It was bound to happen sooner or later. There is no way I could keep interviewing Vancouver actors and not ultimately become a Supernatural fan. And indeed, that is exactly what has occurred. And because of my passion for highlighting the supporting cast, I reached out to Carl Montoya when I saw him featured in a recent episode (in which Mr. Ketch appeared as well). As Supernatural season 13 has officially wrapped, revel in a glance back at a memorable episode while learning more about one of the actors who was instrumental in bringing that story to life.
photo credit: Farrah Aviva
RH: Why did you decide to become an actor? What kind of training have you had?
CM: I decided to become an actor because I love telling stories and embody roles/characters that are different than me. I also want to inspire people to follow their dreams no matter where they are from.
I did the one-year acting program at Vancouver Film School. I’ve also taken different kinds of workshops around Vancouver and a nine-week training at Howard Fine Studio in L.A.
What was your first professional job in the business and what are your memories of it?
My first professional job was Untold Stories of the E.R. and everyone on set was very welcoming and nice to me. I also remember working with probably one of the youngest actors that have ever been on set: a recently born baby who played my son. It was definitely a delight working with him.
I notice you’ve been on The Flash. What did you enjoy most about working on that show?
I enjoyed working with Jesse L. Martin a lot. Such a great and humble actor.
Supernatural fans saw you on a recent episode. How did that role come about? What was it like being on this iconic show? Why do you think this show has retained its popularly for so long?
Yes. I played the leader of a cult from 1925. It was basically a group of people that were part of the Men of Letters who wanted to make the world better by sacrificing a woman. Unfortunately, this didn’t go as planned as a multidimensional gate opened bringing a monster from another world who possessed the woman and killed them all.
I loved working on the show. It has been one of my favorite TV shows since the beginning of it and the crew was very professional and nice. I felt like home on their set.
The reasons why Supernatural has been popular this long are: the lead actors are very humble and professionals, they definitely enjoy playing the Winchester brothers, they have a great chemistry as well. Also, the comedic scenes and episodes give the show a very interesting twist to their original horror/suspense main genre and maintain its freshness.
Any other upcoming/current works that you can mention?
Besides auditioning once or twice a week, no current works so far but I will travel to New York City this month to study the Summer Conservatory at the Stella Adler Studio for a couple months.
Do you have plans to write/direct eventually?
I do have plans to write and direct. I don’t have anything concrete just yet, but it will be a project that makes people think whether what they are doing with their lives is the right path according to what God expects from us.
Have you experienced any prejudice/racism in the business as a result of your heritage? What positive changes do you see happening within the business in terms of diversity?
Fortunately, I’ve never experienced any type of discrimination on set. I can definitely see more opportunities for different ethnicities in the film/tv industry, which is really good!
As someone who is still getting his career started, what advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Keep focused, be consistent and work hard. This is a long-term career!
What are your favorite things to do when you have free time?
Watching movies and traveling!
From Supernatural
While Carl’s career is still in its early stages, his roles have garnered him some attention and adulation. And rightfully so! Carl appreciates every experience which has been bestowed upon him thus far, and because of his positive outlook and humble persona, I have no doubt he will continue to play roles that challenge and entertain viewers all over the world. He consistently portrays his characters with acute consideration to detail as well as suitable authenticity. Although he is content to maintain his career at its current pace and “pay his dues, ” so to speak, I have a sense that a wealth of opportunities may be headed his way before too long that may place him more on the cusp of heightened success. Moreover, I am convinced he is equipped to tackle every character (both now and in the future) with the same kind of dedication and commitment that have been the hallmark of his career thus far.
In the meantime, while we await Carl’s next big thing, I would invite everyone to check out his links below and possibly look up some of his past works (including Supernatural and The Flash). As a fresh face in a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, I feel as though Carl is at the right place at the right time, and it stymies the imagination to consider what may be in store for him in the days, months, weeks, and years to come. And I, for one, am honored to be able to support such a choice, upstanding, unpretentious, and talented actor like Carl!
FOLLOW CARL
