LEADERS LATINO Born to Run: Esai for President

He’s a contender. Esai Morales steps into the ring to battle for the top job at the entertainment industry’s biggest union.

Story by Judi Jordan Photos by Ejen Chuang

54 • July / August 2013 latinoleaders.com esar Chavez to a head, and never be the same. That of members voted on recent contracts, the relations with the estimated 200+ bil- nearly died dur- still holds true, but in ‘real life’ he is so disengaged by the density of the informa- lion dollar industry. Morales’s “Fierce but ing his heroic 36- much more. Morales is a force, an agent of tion. Morales’s goal of leading the enter- Fair” mantra underscores his determina- day hunger strike change, and a man of conviction. The call- tainment industry’s giant talent union into tion towards greater equality in the indus- in 1988 protesting ing that came to Morales in his mother’s a new era of transparency and simplified try. To achieve this requires restructuring the deadly pesti- milk is alive and well, tugging at his heart and open communication could stimulate the status quo favoring the fortunate cides poisoning and conscience. With three-plus decades interest of the normally disengaged younger few. Change is always tough but Morales workers in the of award-winning, artistic acclaim, and members-- in fact he is counting on it. digs a challenge -- it’s in his blood . grape fields. To the street creds of high-profile cause- Ripe for new direction, Screen Actors keep him alive, driven commitment, his time has come. Guild, launched in 1933, has long been a LATINO LEADERS: When did you his cross was symbolically passed between Morales is running for president. pulpit for actor’s rights. In recent years, it become fully engaged in the fu- devotedC friends and followers who fasted To understand Morales, you only has been a never-ending source of heated ture of Latino entertainment? in his place. Martin Sheen fasted for three have to hear his admiration for his discussion over the recently-enacted merger ESAI MORALES: I’m not as much days, and then passed the cross on to fierce mother, Iris Margarita Morales, a with the American Federation of Televi- engaged in the future of Latino entertain- Esai Morales, who in turn, fasted for three union organizer, who raised him solo sion and Radio Artists, which dates back ment as I am in the future of my family. days before passing the cross to Rev. Jesse in Brooklyn. Morales, a natural story- to 1937. There has never been a SAG or And Latinos in entertainment—it’s like Jackson. The spirit of those fiery times teller, paints a scene that brings to life AFTRA president of ‘diverse’ heritage, where are we in the big picture? Because rocks on in Morales’ restless soul, feeding the memory of his activist origins. but there could not be a better time to we pay into the tax system we’re a major the fire for equality in his chosen arena. “My mother was an organizer for have a grassroots, grounded leader with part of this society but when it comes to Many years have passed since the International Ladies Garment Workers a Latino fire in his belly, sparking mem- being reflected in our media, were almost activist bug first bit Morales, but as the Union (IGLWU),” Morales said. “She bership dialogue and quantifiable cast- invisible and when we are visible it’s in a accolades followed for his artistic work, he was always giving advice and support ing diversity in the stalled industry. marginal role and and a less-than-reality held fast to his ideals staying engaged with to women who were being sexu- At this moment, widely acknowledged role and that hurts. It just damages our the Latino community as he honed his ally harassed by employers. She barely as the ‘tipping point’ or ‘critical mass’ for own children’s ability to see themselves unique presence in hundreds of TV and spoke English -but she spoke justice!” the US Hispanic population in general, the as valuable contributors to society but film, Broadway and Theater productions. His early passion for the arts was lack of representation and respect for the the rest of society doesn’t know who A time-and-genre traveler, Morales’s nourished on dreams of a world where contributions of Latinos in mainstream their neighbors are, and of the value work runs the gamut from Shakespeare talent was the foremost requirement for media has deteriorated from hurtful to that we bring to the table. It isn’t just for to Mambo Kings, from Atlas Shrugged success. He attended the well-known New offensive. Networks, cable and studios have us. It’s about us so that the rest of the to Magic City, Los Americans to Caprica. York High School of the Performing Arts, steadfastly resisted authentic, inclusive world can truly see who their brothers Through his early choices of roles, Mo- portrayed in FAME. Morales went on to casting proportionally and progressively and sisters are in the Latino community. rales organically branded himself, creating star with the best of them; Raul Julia, Sean representative of modern society in favor unforgettable characters that resonated Penn, Al Pacino, the list is long and keeps of tokenism. As many laud the quality LL: Why is there so little progress for with the unrest in the Latino commu- growing. He has done it all--Shakespeare, of shows produced at present, Morales Latinos in entertainment? It seems like a nity. Who can forget Bob Valenzuela’s sci-fi, period films, romantic comedy, echoes the sentiments of many saying. lot of people are doing a bunch of differ- anguish in “La Bamba,” or wisecracking musicals, TV. But how do ent things but we don’t see real change. Lt. Tony Rodriguez in “NYPD Blue,” or you sustain your love of EM: We have a lot of self-appointed lead- hot-blooded Chucho in “Mi Familia?” the craft when the deck ers, they mean well, but you need to get Morales is the rabble rouser, the bad boy, remains unfairly stacked? the support of the community before you the charismatic leader, the guy with the The slow, painful realiza- TOUGH LOVE FOR THE ARTS: can speak for the rest of us, you need to grudge, the dad with the edge, the brother tion of the reality boiled his Morales, possessed by his deep need for justice, with his do well by them, before you can go out with the secret, the man on the ledge. His blood in a heart intended great friends Jimmy Smits and Sonia Braga, Merel Julia and talk about blackouts and brownouts. recent success in the Sundance hit, “Gun for artistic self-expression. and attorney Felix Sanchez created The National Hispanic We need materials and support to have Hill Road” as the confounded ex-con dad A dual side to Morales took Foundation for the Arts in 1997, www.hispanicarts.org it stick. We can complain all day long and of a transvestite son reflects his ability to root, and sprouted. He now with the goal of nurturing and encouraging talent and we can have bones thrown at us. Just portray characters that satisfy expectations calls himself an ‘actorvist.’ fueling acknowledgement of Latino achievement. look at the African American community but also allow him to grow as an actor and He will need to be It’s been a good 15 years. who got three Oscars in one year: Halle, help society bridge the gaps in understand- a lion tamer as well as Since then, they have granted over a million dollars “I like the shows on TV now,” he said. in check. In a reversal of the present Denzel and Sidney Poitier, and afterward, ing. In his present TV project, “Magic City”, president of SAG-AFTRA, in scholarships. Recently, they also gave the Academy of “But there just aren’t enough Latinos opaque, closed door, top-down policy, it’s like “now, go away.” And I don’t like the Starz Channel drama set in Miami circa two unions, now one, and Motion Picture Arts and Sciences a slap on the wrist for or other ethnic groups cast as leads in he proposes a transparent, bottom-up that. We are here. We pay with blood 1959, Morales plays Cuban rebel Carlos both famous for discord. the blatant exclusion of late Latina icon Lupe Ontiveros them. It’s not about special Latino shows, approach with his faction called “Mem- and taxes. Our constituents die and “El Tiburon” Ruiz, a man who once fought The unruly, newly-merged in the 2012 Oscars In Memoriam. The Kennedy Center it’s about being inclusive with more bers First” in which his good friend serve with distinction and we just want beside Fidel but is now determined to and powerful 165,000 mem- also felt the wrath of NHFA for the persistent lack of lead characters with Latino names.” Martin Sheen is an integral participant. what’s fair, and what’s fair is that people free his nation from Castro’s death grip. ber-strong Screen Actors acknowledgement for Latino artists; in the 35 years of And it’s not ‘just’ about Latino Members First focuses on protection show us as the heroes that we have been, Morales likes intense roles that external- Guild- American Federation the ‘Center’s existence, only two Hispanic artists have employment for Morales. of the future interests of all members in not just the zeros that you see in the ize the inner rebellion and reinforce his of Television and Radio Art- been honored; Chita Rivera and Placido Domingo. “I’ll be president for all of SAG- ways that have not been fully explored in aggregate media—we’re almost always commitment to change. His persona is ists (SAG-AFTRA) has proved The gala in December could hold surprises AFTRA, protecting the interests of the past. Morales, as a board member, is the zero and almost never the hero. so recognizable and enduring that when challenging for those all if the Latino community submits names of everyone, from the bottom up.” no stranger to SAG’s drama. He’s seen the he comes on the screen, you instantly who attempted to tame the potential honorees in force. Send your ideas: Morales enjoys debate but admits wheeling and dealing, the maneuverings LL: Is your motive driven by the lack of know something is going to alter, come beast. An abysmal 13 percent www.kennedy-center.org/programs/specialevents/honors/ he has learned to keep his passion for power over the members’ futures and progress or because of the opportunity

56 • July / August 2013 latinoleaders.com name is O’Brien or Jones, why can’t the LL: You’re going to rewrite what LL: What’s going on with your foundation? “My mother was a union organizer names of the leads include Chavez or union means to actors? EM: A lot. Our National Hispanic Founda- Huerta or whatever something that says EM: I will lead with my head and my tion for the Arts recently held the Ken- for the ILGWU from the 60’s not only Anglo people are heroes. That heart a close second. I sure didn’t in- nedy Center accountable- we sent letters through the 70’s she barely spoke we, Latinos are people worth caring vent the idea, but I’d take my lead from to their leadership trying to get some for! Cause that’s subtly the message, great actors like Jimmy Cagney who was answers as to why after 35 years or so of English but she spoke justice—and that if you have a certain background, at the top of his game and put his neck their existence only two Latinos have ever people understand justice.” you’re less worthy. It implies “Please go on the line, because if you remember been acknowledged for their excellence. back to your servile position, we’re the were talking about the 30’s people One is Placido Domingo, he’s a giant adults here. Let the adults get to work. didn’t play back then! People were mur- in any community and then we have “ People can be very condescending. dered for standing up for their work- Chita Rivera, who’s a wonderful person, ers-- these were men who had courage. but what about Rita Moreno? And Raul LL: Present project? Courage is a lost cause, and underval- Julia, Jose Ferrer? These are entertain- EM: Portraits of Courage. There are so ued. It’s seen as naïve. I will do every- ers who have achieved great things. many ignored heroes in our history we thing in my power to protect not only Sometimes it comes across like we’re want our children to understand and my livelihood but that of every member not ‘American enough! ‘And that’s a very to know that there’s a place for us. of my union. I wasn’t for the merger touchy subject because you can’t ascribe but now it’s come out that the promises motives to people you’re not familiar with LL: So why are you running for made by the opposition were not so but what can you say when the process president of SAG-AFTRA ? You easy to keep. I’m here to make sure has not been upgraded? And if they have a lot on your plate. that the board keeps the promises they have any biases it’s going to be reflected EM: If unions don’t keep their member- made. Against promises made, SAG-AF- in the awards. Look at Lupe Ontiveros, ship democratized, their structures TRA closed ten branch offices. This was yes-she played 150 maids—but, she was accountable, and their leaders account- very recent. I understand that we have a brilliant activist; she had many causes able that put them there in the first place, to cut expenses but we have less ser- she supported and she was a true leader. that pay their salaries, then you have elitist vices now. We merged two unions. We The fact that she was not even mentioned presented at SAG-AFTRA You becoming said—that’s it, I’ve had enough?. sure doesn’t seem like they’re trying very top down structures, which is why I’m gained 30 percent in membership. The at the Oscars in Memoriam when many president of SAG-AFTRA would be…? EM: Was there any one thing that kicked hard. Is it ignorance? It’s sexy. Hollywood running for office. I’d like to go back to budget is almost double. So somebody’s other very ‘esoteric’ people were hon- EM: Legitimizing it. And that does not me over the edge?[Laughter] In elemen- is about sex and violence. Violence is the days when they had four membership paying for that and somebody’s absorb- ored…Michael Hopkins-- a New Zealand mean being the leader of the Latino tary school I used to call myself Harriet romanticized. The Italian American com- meetings a year and not just one. I’m not ing that. And participation is what it’s all sound editor? It’s like anybody but us! Caucus of SAG-AFTRA. I have to be very Tubman, want to know why ? I would see munities got very sensitive about being going to attack the present SAG leader- about. This was a closed door decision. So how can we continue quietly? sensitive to the needs of all of our mem- who was singled out for three ‘o clock, portrayed as gangsters. And then along ship over broken promises, but if-- when I didn’t know about it. I don’t mind The National Hispanic Foundation for bers. But I will be especially interested the big bullies would pick out some little came Coppola and said “You want to see I become president, I’m going to have to taking tough measures but let’s follow the Arts is very active; we have given out that the Latino community does not kid, some nerd and they’d say to him: gangsters? I’ll show you gangsters!” And take those same people that were attack- some sort of due process when they’re over a million dollars in scholarships, and continue to get short shift from its union. ”You, three o clock!” and all of a sudden he showed it from the inside out. Italian- ing me and bring them into the fold. My at it. We know who fights out there more importantly, we’ve given awardees that kid’s life ended; you could tell that Americans are still very sensitive about door will be open my ears will be open and we know who throws the fight. connectivity. Hollywood is a classic case LL: Did your mother teach you day that kid knew what was about to befall their portrayal because while there are a and my mouth will be very measured; We’re not going to throw the fight. of “It’s better to work with the devil you about sticking up for yourself? him, and I’d be like “Psst c’mere, do you lot of very legitimate people, all we seem choosing what it is that we have to say not know, than the angel you don’t.” It’s about EM: Basically my mother was active in the want to get out of here? Meet me here to gravitate towards is the violence. It’s ro- only to each other but to the rest of the LL: What’s the first step who knows who, and who can be trusted. late 60’s in the most turbulent of times. at five to three,” and I’d escort him to manticized; but we don’t want maids and Hollywood community. We have a big and you’ll take if elected? We bring them to the head of diversity Oh man, it was rough! People fought po- the boiler room and find the back, back, gang bangers to be romanticized about powerful voice but we have to know how EM: Open the process. Make it more development and introduce them. Some lice officers, scabs, provocateurs-- they got furthest exit to get him out of there-- until our community because we have so much and when to use it. And use it for divine member-friendly. It’s going to take pres- producers, who shall remain nameless – all out there and fought with their fists, one time one ‘cat’ caught onto me, and more to offer. We have to take notice of purposes and not self aggrandizement. sure from the community, outside the when they get input they don’t want to their signs. They fought…for the rights then I was the focus. They came after other communities that don’t allow for boardroom. The talent agencies… we’re hear it, but you can’t let that stop you. We to earn a decent living. My mother was al- me. I had a pencil in my hand, and it was that, and protect their brand. People’s LL: What does this mean to you personally? going to have to all work together. In want to help get people in who will be ways on the phone advising other women, a regretful situation…but I was feeling trademarks are their brand. We cannot EM: I am someone that has somehow the decision-making positions it’s a very more than tokens. We have to figure out telling them to stand up to their bosses or very, very threatened, and I lashed out, whitewash it. We’re not denying that we maintained a career despite incredible closed environment—a fraternity with active and aggressive, bold ways to end their boyfriends or their husbands, saying, and he never messed with me again. The have a gang problem. We need to ask professional and personal obstacles. very little diversity. To change that, it’s that. This industry will be just for children “If you don’t stand up now, you never point is it’s an existential threat we face why do we have gang problems-- where I still want to be a better human be- going to take outreach and basic commu- of the rich and hobbyists if we don’t make will.” This applies to everyone. You have sometimes and if we don’t stand up to it are the strong men that stand up for their ing every day. As much as it pains me, nication , some people don’t understand it safe to have a career and raise a family. to do something, otherwise you legitimize you will be subjected to it again and again. community? Don’t tell me we don’t have I have to listen to those critics whose why it’s so important to stand together. I the abuse. By standing up, running for leaders-we’ve been the victims of extreme- complaints are legitimate. [Laughter] want to get more young folks to under- LL: What do you want to president, I opt to be a champion for my LL: So it is pilot season, and a lot of ly sophisticated marginalizing tech- And I think the union should do that as stand that this is their back-up ‘insurance leave to your daughter? fellow artists...the people who provide the shows, some Latino-themed, fall through niques. We have to protect our brand. well. We have to join the 21st century. plan’ aside from their insurance plan, EM: The ability to act upon what I’ve most special of effects—the human touch. the cracks when it comes to getting the A lot of people say that it’s [unions] are and that no matter how much money left her genetically. I’ve given her a lot of series order. Why are the shows get- LL: What kind of shows would old fashioned out dated, but unions you make now, there comes a point my traits and I can see them for better LL: Growing up with a single mom—did ting greenlit about maids and gangs? you like to see on TV? protect people that create the product, when it peaks- then you have to join the and for worse [laughter] I want her to she teach you to stand up for your- EM: These are things I’m sensitive to; I EM: The kind of shows that are on that make others rich and some com- ranks trying to figure out how to stay live in a world where she can pursue her self, was there any one incident that can’t for sure say Hollywood does it on TV--just include us! Don’t exclude us. fortable. We need to be properly repre- relevant, and how you’re going to feed dreams and even if she has obstacles pushed you over the edge, where you purpose…[ironic] but sometimes it When they write the script and the guy’s sented and not be taken advantage of. your family on a hundred bucks a day. they will only empower her more.

58 • July / August 2013 latinoleaders.com