Interview with Joe “Popsicle” Perez
Conducted on September 21st, 2007.
AS: What was the casting process like for you? Did you read for more than one role?
JP: The casting process basically started off as an open casting call for extras. I knew they needed a lot of extras on the Mexican side and thought well I’m Mexican and I’ve done extra work before so I can do this. When I went to the extras casting call it was just for Mexican soldiers. So unfortunately, there were no speaking roles available at that time. But after a lot of hard work of what was basically boot camp, they asked me if I would be interested in playing the role of Colonel Juan Morales which was a bump up from an extra. Of course I said yes.
AS: Did you have any prior knowledge on the Alamo before filming?
JP: I had no real prior knowledge outside of what they teach in school.
AS: What references were given to you for the role of Colonel Juan Morales?
JP: Nothing was really given to me, but I was told to research as much as I could on my own about the man in his role in the Alamo. Thank God for the internet!
AS: What type of training were you assigned to do?
JP: I was lucky because they said I could play both the Mexican soldier and Colonel Juan Morales. This was good for me because it allowed me more days on the set. When playing a soldier I could not be seen up close because it would conflict with my scenes as Colonel Juan Morales. The training for the soldier was very intense. It included days and days of marching and the use of firearms including canons. My training for the Colonel included days of horseback riding uphill, downhill, and riding in unison with the other horses. This also was hard, but a lot of fun because I love horseback riding. I looked forward to the days of horseback training.
AS: Can you describe a typical day on the set? What was your initial reaction? And do you have any interesting stories you’d care to share?
JP: During the day shootings, the call time on the set was about 5am and there were no 8 hour days. We tried to get in as much filming done in a day as possible. This was by far the hardest work I’ve ever had to do day to day on a set. But I was in it for the long haul because I knew there’d be a lot of great memories I’d take with me after months of shooting like riding lessons with actor Patrick Wilson. That was way cool! Patrick really is one of the kindest, warm-hearted actors I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He actually suggested I mention to Billy Bob about my popsicle business. So that’s exactly what I did. One day on the set I saw Billy Bob and introduced myself and mentioned the popsicles because Patrick said he loved popsicles and I had some unique flavors like dill pickle and cucumber and salt. After telling him about my popsicles Billy asked me if I had any with me. I told him I did and he was kind enough to invite me into his trailer to try some. I brought him pretty much every flavor I had and he kept them in his freezer. So every time we’d get together he would pass them out to whoever was in the trailer. From then on, I was known on the set as Popsicle Joe. I have so many cool memories and have made a lot of friends that I’ve been able to stay in touch with including Billy Bob. Billy is so down to earth and so easy to talk to. He would make time to kick it with everyone. He was definitely one everyone wanted to spend time with.
AS: What was it like to work alongside Emilio Echevarria and Cástulo Guerra? And how was it to work under the direction of John Lee Hancock?
JP: It was an honor to work alongside so many talented actors like Emilio and Cástulo because most of my scenes were with these men. So to watch them bring their characters to life was a thrill for me and a learning experience as an actor. Working with John Lee Hancock was great! Every director brings a little something different on the set and they have their own style. What I enjoyed about John Lee was that he could get what he wanted from his actors by giving good direction and allowing creative input from them. He has a great sense of humor and he was very kind to everyone. This made showing up to work much more enjoyable.
AS: I remember watching you in the film leading your soldados away from Crockett’s palisade and towards the southwest corner. How was it to lead your troops into battle in front of the camera? Were there any complications while those scenes were shot? And were there any following battle scenes, or scenes in particular, that you were in that didn’t make it into the final cut?
JP: This was definitely one of my favorite scenes for me to shoot because it focused on my character and I wanted to do justice to the scene. With all the gun fire and canons going off, I wanted to portray the leadership of Colonel Juan Morales. So with my sword drawn and my troops behind me I felt very proud and honored to lead that charge and put a world of hurt on Mr. Crockett and his men. There were really no complications while those scenes were shot. We had a great special effects crew. All of my scenes were used in the film from meetings with the Colonels and Generals, all of the attacks, and the execution of Davy Crockett. So I was very fortunate.
AS: Were you on the Bastrop set for the San Jacinto scenes? If so, tell us about your experience there. Extras from the film can remember the smoldering heat and dry conditions experience on the field!
JP: No, I was not on this set. I don’t believe my character was supposed to be there.
AS: How was it to attend the premiere on the “yellow” carpet?
JP: We made the premiere in Austin and the after-party at Antone’s which was very exciting. Patrick Wilson, Jason Patrick, and John Lee were all there among many others. We did not attend the yellow carpet premiere in San Antonio, but I did go to cheer and support the film. All of the hoopla and reporters there to cover the premiere was very exciting.
AS: After audiences watched the film after it’s release, what did you hope they would walk away with?
JP: I hoped they would maybe get a hint of all of the hard work everyone put into this film to make it as realistic as possible as far as what really went on during the battle and have a better understanding that all of these larger than life heroes were human. And that they all had their own personal demons to deal with. There was a lot of pride in making this film. For so many of us behind and in front of the camera, there were a lot of Texas ties. I believe this was about making something that we could all be proud of and we didn’t need a trophy to tell us that.
AS: Tell us all about the famous “Alamo Day” that you and fellow actor, Cid Galindo, have taken part in!
JP: We started attending the Alamo Days a couple of years ago. I got an email from Kyle Jones. Let me tell you about Mr. Kyle Jones. He is one hardest working and dedicated teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. He gives so much to those kids. You can see how much he enjoys what he does. He lights up like one of the kids on Alamo Day. After seeing his true dedication, there was no way I was going to tell him no. This isn’t about me or Cid, it’s about history and the kids he’s teaching. There should be more teachers like Kyle Jones. I know Cid feels the same way. Kyle goes all out for Alamo Day. He not only shows the movie, but has a great Q and A session to follow. Kids seem to really interact and get excited about what they’re learning. I wish I had a teacher like him when I was in school.
AS: Finally, what have you done since The Alamo?
JP: In the way of film, I just finished an independent called Guilty directed by my good friend and fellow actor Gabe Folse. I’ve auditioned for Prison Break and Friday Night Lights. I hope with the new incentives we now have in Texas that there will be more opportunities down the road because acting is what I really love to do. Other than that, I’ve done plenty of print and commercials so I have no complaints. I’ll just continue to work hard and network. In closing, working on The Alamo has been a blessing in so many ways…so many memories and so many friends. It was truly an honor to be a part of this and tell the story of not only Texas history, but American history. I will always Remember The Alamo!