A Latin actor has never won an Emmy by the outstanding main actor in a dramatic series, and the “Will Trent” star, Ramón Rodríguez, expects him to be the one who breaks that barrier.
“It’s a sad and unfortunate reality,” said the Puerto Rican actor. “That is why I do what I do, obviously. But does it matter? Of course, why what does it give it a value seal.”
“Somehow he says: ‘Oh wow, this program is acclaimed by critics,'” said Rodríguez. It would indicate that Latin actors can direct a television series with “a convincing story and character.”
In the history of the Emmy, only three Latinos have been nominated in that category: Pedro Pascal, who was nominated in 2023 for his leading role in “The Last of Us”; Jimmy Smits, who was nominated five consecutive times from 1995 to 1999 for his performance in “Nypd Blue”; and José Ferrer in 1953, when the category was known as “Best Actor.”
From becoming an outstanding figure in the reinvention of police procedures to begin its own production company “to tell our stories”, Rodríguez is looking to make a difference at a time when few Latinos lead television programs.
“I’m afraid … I press a lot in terms of wanting to continue raising,” Rodriguez said about the “tacit” responsibility that entails being part of 4% of television talent on the screen that are Latin.
“Being Latin and Puerto Rican, there is no doubt that it is something that I am very aware and conscious,” Rodríguez said. “I am standing on the shoulders of people who have paved it and made me a little easier. I hope it is a little easier for those who follow.”
“Will Trent” is based on the best -selling books of Karin Slaughter of the same name. It follows a dyslexic orphan who endured physical trauma and abuse as he aged from the Atlanta parenting system. The character becomes an intuitive detective in the Georgia Research Office that solves cases that others cannot.
“Will is a helpless,” Rodríguez said. “All these things are very loaded, heavy and monumental moments in people’s lives.”
“I quickly fell in love with his resistance and his heart, which are deeply buried. I love that of him,” Rodriguez said about his character.
Will Trent’s dear companion, Betty, a pocket Chihuahua who reluctantly adopted in season 1, is perhaps the only character that can always take advantage of the soft side of the hard detective.
“There is such a beautiful story there that says so much about who it is,” Rodriguez said.
Despite the mixed critics critics, the public has presented “Will Trent”, which will begin to film its fourth season at the end of this summer, according to Rodríguez.
The series, which is broadcast on ABC and transmits in Hulu and Disney+, accumulated an average of 11.6 million viewers on multiple platforms during the 2024-25 season, according to Nielsen, which puts “Trent” among the 10 most viewed television programs in star hours.
“Writers do a fantastic job when balancing comedy and drama,” Rodríguez said. “That is something difficult to do.”
While the actor who plays Will Trent and the executive producer of the program, Rodríguez said he is very involved in all aspects of giving life to this character.
He remembered having thrown his “Nuyoric” accent to create a dialect that reflects the unique experiences of his character and the development of Will Trent’s appearance: a three -piece retro suit that serves almost as a protective armor for a character who struggles to show his vulnerable side.
“It is very different from any other character that has portrayed, which is exciting,” said Rodríguez, who is also known for interpreting memorable characters in television programs that include “The Wire”, “Day Break” and “The Affair.”
It is expected that season 4 of “Will Trent” will be broadcast at ABC at the beginning of next year, Rodríguez said.
