem or you’re acting, directing, or doing a podcast, you’re just there to facilitate the story. What do you want to say with the story? What do you want to get across? What do you want people to feel? I feel like that’s given me the strength to navigate all these different avenues and understand the basic principle of story.

PC: You’re currently starring in Call Me Kat and the series has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences?
Christopher: It’s funny. The people on it are amazing. It’s the combination of these widely great talents like Swoosie Kurtz, Leslie Jordan, and Kyla Pratt. They’re legends. That’s one thing.

Another thing that I think is really resonating is the story of this woman who has had a great career as a mathematician, but she’s like, “You know what? I’m not happy. I’m not happy teaching math. I’m going to open this cat cafe.” There’s something about people realizing that if you’re not happy, go find something that makes you happy.

PC: Which of Oscar’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why?
Christopher: I love when it’s the three fellas, when it’s Cheyenne [Jackson], Julian [Gant], and myself. It’s really fun. I’m excited for more of that. That is such a great dynamic because we’re three different types of men.

PC: This has been the longest that you’ve lived with a character. Has anything surprised you about the experience? What’s the biggest takeaway?
Christopher: Love the people you work with. It makes all the difference. When I came on last year, one of the reasons why it worked so well is because everyone is so generous. There were no egos. Everyone had open hearts. I walked in and it was just generosity. If you love the people you work with, great things can happen.

PC: What can you tease about what’s ahead for your character?
Christopher: There’s going to be a little drama. Some drama will come about, and that should be exciting. I actually don’t even know what happens. They do a good job at not letting us in on the surprise, which is nice. There’s going to be some drama and some special guests, which will also be fun.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Christopher: I don’t know if it’s a guilty pleasure, but I love Ted Lasso. I don’t feel like it’s a guilty pleasure because so many people love it. My partner doesn’t love it, but I do. She thinks it’s too wholesome. I just can’t stop laughing. Maybe Acapulco? I’ll put that on. That’s a really hilarious show that I love on Apple TV.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Christopher: Demolition Man.

PC: Favorite book?
Christopher: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Christopher: I’m like everybody else. I love Hamilton and In the Heights. I love a lot of plays. I got to do Long Day’s Journey into Night in college and that’s stayed with me.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Christopher: I love hip hop and reggaeton, but I feel like people might assume that. I listen to a lot of Gregorian chants.

PC: Dream role?
Christopher: I think I’d be a killer action star. I know I would be.

To keep up with Christopher, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Call Me Kat every Thursday at 9/8c on Fox.

Photo Credit: Elisabeth Caren/FOX