Anthony Gonzalez’ smile lights up the room. The vibrant 13-year-old is the voice of Miguel in Disney Pixar’s mega hit “COCO.” It is the first animated movie that honors the Mexican tradition of Día de Los Muertos.
Starting his artistic career at the age of four, he began singing with his brothers and sisters at the famous Placita Olvera in downtown Los Angeles. He has appeared on popular TV programs such as “Sabado Gigante,” “The Voice” and “Despierta America.”
Gonzalez was recently in Phoenix promoting the release of “COCO” on BluRay, scheduled to release on February 27th.
Latinaology- How does it feel to be so popular?
Gonzalez- (Laughs) “I’m just so happy that everyone loved the movie “COCO” and connected with it”.
Latinaology – In a prior interview you said, “If it were not for my mother’s support, I would not be here today.”
Gonzalez – “Yes! Yes! I have always had her support. She lost many jobs along the way because she would take me to auditions. She has been an incredible support for me. Without her I would not be sitting here with you. Even when I was disqualified from an audition or didn’t make it to the next round, she was there, happy for me because she knew I was following my dreams. And I thank her for that. What is amazing is that this movie, “COCO” also shows the importance of family, which is so special to me”
Latinaology- La Placita Olvera was a stepping stone to your career. Tell about those early days performing with your brothers and sisters.
Gonzalez – “My sisters would dance at the Placita. They would create their own choreography from tap to ballet, and my brothers would sing. And I would watch and became so inspired that I began performing myself at the age of 4. After the performances, I saw people with smiles on their faces and that was so fun for me. Acting and singing are my passions, and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Latinaology – You came to Pixar in a special way. Tell me about your experience and the moment when you got the part?
Gonzalez – “That was amazing! I was nine-years-old when I auditioned at Pixar Studios in Oakland. And I was doing scratches (voice test to see how it matches the character). When I was at Pixar, I learned all about the movie, the music, and its premise; the wonderful celebration of the Dia de los Muertos and about Miguel. I thought, wow, this really resonates so much with me! And I immediately knew I wanted to do the movie.
One day around Christmas time, director Lee Unkrich said they had a gift for me. It was a beautiful work of art that said, “You’ve got the Part.”
I was in total shock and I thanked God for this amazing blessing. I grew up watching all the Pixar movies. Now I was going to be part of a unique Pixar movie that celebrates the Mexican culture.”
Latinaology – You have a new movie coming out called IceBox. Tell me about your character, Oscar?
Gonzalez- “In IceBox I play a boy name Oscar who is forced to be in a gang in his native Honduras. His family makes the decision to send him to the United States to live with his uncle and be safe. When Oscar is crossing the border, her gets detained by the border patrol. The film details what unaccompanied minors experience while they are in detention centers. It’s a sad situation especially in these times. It was very challenging to portray this character, because I’ve never experienced anything like what these kids have gone thru since I was born in Los Angeles.”
Latinaology- You have inspired many young Latino kids to pursue a career in acting and singing. What advice do you have for them?
Gonzalez –“My advice to them, is if you love to act and sing, then do it. No one can stop you.
Do what you love and follow your heart. Don’t give up, no matter how many people reject you, or don’t believe in you. Be perseverant, resilient and determined. Do what you love and have fun doing it. That’s why I’m a performer, because I have fun doing what I do.”
Until next time,
Sandra
https://vimeo.com/ianholliday/iceboxteaser
https://vimeo.com/ianholliday/iceboxteaser
https://vimeo.com/ianholliday/iceboxteaser
https://vimeo.com/ianholliday/iceboxteaser
