JD Pardo on Mayans M.C. :”EZ is a locked-up guy.” [Exclusive Interview]

Critical acclaim show M.C. Mayans will get a second season on FX. With strong ratings, the Sons of Anarchy spin-off gets his own identity thanks to quality writing and producing and talented cast. JD Pardo who plays “EZ” Reyes opens up about his experience on the show.

Apart from being the lead of the show, how do you perceive the energy of your character?

JD Pardo : He is in the continuation of the Sons of Anarchy saga “EZ” Reyes is the prospect of the Mayans MC who never wanted to be a part of the club. He was a golden boy in his community, a very intelligent young man living the American dream, enjoying life. And then one day he goes to prison after a tragic event and it changes his life completely. When he comes out, he gets to see the effect it has had, not only on his family but also on his mentality, on his emotions. He is now a locked-up guy, he is in shame and haunted by:” what could have been”. And mostly he is trying to find peace wile he is trying to survive. As the story goes on, he begins to realize that he is here for a reason.

How Mayans M.C. should be and is different from Sons of Anarchy?

JD Pardo : The cast is different. It’s interesting because it’s the same world as Sons of Anarchy but it happens four years after Jackson Teller’s death. But just the location is different as well. Sons of Anarchy took place in a fictional town up northern California. Mayans M.C. takes place in southern California close to the border of Mexico. It’s the desert, it’s very dry, hot, it feels a little dirtier. The Sons of Anarchy they were a strong group, kings in their town, the Mayans aren’t! The Mayans are struggling to survive, and you get to see that relationship with the cartel.  It’s all about survival.

Do you think the show does or doesn’t have a responsibility because of the actual political climate in this country?

JD Pardo : I can tell you as an artist and as an actor, I only just want to be a great actor, it doesn’t matter…I don’t go and jump on the show to say: “I need to do it for the Latino people or I have to make some sort of statement.” I’m only interested in the role and the stories. It just so happens that right now we’re on a show with a majority of Latinos and the time we’re in today seems to focus a lot on this community. So yes there is a responsibility to the Latino community. But first and foremost, we are here to entertain because I don’t care if you’re white, black, brown, I want people to fall in love with the characters, be interested in the story and be entertained. If there are Latinos that watch this and say:” yes, finally a Latino cast and think they did it so can I!” then that’s great!

How is it to have Edward James Olmos as a father?

JD Pardo :Edward James Olmos is a legend and for me it’s very important to work with somebody like him because I am always trying to get better and to learn. With Eddie you get that experience and you get to pick his brain about the business. Eddy played so many characters and did so many films that I feel I’m right there when he tells us stories. It’s very exciting for me and it elevates the show.

Were you a good biker before starting the show?

JD Pardo : No not at all, I had to learn to ride a bike. It was easy. If I was a super hero, I think my ability would be to be able to pick up pretty fast. We went a couple of times with the stunt coordinator for the show, we also went to Glendale Harley school for a weekend. I know how important it is to fans to the motorcycle culture, it’s a serious thing, it’s a lifestyle, I didn’t want to be disrespectful to them. I wanted it to be the real thing. I want them to tell me: “hey come and riding with us!”.

Interview Franck Ragaine

photo: @jdpardo instagram