Eric Aragon interview
Can you introduce Enrique for us?
Enrique's of a Cuban background. I believe he was born in Miami but to a Cuban family. He's a very genuine, sweet guy. He takes everything in a literal way. Always has somebody's interest ahead of his own. He seems to be one of those people that - well, he's just a really kind-hearted guy.
How similar is he to you?
Very similar in many ways actually. I think Enrique just brings out a part of me that's a heightened part of me. I believe I'm a genuine sweet person, I do care about other people and I do take things literally. I guess it's like a small percentage of my personality, so not quite me but easy to access.
Enrique's such a lovely character. A really genuine, naïve innocent. What's been your favourite part of playing that, of becoming his character? Have you a favourite storyline from the series?
Every episode seems to have something that I'm attracted to. Episode 3 has some squirrels and nuts on show; I believe it's Episode 4, we play pool buddies and I think that's the most fun I had, just because I had the opportunity to pot three shots! My best day by far though would be in the last episode we recorded. Tommy comes out with his boxers in his crack - the audience started laughing and because they're laughing I couldn't help it. It was just take after take.
I do love that Enrique is constantly confused. There are always moments in his script where he's confused, because he takes things literally. The final episode really shows that.
What's the nature of his relationship with Tommy?
I think he views Tommy as somebody's who's maybe misunderstood and just needs a little more love and patience. Anna and Scarlet have higher expectations of what he should be like, but Enrique views him more as someone who just needs a guide. Definitely someone who just needs a little more patience shown to him.
How much comedy had you done before I Live With Models?
This is actually one of my first jobs doing comedy. I did a romantic comedy film called The Perfect Wedding, and just before this I did a web-series that I guess was a sitcom-style format. And there are some commercials I've done with a comic element. But that's about it - I've never done stand-up, never did plays...
It must be quite different for you to come here and be working with a full studio audience then?
It is! I think working live in general, it gives you a bit of energy but it also makes you come to life. It's been a whole learning curve for me, trying to find the cameras and adapting to new scripts every day.
I've enjoyed it very much though. Coming from the States and having the time difference has been rough - and fitting into an existing show, because I wasn't in the pilot, finding where I fit in, juggling jet-lag and learning the whole new multi-camera set-up that I've not done before, it's been great.
How've you enjoyed the experience, coming over and working in the UK?
I love the UK. London's great. I haven't had the chance to venture out much to other cities. Staying in a hotel for weeks is actually pretty tough, but you get to feel comfortable with the hotel staff. I go downstairs to have my morning breakfast and being able to know people by first name, and them knowing me, it's made it become somewhat of a home - just a very distant home! I do like walking too, coming from Miami, or even in Los Angeles, you don't get to walk much. But in London ... well I feel like my senses are over-stimulated sometimes. I'm constantly seeing new things. It's very busy.
And the weather! I do like the weather. Getting dressed is nice - I grew up in Florida, and in Miami you can't get dressed. You get as UNdressed as is legally possible, or is acceptable! But here you can just layer up.