Tonatiuh’s rise in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” marks a pivotal moment for the actor, who is redefining his role in Hollywood. With aspirations beyond labels, he states, “I’m not a Latin actor. I’m a great actor.” This compelling journey encourages Hollywood to appreciate talent without stereotypes, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of his craft and identity.
For Tonatiuh, the transition from West Covina to the limelight with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Diego Luna in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” was rapid and transformative.
“I received an email with the materials on Dec. 19,” the 30-year-old actor recalls of his audition. “The industry was already winding down, but I submitted it. By Dec. 22 at 8 a.m., they told me not to move.”
By January, Tonatiuh was immersed in rehearsals, performing a tango and a Bob Fosse number for director Bill Condon. Shortly thereafter, he was chosen for the dual role of Luis Molina and Kendall Nesbitt in the musical adaptation of Manuel Puig’s novel. Following a significant physical transformation, Tonatiuh shed nearly 50 pounds in just over a month, fresh off his success in Netflix’s “Carry-On.”
In a Season 12 episode of the Variety Awards Circuit, Tonatiuh discusses his breakout role in the musical, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He also reflects on navigating the industry, embracing his Latino heritage as a superpower, and redefining how he’s perceived in Hollywood.
Portraying Molina — a gay window dresser imprisoned during Argentina’s Dirty War who escapes through elaborate movie fantasies — offered a rare opportunity for Tonatiuh to explore the full spectrum of gender expression.
“My mission with Molina was to represent someone almost genderless, or genderqueer,” he explains. “They embody everything, as I believe we all do.”
Tonatiuh relished the chance to portray multiple personas. “Playing Molina isn’t the limit. I also portray Kendall Nesbitt in the secondary world,” he notes. “Molina occupies a middle ground, while Kendall represents traditional masculinity. The show also explores full femininity.”
One of the film’s most poignant sequences, the musical number “Where You Are,” brought an unexpected emotional depth when Tonatiuh’s mother visited the set. “Standing beside Jennifer Lopez, hearing those words, with my mom watching — it was surreal,” he recalls. “Meeting Lopez, my mom thanked her for giving me the opportunity. Lopez replied, ‘I didn’t give him an opportunity. He earned it.’”
Tonatiuh is increasingly frustrated with perceptions of Latino success as singular or remarkable. Armed with statistics, he’s changing that narrative.
“We’re in a Latino Hollywood Renaissance. Latinos are Hollywood. I am not a Latin actor. I’m a great actor,” he asserts. “Latinos make up 24% of the U.S. moviegoing audience. In 2023 alone, Latino audiences contributed $2.7 trillion, surpassing the economies of New York and Texas.”
He continues, “I refuse to participate in diminishing us. This reinstates our greatness.”
The role of Molina signifies a return to authenticity after years of fitting in. In fourth grade, after moving to West Covina, a teacher’s inability to pronounce his name led to a temporary identity change.
“From fourth grade to junior year, I was Matt. I self-colonized, even asking my parents to call me Matt.”
As he pursued acting, advice urged him to alter his image. “Someone meant to help me said my presentation wouldn’t lead to success, prompting me to change everything.”
Though he gained roles, something was lost in translation.
“With Molina, I returned to my whole self,” he says. “No longer compartmentalized, I embraced everything — my femininity, masculinity, Latinidad, Americanness, love for cinema and musicals.”
To those who can’t accept him: “They can choke on all of who I am.”
When informed that only five Latino men have been nominated for best actor in Oscar history, Tonatiuh was unaware but inspired.
“It would be incredible for my work to speak for itself, to earn recognition for the craft, not just my identities,” he says.
He views the current era as crucial: “Latinos and queer people are often marginalized. We come from a lineage of resilient, beautiful people. It’s time to assert our dignity and worth.”
As “Kiss of the Spider Woman” garners Oscar buzz, Tonatiuh remains focused. “I’m seeking job security, boo. What’s the next opportunity?”
Eyeing Broadway, he hints at a potential project. When someone suggested he play a Bond villain, his response was bold: “Why not Bond? Maybe I was born to be Bond.”
Yes, he can do a British accent.
Content to let audiences rediscover him through Molina, Tonatiuh welcomes the chance to defy limitations. “Allow me to reintroduce myself,” he smiles.
