Eduardo Navas (photographer Francesco Sapienza)
This issue was highlighted when actor Eduardo Navas returned as hospital maintenance worker, Rafael, for a recent episode of the NBC drama “New Amsterdam.”
A trained theater actor, Eduardo started his career on the stages of his native country, Venezuela. He graduated from the Music Institute Valencia (TMV), studied at the Taller del Método (Method Acting Studio), and won Best Actor at the First Annual Magoson Festival of Theatre for Rodolfo Santana’s "Encuentro en el Parque Peligroso" ("Encounter at the Dangerous Park").
After making his way to New York in 2000, he joined the Spanish Repertory Theatre "Repertorio Español" and starred in numerous productions. He also studied filmmaking and special effects at the School of Visual Arts (SVA), and in 2006 earned an ACE for Best Director-Comedy Awards from the Association of Latin Entertainment Critics of New York. Then in 2018, he won the Toronto International Spring of Horror's Festival and the Fantasy Film Festival Best Special Effects for his film, “Don't Look.”
Eduardo Navas recently answered some questions for FanPop:
Tell us about your role in “New Amsterdam.”
EDUARDO NAVAS: I play Rafael, a Latino maintenance worker at the hospital. Last season, I helped to shed light on inherent prejudice at New Amsterdam, which set Max on a mission to stop the systemic racism at the hospital. This season during the episode Rise, I help Max discover the extent to which budget cuts are damaging the hospital, as the janitorial staff are suffering from rashes caused by the cheaper gloves they’re now using.
Why is Rafael’s storyline on the show important?
EN: Rafael is a victim of injustices in the labor field. But Max is a sensitive person who cares about Rafael and the other workers, regardless of their nationality, social status, or race, which carries a message of reflection and fairness.
How was it working on such a fan-favorite show?
EN: After taking numerous classes, industry showcases, and hundreds of auditions, with the same number of rejections, it is like a dream come true to be on a set with such a talented team in front of the camera and behind it. Especially Ryan Eggold, he is a great guy and an amusing dude. It was hilarious and a privilege to work with this fantastic team.
Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?
EN: Ryan had to throw a glove box on a bench, and at the same time, say his lines in the scene. Our director, Don Scardino, jokingly asked him to do it in one take. And then, all of a sudden, Ryan did it. We all laughed in amazement and I commented that it was better than any CGI (computer Generated Imagery) – it was “practical” Special Effects.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?
EN: To enjoy the work but at the same time be present, focused, respectful of everyone's job on set, and especially be patient. They are all working to make you look good, and as long as you look good, everyone looks good.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
EN: Octavia Spencer, Robert Downey Jr., Pedro Pascal
What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
EN: In “The Witches of Eastwick,” the character of Daryl Van Horne masterfully played by Jack Nicholson. Or Kyle Reese from “Terminator” played by the great Michael Biehn.
Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.
EN: “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and “Pinocchio” from Disney.
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
EN: I'm left-handed, a professional Puppeteer and a Makeup FX Artist.
How can fans keep up with you?
EN: On Instagram at: @eduardo_navas_actor link
and Facebook at: facebook.com/eduardo.navas.37 link
Eduardo Navas as Rafael on NBC series "New Amsterdam" (photo courtesy: NBC)
