Operation Xavi de Guzman: Rival chats with the CW 'The 100' actor and how he's taking on the holidays this year
Xavi de Guzman is one of a kind. From starting off in Thai Boxing to building a successful acting career, and even starting the Play On Foundation to spread awareness within the field of brain aneurysms, he always has something in the works. His most recent work can be seen in the final season of the CW’s The 100 and Netflix’s Operation Christmas Drop. Please check out our interview below.
RIVAL You seem to be passionate about so many different things, what made you want to get into Thai boxing?
It all started not paying attention in biology class when my friend invited me to his Muay Thai gym. It was either that, or go home to do homework. I wasn't exactly a star student, so anything else was better than homework. The passion for it grew when it seemed to prove the ultimate challenge to master my mind and body in order to win.
RIVAL Your love for boxing landed you your first role on Rookie Blue, was there a particular moment when you knew acting was your calling?
I won't sugar coat it. I never thought of it as a calling back then. But that check made it hard to not pursue a job, and it certainly was a job that fit my skill set. It wasn't until years later when I had a breakthrough in my acting class that I realized that this was in fact a calling I could explore.
RIVAL Were there any actors or movies that inspired you, when you first started acting?
When I first started, my inspiration was Alex Mallari Jr. Another Filipino actor from Toronto who I went to high school with. Seeing someone with a similar upbringing break into the industry was a lot more motivating and inspiring than hearing origin stories of actors we already revered. I couldn't relate to their stories. I didnt even think of this dream as a possibility for me. I was more moved by musicians. But as my passion for acting grew my list grew and became more refined throughout the years.
Keanu Reeves: for his humility. Dwayne Johnson: for his connection with the fans. Bill Murray: for not taking life so seriously. Patrick Swayze: his well roundedness to become an actors actor. Meryl Streep: for her transformative performances. Benicio del Toro: his tenacity as a person of color in the industry (the reason I didn't change my last name to fit the industry). Brad Pitt: his ease and presence on screen. Tom Cruise: for his commitment to the craft and the authenticity of a scene. Audrey Hepburn: her grace. Ashton Kutcher and Mandy Patinkin (who is my favorite actor): for their philanthropic passion. Denzel Washington and Antonio Banderas: for their mission to pass on the craft to the younger generation.
RIVAL: You recently were seen in CW’s ‘The 100’, what was it like filming the final season? Do you have any memorable moments from the set?
It was incredible. Emotions ran high amongst the main cast and the love was palpable. Such a great experience. So many memorable moments. From Richard Harmon almost beating me at chess, to observing JR Bourne's masterclass acting transformation from Russle into Heda, to witnessing Lee Majoub's final monologue, to my gracious scene partner for most of my scenes, Adina Porter, and so many more.
Everything about the show was memorable.
RIVAL: Operation Christmas Drop is now on Netflix, what made you feel connected to your character? Do you have any holiday traditions?
The biggest connection I had to the character was the land, and my history to my island ancestors. They could have cheated the location and used a studio or even a closer tropical beach location, but we were literally in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in Guam. So fun. My favorite Christmas tradition is my Christmas movie playlist. I start at least one Christmas movie a day starting December 1st, which includes Miracle on 34th Street, Rudolph, Charlie Brown Christmas, the debatable Die Hard, as well as the musical Rent. I end my marathon on December 25th with the one and only It's A Wonderful Life. And when I was back in Toronto with all my childhood friends, Trinidadian Parang festivities were also a must-happen.
RIVAL: I read that the Play on Foundation started after the passing of your close friend, how do you hope to spread awareness of this cause? What made you partner with Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital?
The goal to spread awareness is through my increased presence within the entertainment community. I'm hoping to take the spotlight on me and redirect it to the Play On Foundation. As for Toronto Sick Kids, there are a few factors. Toronto will always be home as well as where the majority of the Board of Directors lives, but also that's where my friend who passed away, Nathan Noel, lived.
RIVAL: You’ve been to many countries, do you have a particular country that you like over the others? Are there any countries that you haven’t been to that you’d like to go to?
Top three favorite places I've been in the world include Australia because of how amazing the people are, Italy because of the wine and food, and Petra because of the incredible sights that left me speechless. I have my eyes set on South Africa, Egypt, or St. Petersburg next.
RIVAL: What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on a new Netflix project. But aside from that, who the heck ever knows [laughs]. I'm just trying not to go insane during these covid times. So what's next? Looking forward to waking up tomorrow.
We appreciate the opportunity to chat with Xavi de Guzman, make sure to check him out in the Netflix holiday film, ‘Operation Christmas Drop’ Out now!
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Meet the Author
Dena Gonzalez is a content creator, writer, and Netflix enthusiast. She is always striving to become a better version of herself and be the person she would have admired growing up. She is currently based in Orlando, Florida.