David Castañeda
David Castañeda has been acting in film and television since 2009. Early in his career he was cast in the recurring role of Jorge Castillo on “Switched at Birth” and as Nicholas on “Jane the Virgin.” His other projects include “Sicario: Day of the “Solado” and “Standing Up,Falling Down.” He is best known for his leading role as Diego Hargreeves in the Netflix series “The Umbrella Academy,” which follows an estranged family of heroes who reunite to save the world. The show is entering its third season.
Full Look by Grayscale
How have you seen your character, Diego, grow since the start of “The Umbrella Academy?”
There’s been a natural progression between Diego and me. Diego is very insecure and masks it with this stubborn bravado, which was very much me in Season 1. It was easy to tap into, yet as the next few seasons progressed, there was a relaxation with myself as a performer that I implemented into seasons 2 and 3. I felt like I wasn’t going to be fired for not being good enough. I realized the newer versions of Diego had this stubborn levity about him. Throwing myself into the most absurd scenarios and not feeling like I had to show this chip on my shoulder every time. Just like in life, comedy and tragedy don’t have to come from the same place and finding that Diego is a person with many sides has been something that with 3 seasons the writers and me have highlighted.
Were there events or moments this season that you felt were particularly impactful or defining for Diego’s character?
The moment Stan hugged Diego when the Sparrow Academy came for them at the hotel. His worry and action towards Diego are something that grew on him. Obviously, this is very strange behavior, for someone to hug him for not being hurt or just for someone to care about him.
Left:
Shirt by PORTS V
Pants by Grayscale
Right:
Suit by Grayscale
Shirt by PORTS V
Shoes by SAINT LAURENT
How has your personal connection to the character grown or developed throughout the series?
I’m lucky how complex Diego is and the more projects read, the more I realized much care is required to highlight a boy becoming a man. I love playing him, I love that he isn’t defined by one thing, I mean he was back in season 1 but its evolving, especially after season 3. It’s pretty cool to come to terms knowing that people connect with him because of his Mexican decent.
It’s been almost two years since we have gotten a new season of the show. What excites you about this season, without spoiling what do you think audiences should look forward to?
That everyone (cast and crew) put their hearts into this. I believe everyone will relate to one or two storylines in this season, like in previous ones. But I’m looking forward for everyone to see Diego, Lila, and Stan playing along.
Left:
Full Look by PORTS V
Shoes by Jean-Baptiste Rautureau
Right:
Full Look by Grayscale
Shirt by Banana Republic
The show discusses a lot of important topics like family dynamics, gender, and sexuality, which has had a strong impact on its fans and their relationship with and appreciation for the show. What is it like to be part of the team who gets to tell these stories and start these conversations?
I felt honored and humbled by it. I learned a lot about what it means to be honest and true to yourself, that we’re all just having a human experience, and we want to be accepted by our loved ones. The topics discussed in this season are why I got into telling stories. Sometimes it takes an indirect way of showcasing things to start a conversation that we might feel is too hard to have in person with our family and friends. I’m happy that we provide a comfort in showing people they’re not alone in anything they’re going through.
I’m happy that we provide a comfort in showing people they’re not alone in anything they’re going through.
Left:
Jacket by Helen Anthony
Shirt by Banana Republic
Pants by PORTS V
Right:
Full Look by PORTS V
Shoes by Jean-Baptiste Rautureau
Depicting a family—especially one with the history of the Hargreeves siblings—must create a unique dynamic and relationship as a cast. What has that been like?
It’s great. They’re my family and even after this ends, whenever that might be, we will always have these moments to cherish.
Do you have any other projects coming up or in the works?
I got this thing for ROKU called “Most Dangerous Game,” for PEAKCOCK called “Poker Face,” and a few other things that I can’t speak about yet.
Left:
Full Look by Grayscale
Shirt by Banana Republic
Right:
Full Look by Grayscale
Do you have any advice for young people considering careers in acting?
I think it’s important to know what serves you and what doesn’t. If you want to take acting classes or want to be an actor, there is a way of asking those around you for advice, but also know that they’re advice will sometimes come from a place of their own limitations(especially if they’re discouraging you or giving you the roundabout). So, when you get a no, there’s always a way to get a yes. The internet is something where you can find any information about how to start and FOLLOW THROUGH. I think is the most important thing, you will hit bumps down the road and it’s just the universe asking you “how bad do you want this?” It’s a great lesson in acting, remember perseverance.
Social Media.
I don’t give out my social security number. Just kidding!
Instagram: @castanedawong
Twitter: @davidcastanedaJ
Left:
Full Look by Grayscale
Shoes by Valentino
Right:
Jacket by Helen Anthony
Shirt by Banana Republic
Pants by PORTS V
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: David Castañeda
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Groomer: Paul Anthony Garcia
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
