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Will Trent’s Ramón Rodríguez Aims to Break Emmy Barrier for Latino Actors
Ramón Rodríguez, the star of “Will Trent,” is hoping to become the first Latino actor to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He acknowledges the unfortunate lack of representation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Latino talent and compelling narratives in television.
The Significance of Emmy Recognition
“It’s a sad and unfortunate reality,” the Puerto Rican actor stated. He clarified that while awards aren’t his primary motivation, they do carry significant weight. “It’s not why I do what I do, obviously. But does it matter? Of course it does. Because what it does is it gives it a stamp of value.”
Rodríguez believes an Emmy win would signify critical acclaim and demonstrate that Latino actors can successfully lead television series with engaging stories and complex characters.
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A History of Limited Representation
Throughout Emmy history, only a handful of Latino actors have received nominations in the lead actor category:
- Pedro Pascal: Nominated in 2023 for “The Last of Us.”
- Jimmy Smits: Received five consecutive nominations (1995-1999) for “NYPD Blue.”
- Jose Ferrer: Nominated in 1953 when the category was titled “Best Actor.”
Rodríguez’s Drive to Elevate Latino Representation in TV
Rodríguez is determined to make an impact by reinventing police procedurals and establishing his own production company to showcase diverse narratives. He is stepping up during a period when Latino actors remain significantly underrepresented in prominent television roles.
Embracing Responsibility
Rodríguez acknowledged the pressure of representing the Latino community, which comprises only 4% of on-screen TV talent. “It is scary. … I place a lot of pressure on myself in terms of wanting to continue to elevate,” he said, underscoring the responsibility he feels.
“Being Latino and Puerto Rican, there’s no doubt that’s something I’m very conscious and aware of,” Rodríguez explained, recognizing the contributions of those who paved the way for him. “I’m standing on shoulders of people who’ve paved that and made it a little easier for me. I’m hoping to make it a little bit easier for those who follow.”
Decoding Will Trent: A Character of Resilience
“Will Trent” is adapted from Karin Slaughter’s acclaimed book series. The show centers on Will Trent, a dyslexic orphan who overcame physical trauma and abuse within Atlanta’s foster care system. Trent emerges as a perceptive Georgia Bureau of Investigation detective, excelling at solving challenging cases.
The Making of Will Trent
“Will is an underdog,” Rodríguez noted, emphasizing the character’s difficult past. “All of those things are very loaded, heavy, monumental kind of moments in people’s lives.” He noted, “I quickly fell in love with his resilience and his heart, which are kind of deeply buried. I love that about him.”
Will Trent’s endearing relationship with his Chihuahua, Betty, highlights the detective’s hidden empathy.
“There’s such a beautiful story there that sort of says so much about who Will is,” Rodríguez remarked.
“Will Trent” Success and Future Seasons
Despite mixed critical reception, “Will Trent” has resonated with audiences, with filming for its fourth season set to begin this summer, according to Rodríguez. Broadcasting on ABC and streaming on Hulu and Disney+, the series averaged 11.6 million viewers across diverse platforms during the 2024-25 season, as measured by Nielsen. This performance ranks “Will Trent” among the top 10 most-watched prime-time TV shows.
“The writers do a fantastic job of balancing comedy and drama,” Rodríguez said. “That’s a hard thing to do.”
Rodríguez’s Dual Role: Actor and Executive Producer
As both the actor portraying Will Trent and an executive producer, Rodríguez is deeply involved in shaping the character’s portrayal. He discussed abandoning his “Nuyorican” accent to develop a unique dialect for the character and creating Will Trent’s distinctive style: a classic three-piece suit symbolizing a protective shield for a character who struggles with vulnerability.
“He’s very different than any other character I’ve portrayed, which is exciting,” said Rodríguez, known for his roles in “The Wire,” “Day Break,” and “The Affair.”
Season 4 of “Will Trent” is anticipated to premiere on ABC early next year, according to Rodríguez.