Christopher Rivas
Christopher Rivas, a Dominican and Colombian American actor and storyteller, has appeared in well-known series throughout his career including “2 Broke Girls,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” He currently co-stars in “Call Me Kat,” with Mayim Bialik, Leslie Jordan, Kyla Pratt, and Cheyenne Jackson. In the series he portrays Kat’s new boyfriend, Oscar, in a love triangle among himself, Kat, and her ex-boyfriend, Max. He wrote and directed a one-man play “The Real James Bond ... Was Dominican.” The show follows a young Dominican boy in Queens who learns the story of Porfirio “Rubi” Rubirosa, the inspiration for Bond’s character. He is currently working on two podcasts with SiriusXM’s Stitcher, one is a documentary-style series further exploring Rubirosa’s life and the other is an interview show discussing the experiences of Brown people in America. He is also writing a book titled “Brown Enough,” which is slated for publication in October 2022.
Jacket by Catou at The Confessional Showroom
T-shirt by UNTUCKit
What has been your favorite part of working on “Call Me Kat?”
The cast. The family. Since day one, it felt as if I walked into such an open and generous space. As an artist there is nothing better than a room full of open hearted and generous creators. We have so much fun hanging with each other.
Are there any episodes or moments you are particularly excited for audiences to see this season?
For sure. There are some very hush, hush, big surprises I can't talk about just yet, but things get exciting. I'm also excited for folks to meet more of Oscar’s family and his world.
How do you prepare for your role?
I listen. I listen to what the story needs and what the other characters need from me. I do my best to listen and respond honestly.
Suit + Shirt by LLESSUR at The Confessional Showroom
Many people have never even heard of Porfirio Rubirosa or the true inspiration for the legendary character of James Bond. How did you first discover his story?
In college, a buddy of mine sent me a Vanity Fair article titled "The Legend of Rubirosa." This article changed my life and sent me on a journey of depth and places I had no idea existed in me.
What has your process looked like as you dive deeper into his history?
It started with the writing of a play, which had about 15, bad drafts before the one we premiered in New York in 2018 . This led to more writings, which has most recently turned into a 10-part podcast with Stitcher. I am super excited for folks to hear.
What inspired you to dedicate yourself to telling the stories of Brown people in America and beyond?
In my experience and not fully identifying with the very basic and un-filling terms of Black and white, I felt left out, like I had no home, no place to identify with. Existing in this large, large space somewhere between Black and white. That is when I started exploring and discovering my own Brownness and dedicated my work to putting all the beautiful Brownness in the world on blast.
Have there been any particularly powerful or impactful moments for you while working on these projects?
So many. I have spoken with people who knew Porfirio Rubirosa directly; they actually hung out with him. I started learning Spanish. But the one the stands out the most is, I got to visit the Dominican Republic with my father for the first time! I had never been growing up - it was a homecoming. I met family I had never met before and heard stories from my father I had never got to hear. It was very special for both of us.
Shirt by TEDDY VONRANSON
How did you decide to approach your storytelling through the medium of both podcasts and writing?
I have always been driven to speaking about my own truth. I lacked the imagination to come up with wild worlds of fantasy, and I felt like my life was rich enough to break down, learn from, and laugh about with others. That is what led me to the Moth (true personal stories told live for performance). Winning that a few times led me to playwriting and essay writing. I've loved personal essays. I was hooked from the first moment I read my first James Baldwin essay. Storytelling is the currency of the world, and I love it in all its forms. Whatever the medium, I just want to create and be in spaces where I and others can tell true, honest and powerful stories, where people can feel seen and heard. I think that's happening.
What was your process for developing your podcast and “Brown Enough”?
A lot of conversation and trust. Trusting my team at Stitcher to teach me things about podcasting that I didn't know. To trust their insights. It was a new medium for me, so I had to trust their genius and that has definitely worked out.
Coat + Turtleneck by Stefan Fashion + Pants by Nazarene Amictus at The Confessional Showroom
What are you particularly excited for readers to see once they get to read “Brown Enough”?
I just can't wait for them actually to read it. All of it. I can't wait for the conversations that will be sparked. I can't wait for the many shared experiences that will be revealed. I am just hype about it finally being in the world.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young person of color hoping to pursue a career in acting and storytelling?
No one can tell you what you are worth. They will try. They will definitely try, but worth is all yours. It is in your hands. Trust it. Listen to it. Praise it. Honor it. Keep your heart open and keep going, keep walking.
Social Media.
Instagram: @christopher__rivas
Twitter: @lifestyledezine
Shirt by Hardcore Fashion + Pants by Nazarene Amictus at The Confessional Showroom
Sneakers by Florsheim Shoes
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief + Producer: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Ron Contarsy
Talent: Christopher Rivas
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon
Hair: Jason Linkow at Artists By Timothy Priano using Hairstory Studio and
SEVEN® haircare
Makeup: Marc Cornwall at Artists By Timothy Priano
Location: Blonde + Co.
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Fashion Styling Intern: Phoebe Wakabayashi
Shop The Look: Christopher Rivas
Left To Right:
1. Green Linen Shirt by Eton
2. Perfect Tee by Frame
3. Playa Shirt by Alex Crane
4. Basic Slim Fit T-Shirt by Zara