Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Tommy’s Vladimir Caamaño

One of Variety’s “Top 10 Comics to Watch,” Vladimir Caamaño has had audiences rolling on the floor in laughter, performing his stand-up set at iconic venues, including Stand Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, and Comic Strip Life. He’s done all that while nabbing coveted guest and recurring roles in projects like NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Marvel’s Runaways, and NBC’s Superstore. Currently, he can be seen starring opposite Edie Falco in the latest procedural drama from CBS, Tommy. Pop Culturalist caught up with Vladimir to chat about his career and Tommy.

Career

PC: You’re an actor, comedian, producer, and writer. How did you discover your passion for the arts? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Vladimir: I am an introvert. Comedy, acting, and writing makes it easier to connect with people. I gravitate towards comedy because of my family’s love for comedians like Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield, and Eddie Murphy. I also grew up in the Bronx during the crack epidemic, and my dad was strict about keeping us at home. Staying at home put me in a position to read and write. On the acting side, my brother and I would visit the local video store and rent tons of movies: The Godfather, Scarface, Nightmare on Elm Street. We loved anything in the martial arts space: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, etc.

PC: You started your career as a high school counselor and transitioned into the industry. How difficult was that decision?
Vladimir: Yes. However, I was always telling my students to pursue the things they loved. One day, I decided to do the same. I also had incredible and supportive mentors throughout my life.

Tommy

PC: Tell us about Tommy, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Vladimir: Tommy is about Abigail Thomas, the first female, gay police chief of Los Angeles and her commitment to, or at least trying, do the right thing. My character’s name is Abner Diaz, and I am happy to say his job is to help the chief of police do the right thing. What drew me to the project were two things: the creator of the show and Edie Falco. Paul Attanasio created Tommy. He wrote Quiz Show and Donnie Brasco. I am a fan. I am also a massive fan of Edie. I am grateful and humbled to share the screen with Edie Falco.

PC: What can you tease about Abner’s relationship with Abigail and how it evolves/changes over the course of Season 1?
Vladimir: Abner is in disillusion with police work at the top of the season. Abigail Thomas restores his faith in good police work and, subsequently, his confidence. Abner realizes he can trust again and starts to build alliances with Cooper, Ken Rosey, Blake, Ashley, and Olivia. It’s beautiful to watch Abner show his detective skills and protect his friends.

PC: This is your first breakout television role as a series regular. What’s been the biggest takeaway from the experience? Has anything surprised you?
Vladimir: My biggest takeaway is how meaningful the work is to so many people. From the crew to the writers, you see how this is a team effort. The entire crew is outstanding. What has surprised me is how serious actors have a great sense of humor. Edie, Michael Chernus, Thomas Sadoski, Russell Jones, Adelaide [Clemens], Joe Taylor, Sasha Diamond, Olivia Lucy Phillip, have me in stitches.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Vladimir: Castlevania

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Vladimir: Se7en by David Fincher

PC: Favorite book?
Vladimir: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Vladimir: Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Vladimir: Philip Glass. I learned about him when I watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Vladimir: Denzel Washington. I don’t care that he is older. I want Denzel!

To keep up with Vladimir, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Catch new episodes of Tommy every Thursday at 10/9c on CBS.