Check our exclusive interview with talented actor David Castro who plays Vampire Raphael Santiago on hit series Shadowhunters. Season 2 of the hit series, which has been nominated for a People’s Choice Award for “Favorite Cable Sci-Fi / Fantasy TV Show” premieres on Freeform on January 2nd, 2017.
Since he started acting David has starred alongside Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Harvey Keitel, Hailee Steinfeld, Katherine Heigl and Tom Selleck among others. His latest film “Ruta Madre” has just won Best Film at the 2016 International New York Film Festival. The 20 year old self-taught pianist is a NY native who is a fitness fanatic and serious golfer when he’s not on set. He is also the younger brother of Raquel Castro who played “Gertie” in Jersey Girl and was on the first season of “The Voice” coached by Christina Aguilera.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
Denzel Washington – I respect him as a person, and he’s an amazing actor!
Any advice to new young actors?
If acting is your passion, and you love what you do. Give it you all and never give up, and never let anyone tell you that you’ll never make it. Chazz Palminteri gave me a card when I was a young actor and he told me to put it in my wallet as a reminder and it said “the worst thing in life is a wasted talent”
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In five years I see myself doing a lot of action films.
How is your relationship with your sister Raquel?
My sister (actress and singer Raquel Castro) and I did films when we were younger together. Now that we’re older, we help each other with our projects and we’re best friends.
Do you sing too? Or what other talents/hobbies you have besides acting?
My other hobbies besides acting are playing the piano and guitar, I do sing, but my favorite hobby is golf.
What was the last book you read?
The “Mortal Instruments” was the last book I read. I needed to do research for my character Raphael Santiago on Shadowhunters.
How do you stay fit?
I stay fit by eating a high protein diet along with my NUTRABIO supplements. Also, going to the gym at least 5 days a week is a necessity.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Chicken is by far my favorite healthy food.
And your favorite cheat food?
French fries is my favorite cheat food.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday is wherever the best golf course is! I would take a trip there with my best friend Mike who is on his way to being a pro golfer.
What do you do in your free time?
I play golf…I’m obsessed.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
Golf lol it’s the truth I swear!!
Do you support any charities?
You thought I was going to say golf huh? lol I support the North Shore Animal League and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
What do you think of Social Media in the Entertainment business?
I think Social Media is necessary, however it can be overwhelming sometimes.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice ever given to me was from my parents who told me always to stay humble.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A perfect Sunday for me would be taking my dog into the town of Port Jefferson in Long Island to get ice cream and play Frisbee.
Do you have a role model?
I don’t really have “A” role model. I admire many people for various reasons.
What’s your favorite music?
I love different kinds of music. Any one from Al Green to Drake.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @d.l.castro and also on twitter @DavidLCastro_
Quote: The worst thing in life is a wasted talent.
Drink: Chocolate milk
Travel Destination: Puerto Rico
Sports Team: New York Rangers
