Eugenio Derbez has solidified his position as Mexico’s top comedy star through a string of successful movies and extensive TV work. From breakout smash Instructions Not Included to The Valet, Overboard, and How To Be A Latin Lover, Derbez’s comedic talent has garnered him adoration not only in his home country but also on a global scale.
In 2022, Derbez took his career to new heights with his involvement in the film CODA. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, this little movie swept all the festival’s top awards and made history by becoming the first-ever Sundance debut to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Derbez was part of the ensemble cast that received the Outstanding Cast award from SAG. In CODA, he portrayed a music teacher who played a crucial role in inspiring a young woman torn between her loyalty to her deaf family and her dream of pursuing a music career.
Derbez returns as an educator in his latest project, Radical, which also began its journey with critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. However, this time, he takes on the lead role, marking his first foray into the world of drama. In Radical, Derbez portrays Sergio, a man with unconventional educational methods that profoundly impact the lives of his students. Drawing parallels to the classic film To Sir, With Love, Radical tells a true story that not only resonates with audiences but also proves successful at the box office. Despite being a subtitled Mexican film, it emerged as a sleeper hit and ranked among the top five in its debut weekend in the U.S.
I had the opportunity to speak with Derbez for this week’s edition of my Deadline video series, The Actor’s Side, where he discussed Radical and its significance as a turning point in his career. As a producer on this and several other projects in which he stars, Derbez embraces his multifaceted role in the industry. While he ventures into drama, he will always have a fondness for comedy, a genre that has brought him substantial success. Additionally, Derbez sheds light on some surprising roles he has played, which have become iconic in recent years, even if audiences may not immediately associate him with those films. As a hint, his connection to Eddie Murphy involves a certain famous donkey.
Eugenio Derbez continues to blaze a trail in the entertainment industry. With Radical, he not only demonstrates his versatility as an actor but also showcases his prowess as a producer. As he explores new territories and takes on captivating roles, Derbez solidifies his status as a global star, captivating hearts and minds both on-screen and off. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his extraordinary journey.