Actor Bernardo Badillo possesses two qualities that have helped him build his career in Hollywood: he is relentless and is laser focused on his goals. Badillo’s versatility as an actor have led him to a variety of roles including on Sully, Animal Kingdom, Snowfall, Queen of the South, Dead to Me, Modern Family, and This Fool.
His most recent work is Emily the Criminal, a crime thriller focusing on a college graduate who is drowning in student debt. Unable to find work, she becomes involved in a credit card scam, acting as a dummy shopper and buying increasingly risky products with stolen credit cards. The film premiered to rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival in January of 2022, And has been nominated for four Independent Spirit Awards.
Badillo is a graduate of the theater program at UCLA and went on to earn his master’s degree from the esteemed NYC Actors Studio Drama School. Badillo was raised in Anaheim, CA, and was determined to work in the entertainment industry at an early age. One of his first projects was the Edward James Olmos-directed film, Walkout.
We caught up with Bernardo to discuss his latest role as Javier in Emily the Criminal and hear his thoughts on working in Hollywood.
Would you say that your character Javier in "Emily the Criminal," is the culprit to Aubrey Plaza's character Emily?
For sure! I mean, I do give her the contact information of one of the heads of the illegal dummy shopping ring, so for that, I take responsibility. However, Emily chooses to continue down this dangerous path all on her own. I get the ball rolling, but she takes it and runs with it.
There are tense moments in scenes between Javier and Emily. How did you prep for those scenes and what was it like working Aubrey?
I had a strong jumping-off point because most of the scenes in the movie are what I auditioned with. I knew John and Aubrey liked what I was already bringing to the table. When I arrived on set, John and I talked about his vision for the character and it just confirmed [that] my choices aligned with his vision. When talking about preparation, this was one of those characters I just slipped right into.
I didn’t over-prepare or overthink any of my choices. I guess you could say it fit me like a glove. I knew instinctively who Javier was and what my purpose was in telling Emily’s story. This freed me to work with Aubrey in a very present and visceral way, rather than from an intellectual or preplanned agenda.
Working with Aubrey was a dream. She was so cool and down to earth; she created a relaxed working environment. Even when our characters were having a fight or a disagreement, they were so fun to play because Aubrey was game for anything. We would rehearse in between takes or in the makeup chair, as well as improvise during the filming of our scenes. Ironically, the ease and rapport we built actually aided us in creating those moments of tension. I couldn’t have asked for a better scene partner!
You recently had a role in the Hulu comedy "This Fool." What was it about that character that you found relatable to you and how did that role come about?
In This Fool, I play cousin Johnny who is related to the two main characters played by Chris Estrada and Frankie Quiñones. We are three cousins who don’t always get along and my character has a bone to pick specifically with Frankie’s character, Luis.
Speaking from personal experience, I know what that’s like. I grew up in a very large Mexican family and we all love each other to death, but we can definitely get on each other’s nerves. This was one of those instances where my Mexican roots and growing up with all these different personalities within my family really informed this character. You could say filming this show was almost like a homecoming.
This role came to me because I was the right actor to bring this character to life. I auditioned for several roles on this show, but for one reason or another, it wasn’t the right fit. It wasn’t until I auditioned for cousin Johnny that everything came together. If you watch my performance I’m grounded and connected to the reality of someone who has been betrayed by a family member, yet I’m still bringing those comedic elements to the forefront.
I’m always looking for the drama in the comedy and comedy within the drama. This role tapped into this forte of mine and why I believe I got cast in this particular role. It was meant to be!
What are you most proud of working as a Latino of Mexican descent in Hollywood?
I would say I’m most proud of the longevity I’ve had as a Mexican artist in Hollywood. I’ve been doing this professionally for over seventeen years and have managed to stay in the game despite the lack of opportunities. It’s a known fact the amount and types of roles for Latinos are limited compared to other groups of people, but every day I stay in the game is one more day I’m chipping away at Hollywood’s perception of what Latinos are capable of. I will say in the last five years, I’ve seen a shift in the amount and types of roles out there for brown skinned artists. I want to continue to be part of this shift and dream of the day when being Latino in Hollywood is the status quo. For now, I’m proud of the body of work I’ve had the privilege of partaking in and hope the legacy I’m leaving with this work is actively inspiring other Latino artists to pursue their dreams.
You've played many versatile comedic and dramatic roles?
What's it like doing both and do you have a preference?
For me, it’s all about finding levity in the darkness and finding moments of heartbreak within the lightness. I think as a character actor that’s been the key to my success. No matter what genre, I still prepare the same.
In comedy, there are technical aspects having to do with rhythm and timing. However, I still find the character's essence in the same way I would approach a character in a drama. I love it all and couldn’t possibly pick one over the other.
What changes would you like to see come about in the industry?
If we are talking in front of the camera, I would like to see more leading roles for Latinos. Period!
If we’re talking behind the camera, let’s give more Latino writers, directors, and producers the opportunities to create. Most importantly, let’s get more people of color and people from marginalized communities into executive positions so they can greenlight projects that truly reflect our society. We need to shake things up so we aren’t telling the same stories over and over again. The world is ready for that. If you look at some of the last few Best Picture Oscar Winners— Coda, Nomadland, Parasite, The Shape of Water and Moonlight—these stories have been spearheaded by or are about people of color or marginalized communities.
The world is changing and we need to advocate for more of these types of films to be made. They shouldn’t be outliers. My hope is that the industry moves the needle in the right direction sooner rather than later.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Christina Rosas Anastasiou
- Photography
- Veronica Hernandez
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
