People trying to break into entertainment need to know that most of the time, it’s not an easy task. And if you make it, work to stay where you are and grow. That becomes the hardest part to achieve at any level.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Edgardo Rubio.
Edgardo Rubio is a Puerto Rican actor and comedian from Miami, Florida, who has acted in television and movies for over 50 years. He studied at the prestigious Colegio Espíritu Santo, where he met renowned director, and producer Rafo Muñiz who recommended he join the cast of the popular television show, “Los Garcia.” He would go on to act in several movies, such as “Manhattan Merengue ‘’ and “My Lucky Day,” as well as worked in live theater on such productions as “Gaviota en fuga”. On the Univision Network, he worked on “Sabado Gigante,” which aired locally and nationally. With his interest in social issues, Rubio wrote, directed, produced and starred in the critically acclaimed film, “Freedom Flight,” which examined the impact of Fidel Castro on Cubans. He is currently producing and co-directing “The Trapper Trap — Part 1”, a groundbreaking social impact film with Lillee Jean Trueman. The film explores the idea that everyone has flaws, whether they are quirky, funny, angry, etc., Rubio is seeking to break down cultural and social barriers, not just by using a diverse cast, but also by exploring how we are all so different, but also so similar.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
As far as I’m concerned, it was destiny. I was neighbors with the most important producer and comedy actor and writer, Tommy Muniz, in Puerto Rico. When I was a kid, his son Rafo always told him how funny I was. Then the opportunity presented itself. When I was 11, he produced a sitcom about a typical Puerto Rican family, and I got to play the son. In the ratings, the show ranked number one, and the ratings for the next seven years of the run of the show were number one. I had the right opportunity, with the right person, at the right moment!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
While taping one of the shows, I had to run from outside to the living room to hide from my sister and brother-in-law (in the series). My landing wasn’t scripted, and I nearly destroyed the entire living room. It taught me to think before I physically improvised.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
People trying to break into entertainment need to know that most of the time, it’s not an easy task. And if you make it, work to stay where you are and grow. That becomes the hardest part to achieve at any level.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
It’s my father. As a result of putting his men’s lives before his own, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. I have learned a valuable lesson from that. He is an example I follow not in war, but in my everyday life and my career. Prioritize those who deserve it.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
In my career and personal life, I have done a lot to make the world (the part that surrounds me) a happier place. Making them laugh is one, I have been involved in many things like giving happy moments to children with leukemia, cancer institutes, St Jude’s children’s hospitals, the elderly, and domestic abuse victims, and I identify myself with people who have been bullied simply because they are better people.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
Despite what people think, bullying is a serious matter. Bullying comes in many forms, physical, mental, and cyber. If I could, I would create something that could annihilate such hate and pettiness in the world to hurt others.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
A young actor, Lillee Jean, with whom I am working on our very first film together, called the “Trapper Trap Pt. 1”, has become an important part of my life over the years. Having known her since she was a teenager, I have had the pleasure of not only coaching her in acting, but also becoming friends with her and her family. A great deal of inconceivable cyberstalking and cyberbullying has been directed at her by groups of people who congregate around online platforms for the sheer pleasure of humiliating others. I have become very involved in helping her to face the negative influences that have surrounded her in the past, due to these types of people, as one of her mentors and business partners. As a result of our collaboration, we are both working towards solutions that plague us in this digital society.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
More than three! To help bullied people, there must first be real compromises at the federal level. Bullying, whether mental or cyber, needs to be treated as a crime by law enforcement. Rather than protecting the victim, society, companies, and the media encourage bullies. That should also be penalized! More work should be done and less politics should be played
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
- You can’t make everyone happy (or laugh);
- Study a profitable career and make show business your second priority;
- Don’t take anything for granted;
- Be the best person you can be;
- Take comedy very seriously!
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Let’s make the world a better place to live. A big “be kind” movement
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
John Lennon once said: “Everything will be ok at the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end”. I’ll keep going till the end!
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
It would definitely be Mark Zuckerberg. I would love to sit down and give him many tips to make social media a safer place.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Edgardo Rubio Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.