LOS ANGELES — In a recent podcast appearance, actor Benicio del Toro shared surprising insights from his upbringing, revealing that even after winning an Oscar for his role in the 2001 film “Traffic,” his family still envisioned a career in law for him. Del Toro, now 58, reflected on this family dynamic during the June 2 episode of the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.
He recalled how his godmother suggested that, despite his professional success, he would make an excellent lawyer and could attend law school at night. Del Toro emphasized this point, highlighting the disconnect between his family’s expectations and his career as an actor.
Coming from a family that was not steeped in the arts, Del Toro indicated that his relatives harbored concerns about his chosen path. “I don’t come from a family of theater people or movie people,” he noted. “They were very nervous with me.” Instead, he described his family as composed of professionals in other fields, leading to their apprehensions about his future.
Now a father himself, Del Toro expressed an understanding of his family’s worries. He talked about his daughter, Deliah, with whom he shares a bond over explorative ambitions. “One day she wants to be a lawyer; the next day, she wants to be a designer,” he said. He acknowledged the shifting aspirations of young talent but affirmed that if she desires to pursue acting, it is essential to support her.
With the current landscape of the entertainment industry offering diverse opportunities, Del Toro reflected on the evolving dynamics. “There are all these TV series, and there are a lot of stories being told as we speak,” he noted, drawing attention to the industry’s growth. However, he still acknowledged that pursuing a career in acting comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.
Del Toro won his first Oscar for portraying Javier Rodríguez Rodríguez, a Mexican police officer, in “Traffic.” His talent received further recognition with a nomination for a second Oscar for his performance in 2004’s “21 Grams.” The actor’s filmography spans an impressive range of roles, including notable performances in “The Usual Suspects,” “Sin City,” and “Sicario.”
Currently, Del Toro stars in Wes Anderson’s latest black comedy, “The Phoenician Scheme,” alongside a host of beloved actors such as Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson. The film tells the story of a wealthy European man, Zsa-zsa Korda, played by Del Toro. After Korda’s untimely death in a plane crash, his fortune is left to his daughter, a nun portrayed by Mia Threapleton.
“The Phoenician Scheme,” which has already garnered attention for its ensemble cast, is now showing in theaters.
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