We Speak Actors
From Mexico to LA to SA: actor Alonso Grandío on his exciting and varied acting career
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.”

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
Marvel Actor Sebastián Capitán Viveros (‘Capi’) Stars as Series Regular in ‘Fightland’
Sebastián Capitán Viveros, better known as ‘Capi,’ has quietly built an impressive international career, appearing in major productions including Marvel Studios’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Eternals,’ alongside acclaimed series such as ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ and the thriller ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.’ He now stars as series regular Lazaro in the action crime drama ‘Fightland,’ now streaming in the U.S. on STARZ, with a UK release on Sky Atlantic and NOW planned soon. Executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, the series marks another major milestone for one of the industry’s most exciting rising international talents.
Having grown up between Mexico, the United States and Switzerland before establishing himself in the UK after graduating from the prestigious Drama Centre London, Capi brings authenticity, emotional depth and remarkable versatility to every performance. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on his multicultural upbringing, working on blockbuster productions, landing the role he believes he was born to play, and why ‘Fightland’ represents the most exciting chapter of his career so far.
For readers discovering your work for the first time, could you tell us a little about your acting journey? Having grown up between Mexico, the USA and Switzerland before building your career in the UK, how has your multicultural background shaped you both personally and professionally?
The universe chose me to be an actor; there is nothing else that would sit right in my soul than living through the expression of my art. Growing up across different countries and learning several languages allowed me to see both the world and myself from different perspectives. Being away from my home country since I was five years old, theatre became my refuge. It gave me the freedom to discover who I truly was alongside my twin sister and soulmate, Ilse. We both found a sense of security on stage. My first acting coach, Judith Hall, taught me what it truly means to be a professional actor and helped me earn my place at Drama Centre London. That experience shaped me into the man I always dreamed—and knew—I was meant to become.

Throughout your career you’ve appeared in productions including ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ ‘Eternals,’ ‘Halo,’ ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth,’ ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ and now ‘Fightland.’ Looking back, which projects are you most proud of to date, and why?
“I went from serving Malaysian food in Camden Town to standing on a boat with Tom Holland and Zendaya in Venice while filming a Marvel production.”
That was my very first screen role in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home,’ and it completely changed my life. It connected me to my higher self and made me feel aligned with my destiny. ‘9 Bodies in a Mexican Morgue’ was another unforgettable milestone because it was my first leading role. Filming alongside one of my closest friends from Drama Centre while portraying a Mexican lieutenant inspired by my grandfather—who was an admiral in the Mexican Navy—was incredibly meaningful. But ‘Fightland’ is on another level. The filmmaking, the people, the experience… It was one of the most profound, joyful, and unforgettable experiences of my career.
In ‘Fightland,’ you play Lazaro, a series regular. What attracted you to the role, what can audiences expect from your character without giving too much away, and what was it like working alongside such a talented cast?
The moment I read the audition scenes, I knew I was born to play Lazaro. An actor’s responsibility is to tell the truth, and Lazaro is my truth—apart from the criminal side! He’s a Mexican raised in the United States, and I connected deeply with him. Audiences can expect violence, strength, emotional depth and plenty of authentic Mexican swagger. Working with such an exceptional cast was a gift. Great actors elevate one another, and every scene became an opportunity to feed off each other’s performances. The showrunners, Damione and Raphael, as well as directors Otto and Seb, created an environment where I learned and grew in ways I can’t fully describe.

Your role includes action and physically demanding scenes. How did you prepare for them, and what was the most rewarding or challenging part of bringing Lázaro to life?
The most challenging—and enjoyable—part was training with legendary stunt coordinator Will Mackay. We spent countless hours practising fight choreography, gun handling and knife work.
“Audiences should prepare for intense action that will genuinely keep them on the edge of their seats.”
For me, preparation comes down to repetition. You rehearse until everything becomes instinct. Then, once you’re on set, you let go of all that preparation and simply live truthfully in the moment.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about this next chapter of your career, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performance in ‘Fightland’?
What excites me most is seeing a future where I can continue doing what I love—telling stories through art. I hope ‘Fightland’ introduces audiences to my commitment as an actor and demonstrates my versatility. While I’m proud of my Latino heritage, I don’t want to be defined solely by it. I’m an artist, a human being, ready to play any role—to be vulnerable or strong, funny or serious—and I’m hungry for every life I get the chance to live through acting.
Featured photo credit: Courtesy of STARZ
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