We interview the amazing Johnny Rey Diaz on this week’s episode of The Pilot Podcast!
Tune in to learn more about Johnny’s experience filming Primo on Freevee. We learn how he developed his character Rollie, his directing experience, and his award-winning pilot. Tune in!
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Transcript available on our website
BJ (00:09):
Welcome to The Pilot Podcast. This week we have a special episode with a guest you may recognize from Primo on Amazon Freevee. Welcome, Johnny Rey Diaz.
Johnny Rey Diaz (00:20):
Hello. Hello. How's it going guys?
Mitu (00:22):
Pretty solid. Thank you so much for joining us. Would you like to introduce yourself to our listeners?
Johnny Rey Diaz (00:28):
Sure. My name is Johnny Rey Diaz. I am an actor and filmmaker based in Los Angeles.
Mitu (00:34):
Fabulous. So let's get into it. We are here, as you shared before we started recording, to talk about Primo, a show that I am a huge fan of. I've just found it to be the most comforting and funny and familiar thing that I could watch, and I feel like I really see my family in a lot of these characters. So I'm curious, portraying Rollie, who is someone, who is someone I would argue is surprisingly layered, like a little dizzy in thinking, very caring, also offers really great advice and also very funny, where did you pull from to connect with that character?
Johnny Rey Diaz (01:14):
Well, first off, you had it right, Rollie.
Mitu (01:16):
Yes, excuse me.
Johnny Rey Diaz (01:18):
That's definitely it. Oh no, you're okay. You're okay. It happens all the time. I've had people say that many times. Yeah, it's a weird thing. This character actually was created years ago in an acting class. That's where it had its first inception sort of. It was sort of a character day that we had to do in class and I came up with this character that spoke very slowly and he played with sock puppets and it slowly evolved over time. I actually ended up playing a character very similar to this in Pam & Tommy on Hulu, very close to the same time that happened. When I got this audition, I just read the pilot and I was like, "Huh, I feel like this character, this is what this character sounds like. This is how this character moves." I sort of plugged in that character I've been working on over a period of years and this is the finished thing, the finished product, I guess, in a sense.
Mitu (02:21):
How did it feel to receive that script and realize that it was so aligned with this character that you've honed?
Johnny Rey Diaz (02:31):
It's one of those rare things of, especially if any actors listen to stuff like that, sometimes you just read something and you just know. There's a feeling of like, oh yeah, I get this, or you know it's for you. I feel like very few projects that happens sometimes, but you read something and you're like, "Yeah, I get this and this makes sense and I know exactly what they're looking for." Or you see a completely different take than they ever envisioned and you bring that to life. That's what happened with this character, actually, because from what I've been told in terms of Shea and Mike Schur, when we had conversations about the character after I booked the part, they never envisioned what you guys saw on screen. It was actually meant to be this really huge biker dude, and he was supposed to be very serious and he was sort of intimidating.
(03:23):
That is how they envisioned him. I think Shea, because they are all based on real people, very loosely based, but he does have five uncles, that's, I guess, what his uncle was like, a big biker dude, so that was sort of the prototype. When they were casting for it and everything, they obviously got a lot of those types of characters to read. Then when I got the audition, it was a completely different version they never saw, where they saw this sort of goofy, really fun loving guy that was a jokester and just silly, but also had a lot of heart. They said that when they saw that, they were like, "Oh my God, we never even envisioned it like this. This is a whole different take we never even saw." The more they kept seeing it, the more they were like, "Yeah, this is the character." So it was really cool to hear that. Sometimes just as an actor, you come in, you shake things up and you leave them wanting more.
Mitu (04:23):
That is so cool to bring a new element that two creatives like Mike Schur, a legend, and Shay Serrano, such a talented writer, hadn't considered. It's clicking for me as you're speaking. Because your character has had dust ups with law, we try not to do spoilers on the show, but we see you in handcuffs a couple times or allusions to some shady past behavior. So that's funny that you were going to be an all the way tough guy and instead, played this character with such heart.
Johnny Rey Diaz (04:57):
Yeah. I think that's really cool about this character and what I love is predominantly, we see this sort of silly side of him, this goofy side of him, the things he says is kind of ridiculous at times. But then as the season goes on, we really get to see this sentimental side of him and how at the end of the day, as cliche as it sounds, family is everything to him, protecting his family, caring about his family. He's one of the few uncles that really has no agenda. Everyone is pulling him in different directions and he's sort of the neutral one. He's more like, "Hey, primo, whatever makes you happy, that's all I want you to do and I'll support that. If it's do nothing, do nothing. If it's go to college, go to college." But I think that's what's really, really cool about him. I think when they saw touches of that, they were like, "Oh, there's a whole different side to him."
Mitu (05:54):
Did you get to do a lot of speaking with Shea Serrano about his family or experiences to inform the role?
Johnny Rey Diaz (06:03):
Yeah, we had a lot of conversations with Shea about this and he'd really told us, he was very adamant from the beginning that we didn't want to be portraying actual real people. They exist in the world and he does have five uncles and he did grow up with them and so forth, but the situations aren't necessarily real. He wanted us to bring our own version of what that person is. So that was something that he told us very early on that, "I don't want you to be trying to play an actual person throughout the whole season," and stuff like that.
(06:38):
He would send us photos of his actual uncles, and to this day, we're still on a mass text thread with everybody from the team and he'll send photos of the actual uncles and what they look like. Supposedly, they were going to come to set while we were shooting, but there was COVID protocols and all that kind of stuff, and it didn't work out. So I just credit Shea because he really created a very beautiful world and honestly, I was just so happy to be able to be a part of it and to exist in it.
Mitu (07:10):
That's beautiful. He actually just sent an email to the secret email club today. It's saying that his uncles, that's what he calls his listserv. I'm not just, in my mind, in a secret fan club.
Johnny Rey Diaz (07:26):
I was about to say, how do I join that? Would I get the email too?
Mitu (07:28):
You have to buy one of his eBooks. But he sent an email, I can send you a code, and he wrote about his uncles seeing the show for the first time. I think I'm breaking a rule because typically, the secret email club is secret, but he had a beautiful line in there saying that he saw them cry watching the show and he'd only seen them do that twice at his grandmother's funeral and watching the movie Creed. So this portrayal that you and the other actors have done, hit that note of a funeral and Creed, obviously two very separate notes, but...
Johnny Rey Diaz (08:07):
Yeah, I don't know if I should be proud of that. I'm not sure.
BJ (08:10):
That's an accomplishment.
Johnny Rey Diaz (08:11):
I guess so. I mean, Creed sounds cool, but the funeral, I don't know if I want to be... But anyway, no, I mean, yeah, Shea's just such a generous guy. I don't know how else to explain it other than he is so giving and he's never worked in the industry like Hollywood in terms of being on a set and didn't know what it was like to sort of show run or anything like that. He just was so generous with information. If something wasn't working, it was easy to come up to him and talk about things and figure out what was best for that specific scene. I can't really credit him enough how great it was to work with him on set because a lot of times when you're working with producers, it feels like you can't really talk to them because they're on the other side.
(09:01):
But everyone on this team, Lisa, Peter, all the producers on the show, were just so generous with their time and just willing to engage with you. I remember one time there was a scene that I felt like the dialogue wasn't working and they all just came over and we just changed it on the spot. It just happened. It felt nice, as an actor, as a performer, to be able to really communicate those ideas across and then really talk about why are things not working and how can we make this better? The fact that they were so willing and open to do that was just amazing. I feel like that rarely happens.
BJ (09:37):
So it's funny that you mentioned that story because we read a quote from Shea Serrano that says, "Literally every episode contains five or six things that the cast came up with on the spot." So can you tell us more what it was like being in that environment and do you have any favorite improv moments?
Johnny Rey Diaz (09:57):
Being in that environment is hands down, one of the funnest experiences I've ever had working on a production. I can't explain to you. I will be the one to admit, even though I resisted, that of any cast member on set, I broke the most. I'll say it. I will say it. There's a lot of funny people on the show. Carlos is a comedian. There's a lot of funny people on the show. I've mostly done a lot of drama and everyone on the show, sometimes just has a ridiculous line and you're looking at them dead in the eyes trying to be serious. Sometimes it's hard to not laugh, so you just start laughing. But they really gave us permission to play around with a lot of things. It's a comedy and it's Mike Schur and there's going to be moments where sometimes your ad lib is better than what was written.
(10:51):
It's so cool that the writers were open to that and allowing you to do that. I think once you feel comfortable being around them and also really secure in your character knowing what they would do and wouldn't do, then it just lets it flow. There's not one specific moment that's sort of jumping out at me because I feel like every scene there was an ad lib or an improv or something. I definitely was trying. I was tagging every other scene. Some of it ended up in the show, some of it didn't. But again, I think that's just the credit to the writing was just the writing was just so good. I really hope that the writers get what they deserve right now because they're going through that strike and without them, they're the backbone of this industry. That show wouldn't exist without them, so I really hope we get that figured out too.
BJ (11:38):
That sounds like a really fun environment. And I do have to give props to you and the rest of the cast because there is fantastic chemistry and you felt like a real family. So had any of y'all connected prior to filming?
Johnny Rey Diaz (11:54):
No, that's the crazy thing. It feels like working on that set was one in a million almost, because I can't tell you how many sets I've been on where things are kind of good, but you never totally gel. And before working on that show, as soon as we got there, nobody had met each other. All we had was a couple table reads over Zoom because we're still going through COVID and stuff like that, so we never actually met in person. It wasn't until essentially we all went out to Albuquerque and started shooting the show and it just felt from day one, we just all fell into it.
(12:33):
I think that a big part of that is that because everyone just felt so grateful to be there, and we all felt like, "Hey, this is something special, so let's put the ego aside and let's go tell some really cool fun stories." I think that that was one of the biggest reasons why everything worked. It was important too, because you have to play a tight-knit family on the show. I think that that actual chemistry does show on screen because we did have it when we were actually there.
BJ (13:07):
Wow, that's beautiful. You're making me want to go watch more episodes.
Johnny Rey Diaz (13:12):
Please, BJ give it another chance, right? I'm telling you-
BJ (13:15):
I will. I have to now.
Johnny Rey Diaz (13:18):
Actually, episode two is one of my favorite episodes. It's the barbecue episode.
BJ (13:22):
Okay. I will watch that tonight.
Johnny Rey Diaz (13:23):
All right.
BJ (13:24):
I promise you that.
Johnny Rey Diaz (13:25):
All right, send me the screenshot. Just kidding.
Mitu (13:28):
We have a running, by we, I mean I because there's only two of us, a running commentary on the show that BJ is someone who just doesn't like laughter or smile or children or puppies or anything that makes you happy, so please don't take it personally. I agree, the cookout episode, I don't want to spoil it for BJ or anyone else, but there is a tamale taste off that my partner and I, in our home, have just been repeating all weekend. Just doing the, "No!"
Johnny Rey Diaz (13:59):
Yeah.
Mitu (14:00):
It's just, oh my gosh. It's so funny. So I have a controversial question for you. If you could have played any of the other brothers, which would you have wanted to take a crack at?
Johnny Rey Diaz (14:15):
Actually, I auditioned for the character of Jay, as well, the irrigation guy. It's so funny because when I got both of those auditions, I read both of them and I was like, "Hmm, I feel so connected to Rollie." And then I read Jay and I was like, "I don't think I get Jay." Jay doesn't make sense to me. To me, it wasn't as exciting and it wasn't as fun. I still did it, but I was like, "I'm not fit for this character." And then when I met Jonathan and I saw what he did with it, I was like, "Oh my God. Bro, that's the guy. That's the guy." I think that's just a credit to how good he is, how talented he is, and how every actor will take material and interpret it a different way. He saw it a certain way that I didn't see it before. I actually think he just did a fantastic job. Honestly, I hate to say it, but he's actually my favorite uncle on the show.
BJ (15:11):
Ooh.
Johnny Rey Diaz (15:11):
Yeah. To me, he's the funniest one. I think Ryan is a close second. If I could play any of the other ones on the show, I feel like Ryan would be fun. I feel like Ryan's got a lot... He has a lot of moments that are really fun. But yeah, I auditioned for Jay and Jonathan definitely killed it, way better than I could have done.
Mitu (15:35):
He's wonderful on that show. There's a very silly scene with him talking about how much he loves his wife, but it is so layered that you actually, if you are a baby watching shows like me, tear up as he tears up. But you're also laughing because it's so ridiculous. It's just-
Johnny Rey Diaz (15:52):
Yeah.
Mitu (15:52):
Yes, he is lovely. And BJ, you are a board game enthusiast. There's a wonderful board game storyline with Ryan that I think you would be into.
Johnny Rey Diaz (16:00):
Game champ.
BJ (16:01):
Perfect.
Johnny Rey Diaz (16:01):
Get in there.
Mitu (16:03):
And you've also joined a ton of other great shows. You mentioned Pam & Tommy, you've also been on Grey's Anatomy and All Rise and Magnum PI. What is it like with shows like those where you're jumping in and helping continue the story? What is it like to be in that setting?
Johnny Rey Diaz (16:22):
I always say that showing up to a show like that when you're guest starring or recurring or whatever, it's being the new kid in school. It's like you're walking into this place that's been running for a long time without you ever being there and they have a certain way of doing things. You're sort of coming in there raising your hand and being like, "Hey guys, can I play with you guys?" And then, "Can I have lunch with you? Is it cool to sit here?" So it always feels like the first day of school coming into those moments because everybody knows everybody and you're sort of the odd man out. I think it's much different when you're actually on a show from the very creation. Like Primo, I'm there from day one all the way to the very end and coming in and guest shooting is way different.
(17:10):
I think all those shows that you mentioned, I have different stories about all those shows. I've loved working on all those shows, especially Grey's Anatomy. That was a really enjoyable experience. It's just fun. I don't know how else to say it. It's just fun. Then you get to meet, hopefully, not all the time, but hopefully you get to meet really cool people and work with some really amazing actors that you admire. I think I'm just really grateful for the opportunity that I have and that I get to do this for a living, which is really, really cool.
Mitu (17:44):
In addition to being an actor, you have this extensive background in directing and producing. I read in your bio that you started in a fellowship as well along those lines. Do you bring your filmmaking background and expertise into how you approach acting?
Johnny Rey Diaz (18:03):
Yeah, I definitely do. The directing, and I used to be a camera operator for a TV show years ago. I would do photography still to this day. Knowing cameras and lenses and also directing on set has definitely made me a more aware actor. I'm very aware of where the camera is. I'm very aware of where I should be standing and how to open up the camera. So I'm always looking for moments of, okay, how can I open up the camera? Little tips and tricks that help you as an actor, make sure that they're just getting the best out of you, from a technical perspective. And also, honestly, just hitting marks. It sounds crazy, but a lot of times, actors have a hard time hitting a mark. You got to walk 15 feet and not look at the ground and hit this mark and then turn and say this line, and then turn around and pick up this cup and then walk over here and do this.
(19:02):
As a director, sometimes when I read a scene, when I come in as an actor, I already have an idea in my mind of how it's going to be blocked out. It doesn't mean that I rehearse it that way because it's the director's decision to figure out how they want that scene to go down, but I'm already seeing it unfold in my brain. What was really cool was on Primo, actually, I asked one day and I said, "Hey, can I shadow direct?" They actually let me shadow direct on one of the episodes, which was really cool. Shout out to Melissa Fumero from Brooklyn Nine-Nine because she was directing the episode and she let me shadow her. She was awesome. So it was really cool to do that because that's something that I've wanted to do for a little while is start directing television and seeing how it works and how it goes down. I feel very confident that I could do it.
Mitu (19:51):
That's so cool that you got to shadow direct. That's wonderful that you were able to do that with Melissa Fumero.
Johnny Rey Diaz (19:59):
Yeah, she was awesome. Yeah, she was awesome.
BJ (20:02):
And with that opportunity, is this the start of more opportunities for you to get behind the camera? Is that something you plan to do soon?
Johnny Rey Diaz (20:11):
Yeah, I hope so. I mean right now, I have a TV pilot that I co-directed and produced with one of my good friends. It's been winning a bunch of awards. We just came back from Denver maybe two weeks ago from SeriesFest. The TV pilot won this thing called the Caz Matthews Award, which was essentially funding for a project, and then he also won best actor at the festival. It got a lot of attention. I mean, we got some meetings out of it. Right now, we're sort of in the process of trying to shop it around. Unfortunately, the writer strike is holding everything up, but that's what I'm doing right now. Hopefully because of that project, it'll lead to other directing opportunities and stuff like that. Yeah, it's just something I love. I think deep down inside, as much as I love acting, I'm just a movie fan.
(21:07):
I love stories. The reason I got into this was because when I sort of figured life out, because I don't know if we ever figure it totally out, but at some point when I was like, "What am I going to do with my life?" I just kept coming back to movies. I said, "I have to work in movies somehow." So as much as I love acting, I just love being on the whole creative aspect of it, directing, producing, writing. All of it's fascinating to me. So anywhere I can be involved in that, I would love to do.
BJ (21:36):
That's awesome. Can you tell us a bit more about your pilot?
Johnny Rey Diaz (21:41):
Yeah, absolutely. It's an indie pilot that we shot actually right before we left for Primo. I think I found out maybe a few weeks after I finished that pilot that I booked the part. The pilot itself is about a retired boxer who my friend, played by Garland Scott who wrote the project, co-directed and produced it as well, he used to be a boxer, so he wrote the story. It's about this boxer that's retired and he's sort of asked to fill in on the last minute fight and come out of retirement. Well, some shady dealings are involved there and it's not what it seems, so he gets pulled into this whole organization because of that. Some stuff happens, without spoiling too much. But it's really a story about a single father. The boxing is really more of just a backdrop.
(22:44):
It's not really about the fighting. It's more about him struggling to be a father and take care of his son and just find a way to provide. It's a great film. It's really dark. It's really gritty. It feels very lived in. I play the main antagonist in it, as well. Hopefully, we get to do something with it. It's been exciting and the feedback we've gotten from it is overwhelmingly positive. Actually, it just got into the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, so it's playing there on June 7th. I don't think I can make it, but it's going to be playing out there, so if you guys find yourself in Philadelphia, please go check it out.
BJ (23:29):
We're not far. That sounds like a great premise.
Johnny Rey Diaz (23:32):
Yeah.
BJ (23:33):
And do you have any other upcoming projects you'd like to tell our listeners about?
Johnny Rey Diaz (23:39):
Right now, I'm going to shoot a film in Texas in about two weeks. It's just a short film. It's about a military vet that comes back and is dealing with severe PTSD. He actually ends up committing suicide. The story is actually sort of a collection of his friends living through his memories. That's something that I start shooting in about two weeks or so in Texas. Besides that, that's pretty much it, just Primo, because right now with the strike, there's just not a lot going on. So hopefully, the writers get what they need and we can all get back to doing what we do is telling stories.
Mitu (24:27):
Yeah. And at The Pilot Podcast, we are very pro-labor, so solidarity with the writers, and we hope-
Johnny Rey Diaz (24:34):
Me too.
Mitu (24:34):
We hope there is a resolution soon there that feels good for everyone. We always ask this question to creatives who join us for interviews. What advice do you have for listeners who are hoping to make it in the creative industry?
Johnny Rey Diaz (24:49):
Man, it sounds so cliche, but you got to follow your heart. I know it sounds very cliche, but it's true. I think a lot of times we create obstacles in front of us. We create reasons or excuses why we can't do something. I think you have to really take a chance on yourself. It is scary, but I think that's also part of the excitement. If you really want to do something, whether it's acting, maybe you want to be an artist or a musician or whatever it is, just fall all the way into it. Just go in all the way. If it doesn't work out, there's always a regular job or whatever it is you want to do. All that stuff is always going to be there. But the last thing I think you want to have is any regret of leaving something on the table.
(25:36):
I think everyone's journey is their own, of course. Sometimes I wish, "Oh, I wish I'd started acting when I was much younger or right after high school and maybe not even gone to college," but this was my path. This was my journey. All those life experiences eventually lead to those moments. So anyone out there listening, as cliche as it sounds, you got to stop chasing dreams and turn them into a reality. I had a teacher that would always tell me that and that always sat with me. I'm like, "Yeah, I got to do something."
Mitu (26:14):
That's really great advice across the board to just make it real.
Johnny Rey Diaz (26:18):
Yeah.
Mitu (26:19):
That's beautiful. When you talk about regular jobs, it reminds me of one of my favorite movies, Hollywood Shuffle, where they say that there's always a job at the post office of Robert Townsend joint, so I would recommend Hollywood Shuffle for you.
Johnny Rey Diaz (26:34):
I mean, yeah, there is. Hey, and there's nothing wrong with that. If somebody's happy doing that and that's what they want to do, more power to them. But if you're not happy, make a change. Make a change.
BJ (26:48):
I live by that. I have transitioned a lot of jobs the past few years.
Johnny Rey Diaz (26:55):
And then eventually, you're going to find your way, BJ. Hopefully, you have.
BJ (26:59):
I think I have. This past year, still at the same place.
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:02):
Okay, well hopefully you find your way to episode two of Primo-
BJ (27:07):
Tonight.
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:09):
Just kidding, just kidding.
Mitu (27:10):
My favorite thing to share about BJ, which I know that he hates, is he's a real scientist, like a doctor, like a PhD scientist. Isn't that cool?
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:20):
That's amazing.
Mitu (27:22):
Not to force you to react to us because we are interviewing you, but anytime BJ talks about his job, I feel like I have to follow it up with, "He's actually Dr. BJ." How cool is that?
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:32):
Can I ask what kind of doctor? Is that allowed?
BJ (27:34):
Yeah, so my degree is in biochemistry, and right now I work in Alzheimer's disease research.
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:41):
Oh my God, that's amazing. You're making a difference in this world. You are truly making a difference.
BJ (27:46):
I really care about the mission, and I think that helps with my day-to-day job.
Johnny Rey Diaz (27:51):
Wow, that's awesome. Can I just say thank you because my grandma, who was I was extremely close to, had Alzheimer's. I lived with her for many years while she was dealing with that. I can say from firsthand experience how difficult it is to care for somebody that's going through that. So I thank you sincerely that you're making a difference in this world. I appreciate that.
BJ (28:15):
Oh, you're welcome. I'm happy to help. I know how tough it is. The good news is we are making progress. There are some new drugs coming out in the market, so every day we're getting closer to curing it.
Johnny Rey Diaz (28:25):
That's awesome. That's really good. See, I'm over here just saying stupid jokes and you're over here saving the world. My God, I should be interviewing you.
BJ (28:34):
No, no. Those jokes are important. Laughter is important. Mitu and I were talking, we've had a long day and we're happy to smile and laugh and do something a little more fun.
Johnny Rey Diaz (28:44):
There we go. I love it.
Mitu (28:46):
Where can we and our listeners find and support you and your work, Johnny?
Johnny Rey Diaz (28:51):
All social media handles is just my name, @JohnnyReyDiaz. Yeah, that's pretty much it.
Mitu (28:57):
And also, of course, Primo on Freevee.
Johnny Rey Diaz (29:01):
Of course, yes, that show, the thing I'm on, Primo. It's free on Amazon Freevee. If you don't have Amazon, it's okay. Freevee, free. It's in the title, so there you go.
Mitu (29:14):
And not to do your job for you, but one more plug for Philadelphia maybe?
Johnny Rey Diaz (29:19):
Plug for Philadelphia Film Festival. Thank you so much. Puncher's Chance is the name of the project. It is screening on June 7th. I do not have the time unfortunately, but Philadelphia Film Festival and I'm sure it'll be coming at another film festival, hopefully in a city near somebody as well.
BJ (29:35):
Awesome. We'll put your social media links in our show notes along with the Freevee link and our listeners can follow you and keep up with you from there.
Johnny Rey Diaz (29:45):
Thank you, guys, so much.
BJ (29:46):
Thanks for joining us.
Johnny Rey Diaz (29:47):
I sincerely appreciate your time and thank you for asking me to join the show. It was fun.