John Leguizamo Says Patrick Swayze Was ‘Difficult,’ ‘Neurotic’ and ‘Maybe a Tiny Bit Insecure’ on ‘To Wong Foo’ Set: He’d Get ‘Mad and Upset’ Over Improv
Hola, mi gente! Let's dive into a little chisme from the fabulous world of filmmaking. Picture this: 1995, glittering drag queens, and a road trip across America—all wrapped up in the iconic movie, “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.” But behind the scenes, nuestra estrella John Leguizamo shares that working alongside Patrick Swayze was not all brillo and easy-going vibes.
In a heartfelt confesión on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM show, Leguizamo opened up about his dynamics with the late Patrick Swayze during the making of the film. “Descanse en paz, I love him,” John said, paying respect to his former co-star before diving into the nitty-gritty. While Swayze shined as a brilliant actor, John mentioned, “He was just neurotic and, you know, I'm neurotic too, but it was different. It was difficult working together.”
Our boy John, known for his quick, improvisational skills, found it a bit chocante that Swayze wasn't able to roll with the punches when it came to ad-libbing. “He couldn't keep up with us improv-wise, and eso lo hacía sentir un poco upset sometimes,” Leguizamo shared. Imagine the tension, amigos – you're trying to keep the scene fresh and lively, pero your co-star prefers sticking to the script. “He'd ask, ‘Are you gonna say a line like that?' And I'd be like, ‘You know me. I gotta do me, keep making up lines.'”
Despite the on-set tension, let's not olvidar that both talented actors earned Golden Globe nominations for their standout performances. That's right, even with the behind-the-scenes drama, they were both fantásticos in their roles!
The magic of “To Wong Foo” didn't just end on the silver screen. This film turned into something of a cultural touchstone, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Leguizamo reflected on the impact of his character, noting how many transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals have approached him over the years. “They tell me that because of my character, they felt the courage to come out to their parents,” he shared. This, amigos, is the true power of arte – it gives people the courage to embrace their verdad and teaches us empathy.
John's passion for making a difference through his art is palpable. “That's why I got into this business,” he said with a spark of inspiration. This film, amigos, was more than just entertainment; it was a beacon of hope and strength for many.
As for the chisme with Swayze? It's a reminder that even in Hollywood, working relationships can be as complicated as a telenovela. But at the end of the día, it's the magic they create on-screen that leaves a lasting legacy.
For those who want to catch more of this heartfelt interview and see John in his element, check out the full discussion on Andy Cohen's SiriusXM channel. It's a peek behind the curtain, revealing the challenges and triunfos of creating movie magic. ¡No se lo pierdan, amigos!
