Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2001
'Bad Boy' looks to show off good side
Arizona Republic
Eighteen years ago, Esai Morales starred as a revenge-obsessed convict in the Sean Penn prison flick "Bad Boys."
Since then, the 38-year-old actor has had a heck of a time clearing his record. Most of his dozens of roles since have been rebels, outlaws or drunks.
Morales acknowledges that it's not exactly the best image for a handsome Latino actor, but he's crossing his fingers that his latest gig will balance the scales.
This season, he stepped into the 15th Precinct of "NYPD Blue" as Lt. Tony Rodriguez, a good cop with solid values — quite a turnaround from what his fans have come to expect.
"I am so not like those bad guys," he says from his Los Angeles home. "I'm the ultimate nice guy. I'm sensitive, artistic, and I'm even in touch with my female side. I rarely get a chance to ever play someone like that.
"As far as Latino roles, my 'NYPD' character is among the best. He has dignity and strength. His race hasn't come into play once. And he is a character who is not just coming out of jail."
That doesn't mean Morales is done playing bad.
"No one ever remembers the good guys," he says. "It's the mean ones who really stand out."
On the new Showtime series "Resurrection Blvd.," Morales plays an ex-con who comes home to shake up the lives of his loved ones. Ditto for the upcoming PBS series "American Family," which is scheduled to air in October.
Combined, Morales considers the trio of projects a career triumph, not to mention quite the juggling act.
"Between 'Resurrection Blvd.,' 'American Family' and 'NYPD Blue,' it will be the first time I'll be on public, private and network television all at the same time," he says. "Obviously, my first commitment is to 'NYPD Blue.' Hopefully, I'll get to stay for next season. If all goes well, I think I'll have established a renewed credibility."
Morales won't find out for certain until June.
When it came to landing the prime-time gig, the Brooklyn-born actor had to audition alongside all the other Latino lieutenant hopefuls. He had an edge on the competition — the casting director was the same person who hired him as Ritchie Valens' foulmouthed older brother in 1987's "La Bamba." Morales credits that rock 'n' roll biopic as his steppingstone.
"I wouldn't be in this shape if it weren't for 'La Bamba,' " he says. "It's such a good movie. Once I was in Puerto Rico for an awards ceremony. I was dressed in a tuxedo, waiting in my hotel room, and it was on TV. I couldn't leave until the end. And, of course, I cried. And I'm in the damn thing! It is such a moving story. I feel so grateful to have been in it."
When he isn't working, Morales devotes much of his time to a handful of nonprofit organizations. Eventually, he wants to direct, write, sing and keep up with his favorite pastime: being a bachelor.
"As far as women go, yes, I'd eventually like to settle, not down, but up," he says, laughing. "I'd love to have a family and to find someone. But it's a funny place I find myself in now. There are so many wonderful women out there. How do you choose just one?"
Hmm. Seems he has a bit of bad boy in him after all.
