Actor Harvey Guillén grew up believing that being Latino, queer and plus-sized were “three strikes” against him making it in Hollywood.
“I was told, ‘That’s not good, that’s not welcome, Hollywood doesn’t like that,’” he exclusively told Page Six at the Jazz at Lincoln Center premiere of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” on Tuesday.
“And for a little bit you start believing it and then no, this is who I am. I’m great in the body I’m in and (great with) my sexuality and my culture and I’m proud of it.
“You can take it or leave it but I’m not going anywhere,” he added.
Guillén — who plays Guillermo de la Cruz in the comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows” — will soon be heard as the voice of Perro, an endearingly sweet canine sidekick in the newest “Puss in Boots” toon.
“The Thundermans” alum shared that he only met Salma Hayek, who voices Kitty Softpaws, hours before the premiere.
Read Related Also: Schoolies are slammed over a ‘foul’ act: ‘So disrespectful’
Advertisement
“She gave me the biggest hug … I was so excited to meet her,” he gushed. “She came over and hugged me and we started talking in Spanish. Such a warm heart and so open, great energy.”
Guillén also revealed how meaningful it was to work with Hayek, 56, and Antonio Banderas, who plays the swashbuckling feline.
“I grew up watching Salma, such an icon,” he explained. “For a Latino kid, you want to see yourself represented on screen and not seeing it that often.
“She and Antonio were those people you saw on the screen where you went, ‘Maybe one day’ and then here we are in New York City!”
“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” hits theaters on Dec. 21.
