Rising actor Niko Guardado chatted about starring in the new western series “Ransom Canyon” on Netflix.
Ransom Canyon: where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country. It stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Eoin Macken, and Jack Schumacher; the series premiered on April 17th on Netflix.
Guardado is drawn to “Ransom Canyon” for the following reasons: “I love how it has something for everybody”.
“It is such a blend of genres and such a great ensemble cast that really let’s you dive into this world and get lost in it,” he said.
On playing Tim O’Grady, Guardado remarked, “I like how my character is conflicted. He finds trouble and is loyal to his friends but still has a moral compass and isn’t afraid to say ‘hey this isn’t right’.”
Working with the cast of actors
Giardado had great words about working with Josh, Eoin, Jack and the rest of the cast members. “It was such a pleasure. It felt like one big family,” he said.
“We were always cracking jokes, especially during the night shoots once 2 a.m. started to roll around. It was one of my favorite sets I have ever been apart of,” he exclaimed.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, Guardado said, “It has its pros and cons. I think now with social media you can really get your work out there for the world to see which is a good thing.”
“I think it also feels like one big popularity contest with likes and follows that sometimes great actors with no big following get overlooked,” he acknowledged.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and emerging actors, Guardado said, “Treat failure like your best friend. Invite it in for a cup of tea and sit with it then let it go and get ready for your next opportunity.”
“You have to be willing to fail in order to grow in life but especially in the acting industry,” he added.
Dream Loud campaign
Guardado discussed being a part of photographer Brad Everett Young’s Dream Loud campaign, which works to preserve art and music programs in schools. “It was amazing! Brad is such a bright light. He was so fun to work with. It didn’t feel like a photoshoot, it just felt like two friends hanging out with a camera,” Guardado explained.
“I think what he is doing for art and music programs is fantastic and more people should definitely be vocal about it,” he underscored.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Guardado said, “Success is such a tricky word to define.”
“I think if I am able to live a long life and able look back at the connections I’ve made with people and be content. I think that’s success,” he noted.
Closing thoughts on ‘Ransom Canyon’
For fans and viewers, he expressed about the show, “It’s very comforting. If someone came up to me and said ‘Ransom Canyon’ brought me comfort, I would be ecstatic.”
To learn more about emerging actor Niko Guardado, follow him on Instagram.
