By Laura Alber and Albert L. Ortega

EZ celeb guest writer, Yeni Alvarez introduced us to an up-and-coming actor, who already has many titles under his belt. He is active in Film, TV, Theatre, Commercials and more. Currently, Richard can be seen in the stage version "Frida Kahlo" in the lead as 'Diego Rivera'. The Entertainment Zone wanted to get a jump on an interview with this talented actor, and this is what he had to say!

Z: Tell us a little about your current project "Frida Kahlo" as Diego Rivera.

RA:  Well this is the third year I'll be playing the role of Diego. When I first got cast many people actually thought I was too short, too small, and 'cute' to be playing this role. Yes it was a challenge because they were right (well many people are cute next to the real Diego Rivera), so I had to work harder to become this man. This role has probably been the most challenging for me. Especially since we alternate each weekend from English to Spanish so it's like learning two shows. It's now a pleasure to return to it. It opens on April 17 and runs through May 11, 2003 at the Frida Kahlo Theatre (213) 382-8133, for those interested. I just had to plug it.

Z: You have also recently completed several other projects as well. Would you like to tell us a little about those parts and your experiences with them?

RA: Well, I just closed the show "Living Out" at the Mark Taper Forum. I originally had a small role in the show but was also understudying one of the male leads. I ended up taking over that role towards the end of the run. Being on a stage like that is an amazing feeling. I also recently shot a short film "Hard-Bitten". It's a satire and it was fun to work on that. I play a Latino caught up in a political scandal of being bitten by the Mayor's dog. Recently I've been doing a few stage readings to keep myself active.

Z: What has been your favorite project to date?

RA: I worked on a short comedic film called "Space Banda" a few years ago. It has been in many film festivals and has become a cult hit. I've never had so much freedom to just do whatever I want in a project. "Space Banda" is set in the future where Latinos have been segregated to one planet by the INF (Immigration Naturalization Federation). I play the lead 'coyote' that helps immigrants across the space borders. It's a spoof on the Star Wars movies.

Z: Where did you get your training?

RA: I've had mostly private training. I took classes at Santa Monica College also. I haven't been in a class for more than five years though since, fortunately, I'm constantly working.

Z: Do you prefer TV/Film or Theater?

RA: Theatre of course! I have worked on over 30 theatrical productions and I do at least 2 plays a year. Theatre is where I grow as an actor and since I'm always doing a show I'm always warmed up for anything else. I've been fortunate enough to have worked at places such as the Mark Taper Forum, East LA Classic Theatre, Stella Adler Theatre, Collage Dance Theatre, Japan American Theatre and Los Angeles Theatre Center. TV and film is great but it's not the same without the audience right there with you.

Z: Any interest in pursuing a position behind the camera?

RA: At this time no. I have done casting on a few films though. I wanted to get experience behind the camera but wanted to learn about the casting process so I took on casting. It really started when a friend of mine was looking for Latino talent but could find any. I decide to cast her film. Since then I have cast about 8 films. Maybe in the future I might produce and maybe even direct.

Z:  You've recently started a mailing list on your website for casting information. What gave you the idea to do that for your fellow actors?

RA: Well, I have always been resourceful when it comes to my career. I got casting info and industry info emailed to me from many places and my friends would wonder how I would find out about things. So I began emailing them this info. Eventually they told their friends, and so on and so on. I had to start a group to compile everyone's email and make the job easier for me. Now I have an official yahoo group. Probably about over 800 actors get casting notices from me. If anyone is interested they can email to RazurdiaNetwork@yahoogroups.com.

Z:  What are some of your other interests?

RA: I collect super hero and comic book action figures. These days they are so detailed! When I was a kid an action figure was a piece of plastic with arms and legs. I also collect little Ford Mustang Cars of all sorts. I have an actual 65 Mustang, and my dad owns a 67 and 68 Mustang. I love those cars. I also collect weapons, but we won't get into that.

Z: Favorite Films?

RA: Midnight Express, Scarface, Taxi Driver, Fight Club, Braveheart and The Evil Dead I and II.

Z:  What actor and/or director would like to work with?

RA: David Lynch and David Fincher would be my top directors. Actors, I would love to work with Julianne Moore or Mel Gibson. Also Gary Oldman, Steve Buscemi, Nicholas Cage and Obba Babatunde. I hear they are fun to work with and I respect their work and talent very much.

Z:  Can you name any childhood heroes you have?

RA: You know, I don't have any heroes. The ones I had would always disappoint me. I will say that the actor Obba Babatunde inspired me to become a stage actor. I saw him in a play many about 17 years ago and I loved what he did. I wanted to be on that stage also. I got to meet him recently and he was the nicest guy. I hope to work with him on stage someday. But heroes, none. Sorry.

Z: What is something about you that we would never guess?

RA: Oh, boy. Well, I knit. I'm not a pro, but I've knitted some nice scarves. I learned a few months ago and now I have my own knitting needles and I knit often to let out stress. It's very relaxing. Wait a minute. How many people will be reading this?

Z: Can you name a guilty pleasure?

RA: Redheads!! Julianne Moore, Gillian Anderson. WOW!

Z: If you had one wish what would it be?

RA: For my mother to walk again. She's been disabled for about five years now and she is still struggling to walk someday.

Z: Favorite Midnite snack.

RA: Frosted Mini-Wheat Cereal. Their not the same without the frosting.

Z: Lastly, with or without butter?

RA: (popcorn) WITH!!