Thanks to Disney, we had an opportunity to interview Anthony Gonzalez (the voice of Coco’s Miguel) during the #BlackPantherEvent press trip.
Photo Credit: Natasha Nicholes – Houseful of Nicholes
We arrived at Olvera Street just in time for a little dancing and shopping before meeting at El Paseo Inn for dinner with Anthony and his beautiful family.
Anthony is a kid star that appeared in the TV series’ The Bridge (2014) and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2017), and as lead in the Pixar-produced animated film Coco (2017). We sat down after an amazing Mexican dinner and he shared his experience and excitement about his role as Miguel.
Photo Credit: Disney
1. He Identifies with The Character
“I really wanted to do this role because well I identified myself so much with him. We are both very determined and like if we really love something, we’re going to chase our dreams. We both have a passion for music. And just to be part of a movie where I can sing because I’ve been doing that since I was four years old is amazing. So that’s one way I identify with Miguel.”
“Another way I identify myself with Miguel is we both know how important our family is and we know to really do our traditions.”
2. He Celebrates the Day of the Dead with his Family
“I have celebrated the Day of the Dead. My grandfather- my grandfather passed away when I was six years old, the Day of the Dead is a chance for me to be with him and connect with him again. It’s made a big change in our community because there’s some people that tell me, wow I didn’t even know this was a holiday.”
3. He Had a Few “First Time” Moments
“I got to go to D23 and I had the honor to sing with the one and only Benjamin Bratt, which was so cool yeah [LAUGHS]. And I’ve gotten to go to places that I never thought I would go to like Canada and I love Canada, it’s so cold. And I actually never thought I would go to Pixar and I just love going to Pixar so much, because there’s a soccer field. I love soccer and I got to play soccer every time I went there. And the food there is delicious.”
4. He was a street performer on Olvera Street
“Yes, I would do street performances and sing in these streets. We would do a whole show, my brother would sing, and my sisters would do tap dance, ballet. While my brother was singing I would just look at them. Because of them I started singing and acting.”
5. He Loves Celebrating his Culture
“This movie is about celebrating this wonderful tradition that Mexicans celebrate. And it’s a wonderful celebration, a lot of colors, a lot of food, it’s a happy celebration. I did know it was going to make a wonderful impact, but I didn’t know it was going to make that big of an impact. To see that a lot of people really took the message and learned a lot about this wonderful tradition, I think it’s amazing.”
Photo Credit: Christine St. Vil – Moms N Charge
Isn’t he just the sweetest kid ever? I really enjoyed hanging out with Anthony and his family. My son was super excited that I was able meet him. If you have not seen Coco yet, it comes out on Digital February 13th and Blu-ray on February 27th which is the same day that I am posting my review of the movie.
You can stay in the know by visiting the website or following Coco on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also follow the 24 other bloggers and me using #CocoBluray or #PixarCoco.
[latoyia]
I give street performers a lot of credit but it just proves to me (and everyone) that they are natural born performers and will do anything to achieve their goals!
This is such a fabulous interview. I still need to see Coco! We’ll have to be sure to pick it up on DVD and have a family movie night.
This is such a cute interview! I haven’t seen the movie yet but I did hear a lot of good things about it.
Oh this is such a lovely interview! This is one movie I would absolutely LOVE to see at some point I have only heard good things about it.
Aw Anthony really is wise beyond his years and I love how he celebrates Day Of The Dead with his family to connect with his grandad who passed away when he was six years old. What a beautiful tradition.
The movie is really awesome and there’s plenty to learn from it. It’s great that you got the chance to hang out and chat with Anthony Gonzalez! He sounds so sweet and he’s a very charming kid too.
Indeed…a lot of lessons. Anthony was great.
Oh how awesome! What a great interview. We didn’t make it to the theaters to see this movie, but we will definitely rent it when it comes out.
Please it is very good.
That’s an amazing opportunity you had to interview Anthony Gonzalez. He seems to be wise beyond his age.
He was a little man. I was very impressed….great family too!
Ohh I love Coco movie too. I love that there is an event like this and not just ere showing the movie. I hope in the near future we can experience the same.
I hope so too. It’s such a blessing.
I can sympathize with how he feels . I would love going over to Pixar . I know they have a ton of different things going on over there and I know it would be a bit overwhelming.
I know…I was a little jealous.
I didn’t get a chance to see this in the theatre but I can’t wait for the DVD release. This looks like a great family movie and something my kids would love!
It is a great family movie…please check it out.
I bet this was a fun thing to do, and a great opportunity! I’m glad you had the chance. I need to see this movie, surprisingly I haven’t heard of it. (Seems like everyone else has! I’m late to the party.) Thanks for sharing!
Oh wow. That is very surprising. It is nominated for Oscars. You should check it out…it is amazing.