Ricky Martin I missed the memo when it comes to aging. Call it Kiki’s curious case.
Speaking with ET’s Nischelle Turner about her latest project — AppleTV+’s upcoming comedy series, Palma Real – the 52-year-old said he shaved for a whole year to play the character of Carol Burnett’s suave valet, Robert. The refreshed appearance has only made Martin look much younger, but his anti-aging secret is a much simpler approach.
“Old melanin and good life,” says Martin. “I can drink a lot of water. No drugs or alcohol. Maybe that’s it.”
Maybe it’s the genuine happiness he exuded while taking part in the upcoming AppleTV+ series, whose cast includes Martin, Burnett, Kristen Wiig, Kaia Gerber, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb and Amber Chardae Robinson. Palma Real is set in 1969 and follows an ambitious woman named Maxine Simmons (Wiig), who aspires to cross the line between the haves and the have-nots to secure her place at the most exclusive, elegant, and treacherous table in America: Palm’s high society. Beach.
The series premieres March 20 on AppleTV+, and the process from start to finish was emotional for Martin, who didn’t waste a second when asked if she would return to the series if she watched another season.
“Of course I’m in!” he exclaims to ET. “This experience changed my life. If this is what acting is going to be like, I think I won the lottery. Thank you God for everything I experienced throughout this entire process. And once again, being able to tell stories that are relatable to people out there. People who are struggling with their identity and to be able to shed some light with a little sense of humor.
For Martin, working alongside such Hollywood giants as Wiig and Burnett proved to be challenging and rewarding at the same time. For example, working with Wiig challenged Martin to leave everything on the table. Well, the script, anyway.
“For me, it was important to not start with my script in hand,” Martin explained. “You know, read it. Leave it in the trailer and be open to whatever happens.”
There was a lot of improvisation on set, especially with Wiig, who gave a masterclass and hilarity ensued.
“She is a force. She is a force,” Martin said. “And for me it was a challenge at first. But then I loved it because, yes, they say action and then they say cut and what happens in between is up to you to play with. Obviously you have a story to tell, but get there. Eventually get there , but have fun. And the same thing happened to Laura and the same thing happened to Carol.”
Palma Real premieres March 20 on AppleTV+.
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