MR. RAFAEL CEBRIÁN
What are your first thoughts on awakening in the morning?
I’m glad I opened my eyes today.
What time do you wake up?
I love the smell of an early morning and I like to get my day started by 9A.M..
Shower or bath?
Shower. HOT please.
Fictional Character?
Peter Pan. My birthday wish every year up until I was 8 years old was to fly like Peter Pan.
What made you become an actor?
I love telling stories, voicing the unvoiced… that’s all I ever wanted to do. And that’s why l like to think of myself as a storyteller more than an actor. To be honest, I don’t know if I know what my purpose is yet. I’m very content living in the unknown as I figure it out. This, right here and now is the fun part.
What are your tips for success?
I think success starts with inspiration, followed by consistency and hard work.
What project are you working on at the moment?
There’s an indie feature that I’m really excited about that I plan to be filming by the end of the year. Not only am I an actor, but I’m also a writer and I’m constantly working on producing my own projects. Currently, I’m pitching a couple of ideas and trying to get a script turned into a movie.
MR. RAFAEL CEBRIÁN
How much are you like Hector the character you play in Acapulco and how different?
Every single character that I portray emanates from me. So there are definitely pieces of me in Hector. I can relate to his positive and upbeat energy. I do however wish I could walk through life with a care-free attitude the way he does. I think we could all use a little more of that.
What attracted you to your character Hector when you first read the script?
The fact that Hector played in a world of comedy. Due to my track record, people tend to think of me as a “dramatic” actor. But I’ve been keen on doing a comedy since I can remember. I’ve always felt very comfortable in that world and yet for some reason, I’d never had the chance to explore a big comedic role until this character came along.
Would you say that he is one of your most complex characters?
It depends on what you mean by complex. It’s definitely the role I’ve had the most fun playing. The challenge for me was to ground such a high concept, over-the-top character while making sure it still popped on screen.
What is it like to get into a head like that?
Fun, liberating and exhilarating.
Professionally, what are you better at now than before?
I trust my instincts way more than before and I have no shame in taking bigger risks and making bolder choices.
Do you have any secret desire to work with a certain director? and why?
Buñuel and Almodóvar have had much to do with me becoming an actor. I will unfortunately not be able to work with one of them, but I hope I do get the chance to work with Pedro one day. His work has left a big imprint on me. More recently, I’m a big fan of Julie Ducournau and would be blessed to participate in one of her future projects.
Many actors are fascinated by characters with a dark side. Does it happen to you too?
Where there’s dark, there’s light. I’m fascinated by characters that are complex, diverse and have multiple layers.
If not an actor, what would you like to be?
I would still be involved in the world of the arts. I’d probably be doing music. Although, when I was a kid, I did want to be a basketball player.
MR. RAFAEL CEBRIÁN
Do you like risk?
No risk, no reward. I like to go all in.
Are you of method or guts?
I always go with my first instinct which is my gut. My head can be my biggest saboteur.
Have you ever felt typecast?
I know I look a certain way. So of course, I tend to get casted accordingly. I have nothing against typecast, I think we should all play to our strengths. Right now for me, it’s a window into this industry. That being said, I don’t want to play “Zorro” my entire life.
Do you read books? If so what was the last one?
I do. I’m currently reading “The Tyranny of Merit” by Michael J. Sandel.
What scares you?
Losing inspiration.
And what makes you angry?
Lack of common sense and humanity.
What do you do to stay fit?
I work out 4 times a week. I don’t obsess over it. I like having a couple hours a day just to work on myself.
What’s something you could eat for a week straight?
Tiramisu.
Do you wear glasses?
No… but I like glasses.
Are you interested in clothes and style?
I’m no connoisseur of fashion, but I clean up nicely. I do happen to love shoes and I have a pretty big collection.
How would you describe your personal style?
Simple but with an edge.
What cologne do you wear if any?
Eau D’ Orange Verte by Hermès.
MR. RAFAEL CEBRIÁN
Motorcycle or car?
Car.
Boxers or Briefs?
Boxer briefs.
Do you think it’s important for a man to be sexy?
I think there are a lot of things that come to mind when I think of the word “sexy”. Talent is sexy. Honesty is sexy. Funny is sexy. Those are qualities that I consider important, and I look for in any person.
Is culture necessary for a country?
Culture is the foundation of our families and societies. We must know our past, to understand our present and build our future. Culture provides us with the appropriate language so that we can all see eye to eye a little better.
A quality that you appreciate in a man? A woman?
I like when people don’t take themselves too seriously.
Your Hero In Real Life?
My little sister. When I grow up, I want to be like her. She’s the best person I know.
What would your perfect night be like?
Good food, good wine, and good conversation. Maybe a little dancing.
Is there time for love with your schedule?
Of course! I’m not James Bond, I’m an actor! I always make time for the things that I want, and love is one of them.
Friday or Sunday?
Friday. Because I get to look forward to Sunday.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs.
What makes a perfect man?
His ability to adapt.
In this Story:
1. Rafael Cebrián wears jacket and shirt ALL SAINTS 2. Rafael wears blue suit and shirt SANDRO 3. Rafael wears long sleeve t-shirt COS, pleated trousers VINTAGE 4. Rafael Cebrián wears jacket and shirt ALL SAINTS, yellow varsity jacket SAINT LAURENT, ring CARTIER 5. Rafael Cebrián wears jacket and shirt ALL SAINTS, leather pants SAINT LAURENT
DIGITAL COVER
Photographs by STORM SANTOS, Fashion by JANET LOPEZ, Talent RAFAEL CEBRIÁN, Special Thanks to JPLA MEDIA