Adrian Alonso
"Under the Same Moon"

Interview by Kiko Martinez

He matched swords with Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in 2005 and went on a dangerous journey across the border this year to find Kate de Castillo… all before his 14^th birthday.

Meet actor Adrian Alonso. Those small in stature, Alonso has done some big things in the entertainment industry in the last five years. Born in Mexico City, Alonso started his professional career when he earned a role in the Telemundo novela “El alma herida” in 2003. The following year, he had a small part in Luis Mandoki’s drama “Voces inocentes,” which was set in El Salvador in the 1980s.

Alonso got his break when he was cast as Zorro’s son Joaquin in the sequel “The Legend of Zorro.” His most memorable performance, however, came this year when he starred opposite Castillo in “Under the Same Moon” (“La misma luna”). In the film, Alonso plays Carlitos, a young Mexican boy who leaves his home to find his mother, who has moved to the U.S. to work as a housekeeper.

In March, Alonso won a Young Artist Award for his role in the film, which was just released on DVD this week. He spoke with me about his experience making such a well-received movie.

What has changed in your life since “La misma luna” premiered?

Everything has changed. I have new projects. I like that people recognize me. Life has changed.

Would you ever move to Los Angeles to pursue more work as an actor?

Right now I don’t want to move to Los Angeles. I love Mexico.

How does school work for you when you’re making a movie?

I check with school first to see if it’s okay that I miss class for work. If they let me, I go film a movie. After that, I’ll study so I can get good grades.

Do your parents give you advice?

My parents give me very typical advice: not to do bad things and not to have bad habits and to focus on my career.

What about other actors? Do they talk to you about what a career in acting will be like?

Everybody gives me advice. I learn something from everybody.

What has been your favorite part about promoting “La misma luna?”

I really liked going to New York City and San Diego. I like to travel everywhere.

Do you feel like a 14-year-old?

I feel the same. I feel normal. I feel like a boy.

What do you hope people learn when they see “La Misma Luna?”

I hope they reflect and see that family should be unified. People shouldn’t be alone. The mother [in “La misma luna”] and the moon do not have limits, so why should we?