Pop-Culturalist.com

Fernando Carsa is a rising young star who’s stealing hearts in his television debut as Memo in Apple TV+’s Acapulco.

The laugh-out-loud comedy follows a young Mexican man whose dreams come true when he gets the job of a lifetime at the hottest resort in Acapulco. But he soon realizes the job is far more complicated than he ever imagined.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Fernando about his career, Acapulco, and the show’s inspiring message.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Fernando: I was very blessed to have had two parents who were former actors, so I’ve been surrounded by art my whole life. There was always music playing at our house and we saw live theater and dance recitals often. Growing up in this environment instilled love, respect, and appreciation for the art form in me.

That being said, I was too shy and anxious to even attempt to fulfill said dream as a kid. When I was seven, my parents thought that taking acting, singing, and dancing lessons would help me come out of the shell I was trapped in. And they were right! Once I started training, I discovered that live performance was not only saving my life but also providing me the opportunity to make other people happy. That made me more eager to fulfill the dream I’d always had but was once too afraid to follow.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Fernando: Multiple people have influenced and inspired me. My parents would be first. Following them, multiple strong women who are icons in the entertainment industry. Tatiana “la Reina de los Niños,” Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and Lady Gaga are the four major stars that made me fall in love with live performance and that have influenced my performance style. Their stories and their ability to take over a stage inspire the type of career I want to have: creating art that allows people to escape the troubles of the real world and celebrate themselves unapologetically through love.

PC: Tell us about Acapulco, your character, and what attracted you to this series.
Fernando: Acapulco is Apple TV+’s first bilingual series. It follows the story of Máximo Gallardo, a boy in his early twenties that gets the job of a lifetime working at Las Colinas Resort. There, he discovers that not everything that shines is gold, and he faces a lot of challenges that make him question his morals and decision-making.

I play Memo, Máximo’s best friend and #1 supporter. I’m the one cheering him on along the way and his constant reminder that he is enough and capable. That’s one of the things that attracted me the most to this project—the fact that I would get the chance to play the comedic relief that always finds the positive in the negative. Not to mention the fact that this show, although universal, is very much a love letter to the Latinx, Hispanic, and immigrant communities. I thought it was amazing that Apple was opening this door for us alongside Eugenio Derbez. Such a huge blessing.

PC: There’s great chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the entire cast. How did you all build that bond?
Fernando: I think the first key element of our chemistry was the fact that we were blessed with a very loving and kind cast. Also, since we filmed during COVID, we all lived in the same resort where we filmed. We were on set literally 24/7. This allowed us to become close very quickly. It was so hard to come back home without this new family!

PC: This is your first television role. What surprised you the most about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Fernando: The thing that surprised me the most was seeing with my own eyes how many people it takes to make a TV show! My God! There are so many people who make this happen, and they’re all a pivotal part of the puzzle. As actors, we often get recognition when our projects do well, but the reality is that there is an entire team behind the cameras making sure this story comes to life. My biggest takeaway is that we would be nothing without the crew—all the departments, producers, writers, and directors. They are the heartbeat that keep the projects moving forward.

PC: How did you celebrate landing your biggest role to date?
Fernando: Honestly, by crying in the arms of my mom! She’s always been my number one supporter, so I had to have that moment with her when we could say, “We’re doing it, the dream is becoming true.” Besides that, I didn’t do much because for a while I had to keep it a secret. I think I also got a cake from Porto’s Bakery.

PC: Is there a scene that you’re particularly excited for audiences to see?
Fernando: I don’t want to give too much away, but I can say that our series finale has a pivotal moment for Memo where he faces one of his biggest fears. I’m also really excited for everyone to see Episodes 6 and 9.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see the series?
Fernando: First and foremost, I hope they have a good time. The last year-and-a-half has been tough and we need this type of joy right now. And second, I hope they see themselves, whether they are Latinx or not. At the end of the day, this show is about having a dream, so I hope it can inspire them to follow their own dreams.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Fernando: The Golden Girls.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Fernando: The Lizzie McGuire Movie.

PC: Favorite book?
Fernando: Buy Yourself the F***ing Lilies… by Tara Schuster.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Fernando: Legally Blonde.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Fernando: Chayanne.

PC: Dream role?
Fernando: Damian in the upcoming Mean Girls movie musical adaptation.

To keep up with Fernando, follow Twitter and Instagram. Watch Acapulco on Apple TV+.

Photo Credit: Jessica Castro