Ignacio Serricchio – The Wedding Ringer

In the new movie “The Wedding Ringer,” Argentinean actor Ignacio Serricchio (TV’s “Bones”) plays Edmundo, a wedding planner who thinks the only way he can get steady work is to mimic actor Martin Short’s flamboyantly homosexual character from the 1991 comedy “Father of the Bride.” He is tasked with putting together a wedding for bride Gretchen (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) and her socially-awkward fiancé Doug (Josh Gad), who decides to hire a guy (Kevin Hart) to help him find a best man.

Along with his role as forensic anthropologist Dr. Fuentes in “Bones,” Serrichio, 32, has starred in a number of other TV shows including “Witches of East End,” “The Bay,” “The Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital” and “Ghost Whisperer.”

How did you get involved in this new Kevin Hart movie?

Well, I read the character and I immediately knew what I wanted to do with it. I walked into the room playing that character, which fooled the director (Jeremy Garelick). He wasn’t sure if I was like the character or not. I wanted to do something different because I knew the competition was going to be heavy. It worked for me. When I got the part I was extremely excited. When I saw the cast and saw that [actress] Cloris Leachman was in the movie, that might’ve been the highlight of the whole thing.

Is Cloris someone you looked up to in the comedy genre? She is an icon.

She is one of my favorites. She is great in everything she does. She is still relevant and funny. Getting compliments from her has been one of the highlights of my career so far.

What was it about the character of Edmundo that you liked?

What I liked about the role was the fact that it was so different than anything I had ever done. I usually play the Latin lover or a macho character. It was a great contrast. I knew it was going to be a challenge. He’s much more elegant and classy and delicate – all the things I’m not. Or maybe I am. I don’t know.

Is being labeled as an actor who can play “Latin lover”-type characters something you’re OK with at this point in your career? Some might argue it’s a cliché characterization for Latino men.

I’m OK with it. The fact people keep thinking Latino men are the best lovers is fine with me. That’s not a bad thing to be. In the end it doesn’t matter who the lover is as long as they know how to love.

But as an actor, I’m sure you’d like to expand your range and not be pigeonholed, right? I mean, did this role do that for you?

You know, there are a lot of Latino actors who would say that they don’t want to play the gang member or the bad guy, but the truth is when there is substance and the character has the drive and a purpose and a story, it doesn’t matter. I’ve said no to other roles because I didn’t think the character had depth.

Would you consider yourself fulfilled as an actor so far in your career? Have you found roles that have that depth you’re looking for?

Yeah, I mean, in “Young and the Restless” I was a cop from New York who was very sarcastic and really good at his job. There was depth to that character. My character in “Bones” is so relevant now with what is happening in Cuba. And this character, too, in “The Wedding Ringer” has depth. He turns on a switch halfway through the film. When the character is well written, it doesn’t matter what their profession is or what ethnicity they are.

So, how familiar were you with wedding in general before taking on the role of a wedding planner?

Well, the first time I was ever a best man was back in September. I was the best man at my best friend’s wedding. I gave a speech and everything. It was great. We’ve know each other since we were 13. We grew up together. We promised each other we would be each other’s best man. I’ve done my job, so hopefully one day he can do his.

What was the bachelor party like?

The bachelor party was actually in Mexico and I couldn’t go. But we’re having a belated one in a couple of weeks at Lake Tahoe.

Kevin Hart is so popular right now in the comedy industry. What do you think it is about him that has him at the top of his game?

He’s stays true to his roots and doesn’t forget that. That’s rare. That’s the only way to prevail.

Are you going to start focusing more on film now that you have “The Wedding Ringer” under your belt?

I’m interested in anything where I think I’m going to have a good time playing the role. It doesn’t matter the size of the project or the genre. If it’s interesting and I think I’m going to get something out of it and be happy, then I’m going to take it.

How would you describe your sense of humor? What makes you laugh?

Personally, I like when people fall down. That makes me laugh a lot. (Laughs) I like sarcasm and dark humor. Actually, I like the guy who shows up at a party and pulls out a guitar in front of everybody and really doesn’t know how to play guitar. He plays a few notes and then says something like, “Aww, it’s out of tune!” I like people who pretend they’re something they’re not and then I can make fun of them.