Pop Culturalist Chats with Dear White People’s Rudy Martinez

Landing the role of Wesley Alvarez on Netflix’s acclaimed dramedy, Dear White People, was a dream come true for Rudy Martinez. Not only was he a huge fan of the first season for its refreshing, no nonsense approach to tackling social issues like racism and discrimination, but he also deeply connected with his character, while at the same time knowing the part would push him outside his comfort zone. The result? A truly incredible performance. Pop Culturalist spoke with Rudy about joining the cast, how he prepared, and how the role challenged him.

PC: Tell us about Dear White People, what drew you to this project, and a little bit about your character.
Rudy: Well, I was already a big fan of the show before I auditioned for it. For me, it was refreshing to see a show that was unafraid to call out some of the nonsense that people of color have to deal with on a daily basis. So, when my manager scored me an audition to play Wesley in season two, I just knew I had to nail it! Wesley is the kind of guy who seems shy at first but can be very chatty once he gets to know you. I bet his astrological sign is Cancer because that’s what I am and he’s so much like me!

PC: Was it challenging joining a series that already had one season under its belt? How did you build a bond with the cast?
Rudy: Joining a cast where everyone already knows each other can be challenging, especially when you don’t know all the inside jokes! But honestly, everyone was so welcoming. The cast has so much love for each other and I could immediately tell they had a tight bond with the producers, writers, and Justin who is the creator of the show. It’s just that kind of show, no one is pretentious or stand-offish in any way.

PC: How much of Rudy is in Wesley?
Rudy: I brought a lot of myself to Wesley. We’re both self-proclaimed geeks. I’m a bit of an introvert like he is, but he also has a bright and warm personality and I love that about him.

PC: What can you tease about the relationship between Wesley and Lionel this season?
Rudy: Wesley meets Lionel at a party and they have a bit of an awkward conversation at the start, but you can tell they’re both smitten with each other. They like each other, though they’re both a little unsure of where their relationship is headed. Throughout the season, Wesley helps Lionel to open up and become more assertive. Ultimately, you learn some big information about Wesley in the season finale, but I don’t want to spoil it!

PC: We read in a previous interview you’ve done that you don’t usually play characters who are involved in relationships. How did you prepare to step out of your comfort zone?
Rudy: That’s right! I always play the sidekick or the comic relief. I love playing comedy but when the opportunity came along to play romance I knew I wanted to challenge myself. In order to prepare for that, I did a lot of character study and really dug deep into what it means to have someone in your life that gives you butterflies. Also, I would be lying if I said I didn’t work out a lot in the weeks before the shoot! I knew there could be some steamy romance scenes, so being camera ready was definitely on my mind!

PC: Dear White People is one of the most buzzed-about TV shows. Why do you think it has resonated with so many people?
Rudy: I was just talking about this with some friends. In the 80’s and early 90’s, it seemed like you needed more than two hands to count all the shows that featured diverse casts, and then all of a sudden that wasn’t the case anymore. It took a lot of really talented voices to speak up and say, ‘Hey, the Oscars really lacked diversity this year,’ or call out the whitewashing problem in Hollywood that’s no longer acceptable. Dear White People not only features a diverse cast, but it also brings attention to those issues as well as other issues facing people of color today.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Rudy: Superstore makes me laugh so hard!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Rudy: I have watched Grey Gardens with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange about thirty times.

PC: Favorite book?
Rudy: One book that really grasped me recently was Rain of Gold by Victor Villaseñor.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Rudy: I love plays by Culture Clash and as for musicals, I really liked Matilda!

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Rudy: Instagram

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Rudy: Missy Elliot

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Rudy: The Handmaid’s Tale

PC: Hidden talent?
Rudy: I once won first place in a pie baking contest.

Make sure to follow Rudy on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Dear White People on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Ryan West