Carlo Mendez hails from Los Angeles, California, and has made a name for himself as a talented Cuban-American actor. Growing up in Miami with his Cuban parents and his sister, the famous actress Eva Mendez, Carlo developed a passion for acting early on. He refined his skills under the guidance of the esteemed acting coach Ivana Chubbuck, whose mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Carlo’s work is diverse and impressive, encompassing comedy, action, drama, and horror. He garnered widespread recognition for his performance alongside Rob Schneider in the Netflix series “Real Rob” and is a beloved regular on the Emmy-nominated show “The Bay.” His recent lead role in the modern-day film noir “Demise” highlights his evolution and versatility as an actor. Carlo Mendez has consistently delivered deep, authentic performances throughout his career, earning him respect and admiration in the entertainment industry.
Can you share more about your upbringing in Miami and how it influenced your career in acting?
My upbringing in Miami, where I was raised after being born in LA, influenced me significantly because there wasn’t much to do regarding acting. Miami was more focused on the Spanish-speaking world or modeling, which I was not interested in. This led me to work dead-end jobs, pushing me to move to California to pursue acting, as LA is the place to start a career in Hollywood. Miami has changed in the last few years, but 20 years ago, it wasn’t built for Hollywood.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in acting, and how did your early experience shape your approach to the craft?
Harrison Ford inspired me to pursue acting. One of the first movies I watched was Indiana Jones, which I found incredibly exciting. As a child, I was often punished and sent to my room, where I used my imagination to pass the time. This imagination is crucial for an actor. My early experiences of being imaginative helped shape my approach to the craft.
How did your studying under Ivana Chubbuck impact your acting technique and career trajectory?
Studying with Ivana Chubbuck has been invaluable. Her technique, using imagination and substitution, helps me embody characters fully. It addresses critical questions about the character’s wants, goals, and background. I’m still taking her classes and have honed my technique using her methods.
What key lessons or skills have you acquired from your training that you still apply in your roles today?
I use my life experiences, such as the sadness from losing my brother to cancer, to evoke emotions in my roles. Whether it’s drama or comedy, I draw from my past. I also watch many movies, read, and learn from other actors’ techniques. Stealing from the best and making it my own is a valuable lesson I’ve learned and still apply today.
You’ve worked in a variety of genres. Which genre do you find the most challenging and why?
Comedy is the most challenging because it relies heavily on timing and beats. Making people laugh and feel happy requires much talent and precise timing. It’s the most challenging genre because creating a hilarious scene takes a lot more effort than a dramatic one.
Can you tell us, Carlo, about your experience working on Real Rob with Rob Schneider and how it differed from your other projects?
Working with Rob Schneider was terrific. He’s one of my favorite comedians and was also a favorite of my late brother. Rob is a great director and producer who made me comfortable and provided valuable guidance. He has an excellent understanding of comedy; working with him was a dream come true
Your role as Stanley Montana in The Legend of Jack and Dan alongside Tom Sizemore is notable. What was it like working on that project?
Working with Tom Sizemore was incredible. He was in some of my favorite movies, like Black Hawk Down and Heat. Tom was helpful, shared great stories, and taught me a lot. It was unfortunate to see him pass away. Still, I cherish the memories of working with him and consider him a legend.
How do you prepare for diverse roles such as Benji Ramos in The Bay, compared to more intense characters like in Demise?
I do a lot of research on the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. For Benji Ramos, it was straightforward since he’s a cop who is always on duty. It was more challenging for Demise because the character goes through significant personal turmoil. I work closely with the director to understand the script and bring the character to life.
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Being part of a family in the entertainment industry, how do you balance personal life and professional life?
Currently, it’s relatively easy. I act during the day and bartend at night, making time for family when possible. I’m not a full-time working actor, but that’s the goal. Balancing my personal and professional life involves managing my time effectively between acting, bartending, and spending time with family.