Actor Rick Gonzalez chatted about starring in “Law & Order: Organized Crime” on NBC, where he plays Detective Bobby Reyes.
Background on ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’
Reprising the role he originated on “Law & Order: SVU,” Christopher Meloni stars as Detective Elliot Stabler, who returned to New York after a decade abroad to rebuild his life following a devastating personal loss.
As lead detective in Sgt. Ayanna Bell’s (Danielle Moné Truitt) Organized Crime Control Bureau, he works to dismantle New York’s most vicious and violent illegal enterprises while fending off dangers that often follow him home.
Helping to expose the dark and complex criminal world of their targets are undercover expert Bobby Reyes (Rick Gonzalez) and tech genius Jet Slootmaekers (Ainsley Seiger).
While on assignment, Stabler leans on his brother Randall (Dean Norris) to keep the Stabler family safe and thriving. Season five explores the dangerous worlds of cross-border smuggling, high-tech domestic terrorism and a crime family intent on repaying Stabler for the injury he did them in Rome.
As his worlds collide, Stabler will put everything on the line to protect the vulnerable and fight for justice.
Experience in ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’
Regarding his experience making “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” Gonzalez said, “It’s great. It was awesome. It’s a great atmosphere working with the cast and the crew. The storylines are fun. There are a couple of episodes this season that I was excited about.”
Portraying Detective Reyes
On playing his character, Detective Reyes, Gonzalez said, “I like his past. I really do appreciate where he comes from and what he has dealt with, and how that informs who he is today, and how he is living with that and he is becoming the best cop that he can be.”
“He is complex and there is just a lot to him, and I am always peeling back the layers and figuring him out. What more can you ask as an actor, right?” he said.
Working with Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni
On working with Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, he said, “They are both so great. They are OGs of the show. Their ability to be collaborative with everyone, be gracious to everyone and leave room for other people to create is great. They set the tone.”
“They are really smart about writing and choices as actors. They are very helpful in terms of helping the other actors and things of that nature. They are like guides and mentors,” he elaborated.
Lessons learned from this TV series
On the lessons learned from this procedural drama TV series, Gonzalez reflected, “I’ve never played a character like this before. I learned to trust myself more as an actor and believing in myself.”
“There is inherent confidence and the strength that my character Reyes has, and I naturally have to tap into that. Reyes has taught me to really lean on myself, trusting myself and owning myself,” he explained.
Working with guest star Erik Fellows
Gonzalez had positive words about working with award-winning guest actor Erik Fellows (“Purgatory”), who played the nefarious Steve Kingman in two episodes of Season 5 of “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” “Erik is a great guy. He did a good job,” Gonzalez said.
The digital age
On being an actor in the digital age, at a time when streaming, technology and socail media are so prevalent, Gonzalez responded, “I don’t know. I don’t think we all have a choice. The digital age is here and we have no choice. I am blessed because I have been around before it, in a way.”
“If playing Nintendo was the most technological thing you could do as a six-year-old, then that’s great. Watching analog television was it,” he exclaimed.
Gonzalez opens up about his career-defining moments
When asked about his career-defining moments, he said, “I don’t know if they defined me. What is interesting are the mistakes and the failures.”
“To me, it’s not the successes, it’s the mistakes and the regrets that they allowed me to look at myself and inspired me to improve myself,” he added.
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and emerging actors, Gonzalez encouraged them to “study.”
“It’s important to study and learn the craft and have a real appreciation for it,” he underscored.
“I think preparation is so important in terms of success. The more they understand and love the craft, the more they are going to create more opportunities for themselves,” he explained.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Patience.”
Lady Gaga’s ‘Judas’ music video
Gonzalez recalled playing the role of Jesus in Lady Gaga’s music video for “Judas” opposite Norman Reedus (who played Judas).
“That was fun,” he admitted. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, to be honest.”
“I loved hanging out with Norman Reedus; we met each other at the time before he became a big star. We hung out and we had fun. Lady Gaga was very sweet; we had a great time. It was fun,” Gonzalez elaborated.
Superpower of choice
Gonzalez’ superpower of choice would be to gain more “knowledge.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Gonzalez shared, “Success means fulfilment. If you are at peace, happy, and content with your purpose, then that’s success.”
Message for his fans and supporters
For his dedicated fans and supporters, Gonzalez said, “I love you guys, and thanks for showing me love and support throughout the years. To have people that love what I do is such a blessing.”
Closing thoughts on ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’
Gonzalez concluded about the NBC series, “We are a fun show, and we are fun to watch. We can sneak up on people.”
To learn more about Rick Gonzalez, follow him on Instagram and on X.
