Due to my obvious affinity for the Hallmark Channel movie series that began with Unleashing Mr. Darcy, I was justifiably enraptured with the most recent offering, Marrying Mr. Darcy. In that film, I noticed the actor Sergio Osuna, who played Brandon, and I knew I wanted to contact him for an interview. Upon further investigation, I found myself fascinated with his story and his other work within the industry. Recently, I had the opportunity to connect with him and conduct a short but informative Q & A session.
RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how/why you decided to become an actor.
SO: I was born and raised in Mexico. I was a very shy and nerdy little kid…still think I am to be honest! And, ever since I was a little boy, I knew I wanted to be an actor. The idea of becoming someone else and being able to tell their story intrigued me. But I didn’t really express it until I came to Canada after high school to study English. I met several people in the industry and learned more about the process, enough to make me decide it would become my career.
I believe Rush was one of your earliest works in Vancouver. Please tell us about your experience with the show and what you enjoyed about your character.
Rush was my very first big role here in Canada, and it was an amazing experience. I remember being extremely nervous at the audition and messing up my lines after just one take. The casting director stopped me and said, “Breathe… and just have fun.” Best advice ever. From that moment on, it all clicked and I was cast in the show. My character, Arturo, is such a kind, genuine character and hard not to love. I got to work with Deran Sarafian who later directed me in the latest season of Colony.
I believe your first Hallmark film was I Do, I Do, I Do. What did you enjoy about working on that set for that network? Any special memories?
The cast and crew were amazing on that set, and playing Kenneth was a lot of fun, it’s always great to play a character with a lot of personality, but what I liked most was shooting in such a wonderful location in the middle of summer. Harrison Hot Springs looks just like a postcard.
You did get to appear in an episode of Supernatural, one of Vancouver’s longest-running shows. What was that experience like on set? Why do you believe this show has had such long, successful run?
Working on Supernatural was an unreal experience, just for the fact that the episode I was fortunate enough to be part of was directed by Jensen Ackles. He was well prepared and is a wonderful director. I think that is why this show has been on the air for so long, everyone involved in it cares deeply about it. They are a family and it shows on the screen.
You were also a part of the very popular Dirk Gently series. Why do you think this show resonated with the fans so much? What do you appreciate about your time on the show?
Dirk Gently still has a massive following because it is such an unpredictably fun show. You never know what’s coming next and it is so layered, you can rewatch episodes several times and find things you missed from your first viewing. Playing Hector Cardenas was interesting as he reminded me of my father. So I based him and his personality on my dad.
Your longest run on a series to date has been The Magicians. How did you get involved with this series? Were you already a fan before you were cast?
The whole process was very usual, to be honest; it was a normal audition with the casting director through my agent. I had auditioned for The Magicians before, but for a different role. However, when I got the audition for Rafe, I binge-watched season one and became an instant fan.
Since you have been on several episodes of The Magicians, why do you believe this show has continued to be so popular? Any chance your character will come back next season?
The show is so intense. It’s electric, but rooted in reality and deals with topical subjects in a very real and unique way. I think the writers do an amazing job every single episode. Every character has an authentic voice. I think these are some of the many reasons why it’s such a popular show. I can’t say too much about my character in next season, but he will continue to be part of the council of Fillory. I am excited to see how audiences react to the new season as Fen (Brittany Curran) was left as the Acting King of Fillory after she took over for Margo (Summer Bishil).
Hallmark viewers recently saw you on Marrying Mr. Darcy. Were you aware of the fan base for this film series? Any behind-the-scenes moments you would like to share?
No, I was not aware of the fan base, but I have to say that they’re the sweetest and loveliest fans ever! I’ve had a wonderful time interacting with them on Twitter and Facebook. Ultimately, they are all rooting for Elizabeth (Cindy Busby) and Donovan (Ryan Paevey) and their love. Marrying Mr. Darcy did not disappoint there. Working on it was equally as lovely. On the very last day of shooting, Cindy ordered cupcakes for the entire cast and had them all ready at lunch. I mean… doesn’t get nicer than that!
Any other upcoming/current works you would like to mention?
Yes, airing right now is Colony. I had the pleasure of working with Wayne Brady, Peter Jacobson, Sarah Wayne Callies, and the whole experience was amazing. Playing Glen, who is the loyal, professional, to-the-point and matter-of-fact assistant of Everett Keynes (played by Wayne Brady) is delightful. I’m also in the upcoming season of Van Helsing, which airs this fall on SyFy. It was directed by Jason Priestly, who is incredibly talented, and I can’t wait to see the final product.
As an immigrant to Canada and a bilingual actor, have you experienced any bias within the film community? How have you seen attitudes changing in the areas of diversity?
Personally, I have not experienced any bias within the community, but I have noticed a shift in terms of diversity. Even in the relatively short amount of time that I have been working here in Canada. It does feel like nowadays casting directors and shows in general are looking for a wide range of talent, of all backgrounds, to reflect a more real world, which is so refreshing to see.
Are you planning to do any writing or directing yourself in the future?
Right now I am very focused on acting, which is my first love. However, I am about to try my hand at producing a short film with my producing partner Katherine Hill. Our screenplay, Empty, has won several competitions worldwide already and it will be exciting to hopefully see it come to life at the end of this year.
When you have some downtime, what do you like to do for fun?
Nothing clears my mind more than running. Well, running and a good old movie. But not just watching at home. I love going to the theatre. It’s almost like a ritual to me. I love everything about it…the popcorn, the trailers, the credits. I don’t know why… I guess that’s the nerdy kid in me after all ;).
I so appreciate the diversity that is being featured in the Vancouver film industry at present, and with the ascension of Sergio within the industry, I have a consistent belief and hope for even more heterogeneity in the days to come. There is no negating Sergio’s influential place within the world of entertainment, and the fact that Hallmark and their fan base have taken a liking to him thrills me to no end. While I have not closely followed his works outside the network, I am aware of the indisputable potency of each show in which has been featured within the world of television, and he has inspired me to consider looking up these shows soon so that I may luxuriate in the undeniable uniqueness and precision of his craft. Indeed, Sergio is a team player if I ever saw one, and I can hardly wait to see the new projects that will continue to appear on the horizon for him.
If you have not had the opportunity to watch Marrying Mr. Darcy, I highly recommend that you stop reading this interview and find a way to watch it at once (or check your local listings for a time when it may be repeated). Additionally, the season finale of Colony is arriving soon, and if you have not had a chance to watch him in that, I think it might be an opportunity for viewers to witness him in his element. Additionally, please be sure that you follow his updates at the links below lest you miss one of his stunning works or a significant happening in his daily life. As one who relishes in supporting those who sometimes fly beneath the radar like Sergio sometimes does, I am elated to be able to highlight such a gifted young man whose career is steadily on the rise due to his commitment to pursuing his dream no matter the highs and lows along the way.
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1 Comment
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enjoyed him in the movie