Henrick Vartanian
GRISELDA, Netflix’s mini-series about the Columbian Godmother of cocaine saw an ongoing rise in popularity weeks after its initial January 2025 release.
The series utilized a popular, household name as its star, Sofia Vergara in a not-so glamorous, and gritty role, showcasing more of the actresses diverse talent, and supported her with the clever casting of actors and actresses in the supporting roles.
One of those actors was Martin Rodriguez in the role of Jorge “Rivi” Ayala, Griselda Blanco’s right-hand hitman who is currently serving a life-sentence with a shaky possibility for a parole.
In portraying this complicated, calculated man, the 46-year-old, Argentine actor, Martin Rodriguez has put together a skillfully layered and deliciously entertaining creation that is worthy of another viewing and consideration. In fact, he should be invited by schools of Film and Dramatic Arts to speak to the students.
Actor, Martin Rodriguez’s piercing portrayal of a killer in Netflix’s GRISELDA, catches the attention of viewers and the nation’s top critics.
In addition to winning the hearts of the audiences, Rodriguez has also the attention of top critics worldwide. Variety’s TV Critic Aramide Tinubu commented, “The entire cast, including Vergara, is stellar in this display of ambition and retaliation. However, Martín Rodríguez’s turn as Jorge “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera, a top-hitter in Miami, is one of the most mesmerizing performances of a criminal mastermind on TV recently.
We could not agree more.
Rodriguez made his film debut in 2009 in a leading role in LEO’S ROOM by Enrique Buchichio, which premiered during the San Sebastian International Film Festival. For this work he received several awards including the Uruguayan Film Critics Association Award for Best Actor and Best Male Newcomer, Best Actor at the Del Mar Festival – Ibiza, Spain and Best Actor at the Cine de la Luna Festival, Spain. In 2014, he starred in Buchichio’s film Zanahoria, which won the Colón de Oro at the 40th edition of the Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival.
After participating in numerous film productions in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay he starred alongside to Sofia Vergara in the Netflix original limited series Griselda, as Jorge “Rivi” Ayala-Rivera.
Recently, Brave New Hollywood had the opportunity for a quick interview with the talented rising star and here is how it went.
BNH: GRISELDA (Netflix mini-series) and its cast were received warmly by reviewers, and it grew more in popularity as it spent time on the streaming platform. What do you think resonated with the everyday viewer?
MR: I think the GRISELDA series was very well received and had a positive impact on viewers because it is very well told, the characters are very well defined, and the actors gave excellent performances; especially Sofia Vergara in one of the most impressive performances of her career.
BNH: What were the important elements, you believe, made Rivi, the character you portray come to life and made audiences take notice?
MR: The character of Rivi has many layers that were very interesting to play. He is one of those characters that, although he is dedicated to macabre matters, he has a mystical side. Above all, his motivations are not those of a normal hitman because he is not looking for money or power, but rather he finds meaning when he meets Griselda Blanco. The female figure in the midst of so much abuse of male power reminds him of his mother or of those women he knew in his life who were mistreated by men. He takes her side and not only protects her, he puts himself at her service and they are linked by a platonic love. That gave a certain specificity to the character, which is like a feminist hitman.
BNH: When approaching the role, how did you initially or instinctively see RIVI, your character?\
MR: Of course, as an actor, there are situations or people you’ve seen in life. I was born in Argentina. When I was very young, I met people who, at that time, I could see as dangerous or who went about their lives with a very particular energy. Some of that that you have recorded in your impressions was fundamental to take as primary material so that the character would have poise and solidity.
BNH: How important is chemistry with your co-stars, scene partners?
MR: Chemistry with your co-stars is fundamental, and I’m referring to the actors and the rest of the team members because we’re building something together. Chemistry with the director is also very important. Andi Baiz’s trust allowed me to be free and at the same time be very supported by his talent directing scenes.
BNH: What did you like about working with Sofia Vergara?
MR: Working with Sofia is the best thing that ever happened to me because she is a very intuitive actress with a lot of freshness, so that makes the scenes a fun game but very deep at the same time. I hope to work with her again.
BNH: What did you learn about yourself while working on this project?
MR: I learned a lot of things; I had never worked on a six-episode series. So, what I value most was being able to develop a character that grew as the chapters progressed. That requires a lot of precision and a lot of expressive clarity so that the character is revealed in layers, and at the same time contributes to the narrative in dramatic terms.
BNH: What type of artists or art tends to influence your own onscreen creations?
MR: I am influenced by those artists who take risks, who get involved to the point that their own person disappears. I saw that acting with Sofia and it was really inspiring.
BNH: What other areas do you draw inspiration from?
MR: I like to listen to music when I’m exploring a character. In fact, when I thought about Rivi I immediately related him to the music and poetry of Jim Morrison. His art was very important and linked me directly to a style and a moment in history because behind his music there was a true artist.
BNH: What does an award nomination or a win mean for an actor?
MR: Awards are important because in some way they legitimize your work but also the work of all those involved in the project. I contribute my work, but it would be impossible for that to turn out well if you are not supported by all the creative people around you. This is a collective art and if someone is recognized with an award that award belongs to everyone.
Rodriguez has recently finished filming a new series created by Sebastian Ortega and produced by Telemundo titled En el Barro, a spin-off of the popular series El Marginal, which will premiere next year on Netflix.
