Hemky Madera: Is Not Who You Expect IRL & Nothing Like "Pote"

Actor Hemky Madera joins us for a powerful and heartfelt season finale. Best known for his fan-favorite role as “Pote” on Queen of the South, Hemky opens up like never before about his Dominican roots, growing up in Washington Heights, New York, fatherhood, marriage, Hollywood, and the long journey to making it as an actor. In this raw and funny conversation, Hemky shares how he knew he wanted to become an actor at just five years old and reveals the many jobs he worked before landing major roles, including waiter, bartender, babysitter, and driver. While audiences know him for playing intense and dangerous characters in movies and hit shows like Queen of the South, Euphoria, and The Mandalorian, Hemky explains why he is actually the complete opposite in real life: funny, loving, goofy, and always joking around. The two also dive into Dominican pride, representation in Hollywood, their respect for Manny Perez and what Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win meant for Dominican actors and Latinos everywhere. Hemky reflects on balancing his love for the Dominican Republic and America, staying grounded through fame, and what’s next for his career, including returning to the Star Wars universe and the new season of Euphoria. This episode is full of laughter, motivation, culture, family, vulnerability… just a beautiful conversation with one of the most respected Dominican actors in Hollywood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.