Malone Souliers

necessarily living under a shadow, but at least seeing somebody that you want to have respect for and want to work with, that impulses the relationship with his dad in a really remarkable way. He gets to see what it would be and could be like if he became The Flash one day or continued his journey with his sister. There is so much fun and so much excitement with everything Armageddon - you guys are going to freak out about what’s coming.

Sari: So, have you always been a DC fan or Marvel fan?

Jordan Fisher: Growing up, I wasn’t a Marvel fan. I liked DC a lot. But Marvel does this thing. They always have. Every character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the Marvel Universe in general, has so much more humanity. You see, Superman, this alien from a planet called Krypton, comes to Indiana and lands on a farm and is raised by these lovely human beings, which is great, but again, he’s an alien. He’s completely invulnerable.

In Marvel, there are real-life circumstances and real-life conversations. Like Tony Stark in comic iterations, he has a problem with alcohol. There are people with mental disabilities, and there are people with just real human stuff that as a person, as a fan, just as a human being, I can look at these superheroes and say, ‘Oh, I see me. I actually see myself in you.’ That connective tissue between film and audience is one of the most important things. Now, as a producer, I’m so focused on helping people see themselves in these characters in projects I am developing. Marvel has done that so well for so many years. I’m excited to see more heroes and more of a deeper dive into lesser-known heroes that have such great stories. It is really exciting.

Sari: Speaking of great stories, “Happily Ever After” is one for the books. It has been such a massive part of so many people’s lives. Disney just retired the show in September. What has this whole experience meant to you?

Jordan Fisher: The whole “Happily Ever After” experience was a bucket-lister I didn’t know that I had. It started off as an email from my team saying, ‘Is this something that interests you?’ I dropped my jaw and called them back and asked if it was a joke. They said, no, they actually want you to do this and make this music for the firework show. I was in New York walking to the theater to do Hamilton at the time, and I cried the whole way. It was just such a powerful moment of realizing that I was going to become a part of core memories for people. Realizing that my voice was going to be an anthem and narrative where families and kids that have dreamt of going to Disney World, of having an experience with friends and family and grandparents, along with couples getting engaged and pregnancy announcements - all these really big milestones that people save for that moment when they’re watching the firework show at the Magic Kingdom, it is such an honor. My wife and I have had moments at the Disney resorts, walking around or leaving a restaurant. Someone would stop us and say, ‘My wife and I got engaged to your song’ and just seeing the joy in their faces - it was forever changing in the best ways for me.

Sari: You got your own ‘Happily Ever After’ recently when you married your childhood sweetheart. What do you think makes a good relationship work? What does being INLOVE mean to you?

Jordan Fisher: Without question, please listen to this - talk to your partner about everything. Tell them everything. Reflect on everything. It builds trust and a foundation for you to root for one another. Good conversations, hard conversations. Either way, it is about growth. That is the big thing. Being in love is waking up every day, rolling over, seeing that person that you love on the other side of the bed, smelling their morning breath, seeing their bedhead, the crust on their eyes and everything, and going ‘You know what, that is what I want to see every day for the rest of my life. That is what I want.’ And choosing that person every single day, choosing to love them. It is an active verb – that is what being in love means. It means having a partner that is fully your other half, there to support you and take things on with you. The guiding hand, a guiding voice, a guiding light, and comfort, all of those things. That is what being in love truly is, and how to do that healthily? Laugh as much as you can. Tell jokes, be each other’s best friend - my wife is my best friend. There are so many people who don’t understand our humor, but we get each other so fully and laugh all the time. It is the best medicine. It is the best everything.

Just be completely and utterly honest with your partner. Be fully transparent about everything, build that trust, wake up, and choose to love them every day. There are going to be days where it is just not as exciting as it was the day before or the week before, but that is also part of being in love - the ebb and flow of it all. None of us are perfect. We cannot just insert a chip in our head that keeps us infatuated with somebody. We have to wake up and choose them every day. Thankfully, we do.

Sari: You’ve gotten to work with so many incredible people through the years. As a Broadway star, a singer, an artist, working with Lin-Manuel Miranda must’ve been a dream. I’m curious what he’s taught you?

Jordan Fisher: Lin is incredible! If he has taught me anything, it has been by observation. It has been his work ethic and the belief in the story you are telling and that it needs to exist. I feel he is the Shakespeare of our generation. He is just so persistent in getting his message across, and that is such a beautiful thing to me.

Sari: Style seems to be such a big part of how you express yourself. How would you describe your style, and how does fashion play a part in how you express yourself? Can you tell me more about the Be My Friend Apparel Collection?

Jordan Fisher: I would describe my style as pretty fluid. I’m a very fluid person just in general, so that is definitely reflected in what I wear. Oftentimes, I wear a nice mixture of women’s clothing and men’s clothing, gender fluid pieces. I have always loved layers – long coats and sweaters – and boots with a little lift in them. If I had to describe my style, again, it would be fluid, but probably ‘Euro Chic.’ Most of what I love to wear is

Hoodie: Namara Jeans: Levi’s Shoes and Bag: Vibram

Hoodie: Namara Pants: Levi’s Shoes: Vibram London and Hong Kong-style streetwear. There isn’t really a name for it, but that is how I would describe my personal style.

‘Be My Friend,’ my new apparel collection, is just that! ‘Be My Friend’ means ‘Let’s do life together, let’s be good to one another and treat everyone well.’ You never know where people are coming from. We have to lead with love. We have to lead with positivity. You don’t know what struggles a person is going through. Oftentimes, people just need a friend. I am that for so many, and thankfully I have a great handful that are that for me. It is just a constant reminder to open your heart, mind, and arms to everyone around you.

Sari: When you first started out, social media was barely a blip on the radar. As an artist, how has its rise impacted your life?

Jordan. Fisher: I’m actually producing a movie about that. I love that I grew up in an analog world with dial-up and Nokia bar phones. I love that it was my childhood. I also appreciate that younger generations now have so much more access than I did when I was their age. I didn’t know what the kids in California were wearing when I was in Alabama in middle school. I had no clue. Because social media wasn’t a thing, I couldn’t just tap in and see what’s going on with the rest of America or the rest of the world - it was whatever was given to me. I grew up in a small football town about 30 minutes outside of Birmingham, Alabama. You can become very sheltered without knowing it. I think social media has helped people grasp their power and claim their space as humans. I think that that is the positive of social media that I have seen. It has impacted my career, my life, really, in the way that people just assume that you’re tangible all the time. People just assume that if they hit you on Twitter, you’re going to respond, you should respond, and you’re not a good person if you don’t respond. It is tough, that massive tangibility that people have with other humans that they don’t know but expect so much from. It is a really interesting thing to break down.

I have had so many conversations about this with a lot of my peers and colleagues, and we all feel the same way. We’re so grateful that technology has gotten to where it is, and that social media is what it is, and we can be so connected and keep up with one another. But at the end of the day, there used to be a world where the media could dictate someone’s career by saying things that weren’t necessarily true. There are receipts now. You can go back and check it. That is interesting. Everything is changing and evolving. We’ll continue to adapt because that is what we have to do, must do, and what we get to do.

Sari: What else is coming up for you?

Jordan Fisher: Oh man, a whole lot of exciting things! I will say this; I think that 2022 is going to be the most revolutionary year for me in my career. I have had so many things on the slate and so many things in development for so long that are all coming out next year, as well as new announcements, new ventures, and new journeys—both in my personal life as well as my work life and career. 2022 is going to be a game-changing year—we are leveling up!

Favorite show on TV right now

Succession

Favorite social media

Twitter

Favorite book

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Favorite karaoke song

“Caribbean Queen” by Billy Ocean and “King of Wishful Thinking” and “Hollywood Nights” - mostly ‘80s music

Favorite movie

“Love, Actually,” “Social Network,” “Whiplash,” “Murder on the Orient Express”

Favorite era in time

Harlem Revolution -- early 2000s

Favorite city

Tokyo

Favorite animal Siberian Husky

Favorite thing to do for the holidays

Christmas movies and spiked cider

Favorite video game

Kingdom Hearts 2

Favorite guilty pleasure

Twitch Chat

Favorite pastime

Anime, cooking, and studying wine

Favorite Disney movie moment

You’ll Bring Honor To Us All - Mulan Tarzan and Jane meeting

Favorite comic book character

Gambit

Favorite couple in history

Barack and Michelle

Sari Cohen

RAFAEL CEBRIÁN PERFECT MAN

Rafael Cebrián fell in love with telling stories; all he ever wanted to do was given a voice to the unvoiced. “l like to think of myself as a storyteller more than an actor,” the “Acapulco” star tells INLOVE Magazine. “When I was five years old, my parents took me to see ‘Grease’ at the West End in London, and that’s when I got ‘the bug.’ That’s why John Travolta, together with Anthony Hopkins and Will Smith, are the actors that made me want to become an actor.”

Cebrián was born and raised in Madrid. After high school in Spain, he went on to study Literature at Brown University. “I was very active in the Theatre department, so my approach

to acting was obviously tainted by the ‘American school,’” he explained. “I wanted to get a different perspective on it and had always looked up to RADA [Royal Academy of Dramatic Art] in London as one of the most distinguished acting conservatories. So, I was fortunate enough to do a stint over there in 2009. It was a great time and a wonderful learning experience. I got to immerse myself in the ‘British way’ of acting.”

All of this has paid off in a big way for Cebrián. In 2013, he landed the role of Rodrigo Borgia ‘El Pequeño’ Lanzol in “Borgia.” Since then, he has starred in shows such as “Narcos,” “Animal Kingdom,” and “Greenhouse Academy.” In October, he debuted as Hector in the Apple TV+ comedy series “Acapulco.” Cebrián is also a music lover, having started his career in the popular Spanish rock band, the Monomes.

Sari: You’re on multiple binge-able shows. Which role do fans get most excited about?

Rafael Cebrián: Some days, I get messages from people that really enjoyed “Borgia.” The other day at the supermarket, a young guy stopped to tell me that he had a lot of fun watching “Greenhouse Academy,” and people always want to talk about “Narcos.” Now, everyone seems to be really excited about “Acapulco.”

ters. Which one has been closest to your heart?

Rafael Cebrián: Every single character I portray emanates from me. So, there are pieces of me in all of my roles. I couldn’t specifically pick one. But I will tell you that Hector is by far the role I’ve had the most fun playing.

Sari: When did your love of music start?

Rafael Cebrián: My mom signed me up for music lessons at a conservatory at age five. I grew up constantly surrounded by music. I would go to school during the day and music conservatory in the afternoons. Even though my career with my band ended, I still consider myself a musician. As a matter of fact, my approach to acting is very musical.

Sari: In your experience, how is the music world different from the acting world?

Rafael Cebrián: I think acting and music walk hand in hand, parallel with each other. To me, acting is music: just like in a tune, there are beats, cadences, silences, and harmonies in a scene. That’s why I believe that every actor is a musician but not every musician is an actor. I hope my musician friends don’t kill me after reading this.

Sari: Is there more music-making in your future?

Rafael Cebrián: I’m surrounded by musicians daily, and I’m always writing, coming up with melodies, lyrics. Right now, those ideas don’t go past the voice app on my phone, but who knows what can happen one day.

Sari: How did you end up being fluent in four languages?

Rafael Cebrián: Being born and raised in Madrid, Spanish is a given. I went to Lyçée Français in Madrid, so French came easy - no merit in that. My passion for Italian history made me want to study the language, and I’ve also worked in Italy for a bit. That took care of my Italian. Finally, when I was a kid, my parents were a host family for American exchange students who would come to Madrid for a year. I was constantly watching movies and listening to music in English. I then perfected the language when I moved to the U.S for college - that’s language number four. I did get cocky for a second there and tried German for a couple of years as a teenager, but I didn’t get far.

Sari: Do you have any hidden talents?

Rafael Cebrián: If I told you, they wouldn’t be hidden anymore! I’d rather keep the mystery.

Sari: What’s one thing you can always count on to get you through a tough day?

Rafael Cebrián: Tiramisú.

Sari: Tell me about your experience filming “Acapulco” - how you found your character and what it was like on set.

Rafael Cebrián: It was one of those rare moments where the audition came in. I read it, and right away, I knew I had to play Hector. I understood the guy deep in my bones from the get-go.

I’ve been keen on doing a comedy since I can remember. I’ve always felt very comfortable in that world, but due to my track record, people tend to think of me as a ‘dramatic’ actor. I never had the chance to explore a big comedic role until Hector came along. The challenge for me was to ground such a high concept, over-the-top character while making sure it still had a certain pop on screen. This first season of the show was shot in Puerto Vallarta during the pandemic. We were essentially in a bubble. People were rarely able to come in or out. We basically lived where we worked, and even though it may sound convenient, it could feel a little heavy at times. My favorite thing about getting to film abroad is the fact that we get to fully immerse ourselves in the culture of the country where we are working. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances, we missed out on doing that this time around. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to do it all over again soon.

“To me, acting is music: just like in a tune, there are beats, cadences, silences, and harmonies in a scene.”

Sari: What are five things about you that people can’t Google to find out?

Rafael Cebrián: My birthday, my height, the fact that I am very good at basketball, my obsession with Japanese cuisine, and my blood type.

Sari: What projects do you have coming up?

Rafael Cebrián: I have an action movie coming out soon called “Run & Gun” that is going to be a lot of fun. I’ve also voiced an operator in the new season of the video game Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. There’s an indie feature that I’m really excited about that I plan to be filming this winter. Not only am I an actor but also a writer, so I am constantly working on producing my own projects. Currently, I’m pitching a couple of ideas and trying to get a script turned into a movie.

Sari: What is your ultimate dream as an artist?

Rafael Cebrián: To illuminate, cultivate, and never be boring.

Sari: Is there an iconic person in history that you would love to play on screen? Rafael Cebrián: I am fascinated by the Mexican Revolution; I would love to play Emiliano Zapata one day.

Sari: What other genres would you love to explore?

Rafael Cebrián: I am moved by stories. The genre comes second. But it’d be fun to do a good thriller/horror film sometime soon. I’d like to work with David Gordon Green, for example. I’ve been following his career lately, and I’m a fan of what he does.

Since “Acapulco” takes place in the ‘80s, lets’ have a little fun with that decade...

Favorite ‘80s song “Jump” by Van Halen. I blasted that one before I’d start every single scene in “Acapulco”

Favorite ‘80s musical artist Whitney Houston

Favorite ‘80s movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Favorite ‘80s actor Tom Cruise

Favorite ‘80s trend Fanny packs

Favorite ‘80s toy Game Boy

Favorite product from the ‘80s they don’t make anymore Video rental joints. Does that count as a product?

Favorite ‘80s slang word Guay. It’s a slang term for “cool” in Spain

Favorite thing about the ‘80s that is different from today Mixtapes were a big thing. Now it’s playlists, but it’s not the same vibe

Sari Cohen Photographer: Storm Santos Stylist: Janet López

ED QUINN HOLLY WOOD’S “QUINN”TESSENTIAL LEADING MAN

Ed Quinn has one of the most familiar faces in Hollywood. For over 20 years, he’s been starring in fan favorites like “Eureka,” “True Blood,” “Revenge,” “2 Broke Girls,” “One Day at a Time,” and Tyler Perry’s “The Oval.” Apart from being a permanent fixture on our TV screens for the past two decades, Quinn is also a musician - with a new album soon to be released. We dove deeper into this multitalented California native’s life and discovered what makes him Hollywood’s “Quinn”tessential leading man.

Quinn already had a long list of credits under his belt before he booked the role of Nathan Stark on SyFy’s “Eureka” in 2006. The show was the first commercial hit for the network. “It was a big swing for them,” Quinn tells INLOVE Magazine. “They wanted a show that wasn’t spaceships and aliens, but there was a lot of concern about doing an expensive ‘dark comedy.’ No one thought it would work. There were a lot of power struggles behind the scenes, but then it became the No. 1 rated show in the history of the network. That number still stands today, and that’s a testament to the loyal fans who loved that crazy show.”

Quinn has been in numerous shows with loyal fanbases, such as HBO’s “True Blood.” In the second season, his character [Stan] joined the cast only to meet an untimely demise. “I came into the show [in 2009], right as it was becoming this global hit,” Quinn recalled. “The first season came in a little under the radar, but then it became this cult sensation, and the lovely Anna Paquin won the Golden Globe. The next thing you know, it is the hottest television show. It was really fun to be a small part of a show that was exploding. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch of people, too. Everyone on that show was lovely.”

Blood Loss

“True Blood” fans may be interested to know that Quinn had his heart broken on the show. He wishes he could revive the character of Stan because the storyline never got the chance to see its full potential. Stan was a key character in the books. Not seeing that play out on screen left fans, and Quinn, fiending for more. “Getting the role was a big deal,” the actor revealed. “I was ecstatic. And the role was massive. Stan and Eric [Alexander Skarsgård] were going to war against each other. Massive battle. Sadly, before we even started shooting, a storyline had to be cut from Season 2. It was too long. And they chose mine. They didn’t want to cut Stan completely, so instead, it was truncated - dramatically. Broke my heart. I still had a great time. Everyone was super sympathetic and commiserated with me.”

Eureka!

Stan isn’t the only character Quinn would like to revive and give their own show. You can bet Nathan Stark is on that list, too! That character was actually supposed to have his own spin-off at the end of Season 2. “Long, sad story short, the creators decided at the end of Season 1 that Nathan would ‘Save Eureka, but be exiled. For his sacrifice, he’d take over a government lab that dealt with the paranormal and occult.’ I was thrilled,” Quinn shared. “Loved the character, loved the show, couldn’t wait. But, Hollywood is a cruel mistress. Shortly after being informed of these glorious plans, the creator and writers left the series. The show’s tone and direction changed, and the spin-off never happened.”

King of the Castle

Quinn recalls another one of his favorite roles, playing Gabriel Winters on “Castle” in the episode, The Final Frontier. “It was an episode about a washed-up sci-fi actor whose hit show was canceled,” Quinn teased. “The Castle crew built the most insane set ever for the episode. The brilliant Kate Sargeant, who wrote the episode, wanted to write a ‘Nebula 9’ pilot and shoot it for the internet. It would have been hysterical. And it almost happened, but we just didn’t have the time. Sets go up but must come down for the next episode. I agreed to work nights, weekends, and off-the-clock to do it, but it just wasn’t feasible.”