Mauricio Lara is starring as one of the leads in Netflix’s “Healing Power of Dude” which will premiere on Monday, January 13th. Mauricio told us about the series, his advice on how to be there for your friends when they are going through a difficult time, and more. Check out the interview and tune into Netflix on Monday to see the series!
Photo Credit: Russell Baer
upfrontNY: How did you get your start in acting and what do you enjoy most about it?
Mauricio Lara: I started acting when I was seven years old. There was a program called CGTV, which was headed by Adrian R’mante, and they were holding auditions in Dallas and my cousin encouraged my mom to sign me up. I ended up getting into the program and, through it, got my manager and agent and I have been acting professionally ever since.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new Netflix show “Healing Powers of Dude” ?
Mauricio Lara: “The Healing Powers of Dude” is a family show about a kid named Noah, who has social anxiety, and is going to a regular school for the first time in a while and his family decides to get him an emotional support dog named Dude, to help him out. At the school, he meets my character, Simon, and Amara and we become his best friends and help him get through school along with Dude.
upfrontNY: How would you describe the moment you found out you booked the role?
Mauricio Lara: The moment that I found out that I booked the role was one of the craziest moments of my life, so far. It felt so good because everything I had been working on was finally paying off. It was also really special because I always said that I wanted to be on a Netflix show, and now I finally was.
upfrontNY: What interested you about this project and can you tell us about how others can connect with this show?
Mauricio Lara: What interested me about this project was how different it was from other projects that I had worked on and read before. It was not a kid’s show, it was a family show with real problems that happened in real life, which was really refreshing for me. Anyone can relate to this show, I think that is what makes it so special.
upfrontNY: The show follows Noah as he struggles with social anxiety disorder as he gets ready for middle school. You play Simon, one of Noah’s best friends. What advice do you have for others who want to be there for their friends and support them when they are going through difficult times?
Mauricio Lara: If you want to help your friend or friends while they are going through a tough time, then my advice to you is to just listen to them. When you truly listen to someone then you have a better understanding of what they are going through.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about how Noah’s dog Dude plays an important role in the show?
Mauricio Lara: Dude is the one that is always with Noah. Simon and Amara are only with him at school. Dude is with him 24/7 and is the main thing that keeps him going, which is something that the audience will see in the show.
upfrontNY: You have also starred in other series including CBS’ “Young Sheldon,” ABC’s “The Conners,” and TV Land’s “Teachers”. What has been one of your favorite experiences?
Mauricio Lara: “The Conners” was for sure one of my favorite experiences because it was in front of a live audience and I had never done that before. It is still the only time I have done so.
upfrontNY: Who do you hope to work with one day?
Mauricio Lara: I would love to work with Lin-Manuel Miranda someday. I think that he is so great and he has done some amazing things for the Latinx community. It would be an honor to work with him one day.
upfrontNY: When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Mauricio Lara: I love riding my bike. I think that it is so much fun because it feels like I’m flying and it’s also good for the environment.
Photo Credit: Russell Baer
Favorites:
Book: — Sugar by Jewell Parker Rhodess
Color: — Purple
Singer: — Daniel Caeser
Movie: — Forrest Gump
Snack: – Doritos
I will always remember u eating doritos and playing at my house. We are so very proud of u. You will always be our Hollywood. May our God bless and keep u in him care always.I also miss your mom from setting in my garage having fun. Be safe and blessed. Lots of love always your old neighbors. Ken& Ida Piper.