Manny Jacinto recently discussed his meteoric rise to fame in recent years in an interview. He shared how his younger self would hypothetically react to Jacinto’s current status in the entertainment industry.
Jacinto started his career with minor/supporting roles across numerous film and television projects. He eventually got his breakthrough with the sitcom The Good Place. The 38-year-old later grew his fame with films/television shows like Star Wars: The Acolyte and Freakier Friday.
Manny Jacinto talks why his younger self will be surprised by his acting career
The Star Wars: The Acolyte actor recently graced the TIME100 Next Gala at Chelsea Peters in New York City. At the event, he was interviewed about his acting career. He revealed that his younger self would react with disbelief if he told him about his current career status.
“If I told him that I was here [at the TIME100 event], he’d be like, ‘What are you talking about, man?” Jacinto told PEOPLE. “You should be in an office in front of a computer, being an engineer or something.”
The Brand New Cherry Flavor actor reaffirmed his younger self’s disbelief. He added that he was greatly surprised by the fact that he had grown in his career and was able to attend events like the TIME100 Next Gala.
Moreover, Jacinto discussed his time on The Good Place. In it, he played Jason Mendoza, who became known for his childlike demeanor, kind heart, and positivity, but also recklessness, impulsivity, and immaturity. Mendoza appeared in the series for all four seasons of the show’s run.
Jacinto expressed gratitude for his time on the show, as it allowed him to earn enough to afford groceries. “I just remember living in a five-bedroom house with a bunch of nurses and just trying to make it work,” he added. “When that audition came through and when I was able to get that [part], [it] changed my life, It really did.”
He recalled that the show had a lot of “special moments.” Jacinto also fondly remembered working with his co-stars, Jameela Jamil, D’Arcy Carden, and Will Jackson Harper. “And just being on the lot in Universal and seeing the trams go by — so many special moments,” he continued.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.
