An Ode to a Broadway Actor

The Motherfucker with the Hat

 An Interview with Yul Vazquez

Photo Credit: Monique Carboni

When I saw Yul Vazquez as Cousin Julio in, The Motherfucker with the Hat, I would never have known it was his Broadway debut. The moment this guy came out on stage he showed us he had nothing to prove. I was not surprised to find out that Yul is a man of many talents!

Read on to learn about his life outside of acting, his experience behind the camera and… raising guide dog puppies? You betcha!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I love puppies and the occult.

Short and sweet, I love it. How does it feel to be done with The Motherfucker with the Hat? Did that mean vacation time?

Finishing a project, especially one you’ve been so closely involved in, is always bittersweet. I have a feeling we will do Motherfucker… again sometime. No vacation time for me. The day after we closed the show I went to Miami to start working on Mitch Glazer’s new show for Starz called Magic City. I am very honored to be a part of it.

Photo Credit: Monique Carboni

You have experience on the stage (Motherfucker with the Hat) as well as in front of the camera (War of the Worlds, The A-Team – and oh, so many more!), is one easier? Which do you prefer?

I have always loved film and the process of making them. I also happen to lovecameras themselves. I find them incredibly beautiful. It’s hard to prefer one over the other as they are very different beasts. I’m attracted to quality in either medium. I am of the opinion that doing stage makes you a better actor period.

You are the co-Artistic Director for LAByrinth Theater Company. Tell us about your involvement.

I am one of the original apostles there!!! The artistic director job wasn’t one that I

Photo Credit: Monique Carboni

was seeking, it found me and I felt I could offer something to it. So I did it. It’s not an easy job, I’ll tell you that.

The best things in life often find us! You founded Mechanized Mules in 2010. What made you want to start this?

My partners in Mechanized Mules, Rick Rodgers and Ed Vassallo, are two of my closest friends and both very gifted. We made a short film for the Labyrinth Celebrity Charades event that wound up as an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival. It was very well received so we decided to make a feature which Rick is now finishing editing. It’s called Fall and stars Josh Hamilton, Juliet Rylance and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

Tell us something not many people know about you.

That my wife wife Linda Larkin and I volunteer for the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown, Long Island. We raise guide dog puppies.

A talented actor that also raises guide dogs? Can’t get more fantastic and awesome than that! You’re amazing Yul!

Check him out on Facebook, his blog and follow him on Twitter!

-Ashley, August 2011