Introducing R.J. Cantu, a young actor who is co-starring as Rico the party guy, in the ongoing first season of the popular TV series ‘Death Valley’. He’s a fresh, young face with loads of talent and positive energy.
Above photo: Sweater by Vince
With several progressively larger roles in TV shows such as This is Our Youth, Holiday Parade From Hell, Rm. 401, Veronica Mars, The Secret Life of The American Teenager, this young bilingual (Spanish and English) Texan is making his move.
R.J. Cantu has a background in sports and magic (he’s a member of the Worlds Famous Magic Castle and founder of Magic Space Xtreme), and has landed his biggest role yet, in the MTV ‘mockumentary’ Death Valley about zombies, werewolves and vampires taking over the San Fernando Valley.
In Death Valley, he plays the character Rico, a guy that likes to throw special undead parties with lots of sexy, young women.
Here, he gives DA MAN‘s Yann Bean an exclusive interview and reveals his interest in, among other things, SpongeBob Squarepants underwear.
Pants and sweater by Vince
DA MAN: Your favorite journey has been…
R.J. Cantu: Leaving my small hometown in Texas after high school to live and study in New York City to pursue my acting—talk about a culture shock. I just remember thinking, ‘there’s a whole big world out there full of new and exciting experiences.’ I later moved to L.A. to land a role in ABC Family’s The Secret Life of the American Teenager and now MTV’s hit show Death Valley. It just feels good knowing that if you stay focused, work hard and never take no for an answer, you can achieve anything.
DA MAN: One of your most memorable experiences is…
R.J. Cantu: Traveling to the Bahamas with the family. Anytime I get the dual opportunity to take time off from work and spend it with family is the best! We spent a few days on the beautiful island of Cozumel. I have never seen clearer waters, eaten better food or had the chance to swim with dolphins!
DA MAN: You can’t live without your…
R.J. Cantu: Smartphone! I know it sounds so general, but let me tell you, without it I would be lost! I can check my e-mails, Tweets and categorize all my girlfriends I’m dating into different lists! Hot, hot, hot … it’s GREAT! I mean the phone is smarter than I am!
DA MAN: Your idea of happiness is…
R.J. Cantu: Sleep! … need I say more.
Pants and sweater by Vince
DA MAN: You value…
R.J. Cantu: My mother. Being a single parent and raising me must have been one hell of a ride. I love her to death! She’s taught me good morals and to always go after your dreams. Without her, I would be lost.
DA MAN: Something you haven’t told anyone is…
R.J. Cantu: I wear SpongeBob SquarePants underwear from time to time … true Hollywood story.
DA MAN: This year, your goal is to…
R.J. Cantu: Do away with fast foods and eat healthier. Also, I would like to be gym-bound to work on my (Arnold voice) pectoral muscles.
DA MAN: Fashion to you is…
R.J. Cantu: About expressing one’s self, letting go and being in the moment. Different clothes can make you feel or act a certain way. Clothes also play a huge factor on how others interact with you. Try it! Go out one day dressing very upscale and the next dressed down, and see how differently you’re treated.
DA MAN: If you were not acting, you would be…
R.J. Cantu: Pursing magic! No I’m not a wizard. I’ve been performing magic since I was eight years old; ever since my Aunt bought me a Garfield Magic Set. I remember doing a trick on my Grandmother and she looked up at me after the trick was done to say ‘How did you do that?’ I was hooked! I started going to libraries and magic shops just to study the art and found out there are all these different levels to magic from timing and misdirection to mathematics and science, etc. I was completely turned on to the art-form and began to perform local at birthday parties, Bar Mitzvahs … any gig I could get my hands on. Now, I am performing at The World Famous Magic Castle, the world’s most exclusive club for magicians. It’s just insane.
DA MAN: Your motto in life is…
R.J. Cantu: Balance. The ying and the yang. Make sure your body and soul is in harmony. Just know that if negativity is flowing in your life, let it go! Fill the negativity up with positive energy and you will stay more centered. More balanced.
Shirt by Emporio Armani, pants by Vince, shoes by Converse
Photos and interview: Yann Bean
Styling: Tyler Brown
Grooming: Sarah Dorsey
