We Speak Actors

From Mexico to LA to SA: actor Alonso Grandío on his exciting and varied acting career

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2023

Mexican-born Alonso Grandío started acting in 2013 when he moved to Los Angeles. After four years, South Africa was calling – and now Alonso’s career is going from strength to strength. He played characters in South African TV series ‘Rhythm City’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘The Docket’, and landed a breakthrough role in Olivier Megaton’s film ‘The Last Days of American Crime’. Here he talks about his childhood imagination, the people who inspire him, and moving into writing and producing…

What have been your favourite acting experiences?

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of some of the biggest TV series here in South Africa – ‘Rhythm City’, ‘Legacy’ and ‘Binnelanders’. It’s still mind-blowing that people will come and ask me about my characters and what they’re up to; I think that shows it’s been a great project, something that left an impact. Working with the best of the best has been a dream come true.”

What are you currently working on?

“There are a few on the cooking pot right now, but I’ll be making an appearance in the hit TV show ‘Diepe Waters’ as Mr James. We also just finished production on a character arc for the long-running ‘Binnelanders’ as Julio Herrera.”

“A couple of projects are in pre-production as we speak, but the most exciting one has to be ‘Bloody Proposal’: this is the first film I’ve written, alongside the brilliant Ferdinand Gernandt.”

“We’ve received a ‘recommend’ status through coverage in Los Angeles, and we’re currently developing the film.”

Photo credit: Production company Arcade Content, DP Justin Prins

Who have you enjoyed working with?

“Wow, so many people come to mind. The Mexican actor Jorge Luis Moreno – we instantly had this brotherly bond when we met, which served us well when we were in the 2015 short film ‘Camarillo St.’ The amazing indie directors Jaime Carbajal and Eduardo Hidalgo. Olivier Megaton, director of ‘The Last Days of American Crime’ for Netflix. And more recently I’ve been blessed to work with masters of their craft here in South Africa: Justin Strydom, Clint Brink, Bianca Amato, Amo Chidi, Jesse Suntele, Jolette Roux, Charl Van Biljon… The list goes on and on, but humility comes to mind. Everybody is at the top of their game, but they are incredibly grounded and kind human beings.”

Any future projects that you’re looking forward to?

“I can’t wait to start production on ‘Bloody Proposal’. I’m hopping into the producer’s chair and learning as much as I can from incredible people. We currently have the acclaimed South African actor Sean Cameron Michael in the project; it has been a dream so far. This fast-paced film will definitely excite audiences. There’s comedy, action and horror elements to send chills down your spine… Honestly, just talking about it makes me want to start production already.”

How did you get started in acting?

“It might sound cheesy, but I’ve always been a bit of a storyteller. Pair that with an over-the-top imagination and I think you get an actor. My mom still tells me the story in which, as a child, I told her that the three wise men visited us, complete with robes and animals. Did it really happen? That’s for you to decide. “

“Professionally speaking, I think my first paid acting job was ‘Furious 7’, as a young actor in LA. I was over the moon.”

Who’s helped you get where you are today?

“In this industry, it takes a village. So I want to thank all the amazing, talented friends and colleagues who are beside me. And of course my beautiful wife Monique Grandio – without her, none of this would be possible. It has been a heck of a ride so far, and it is only the beginning.”

Featured photo credit: Production company Arcade Content, DP Justin Prins

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling