When edgar Vivar joined the cast of “El Chavo del 8,” taking on the iconic roles of “Señor barriga” and “Ñoño,” he had already carved a path for himself on the stage. For him, theater has always been the paramount art form, as he shared in a conversation.
His journey began unexpectedly during his high school years. The actor, now 75, stumbled upon a theater class, bestowed upon him as a required artistic activity. Though initially inclined towards photography, scheduling conflicts led him to this serendipitous encounter, one that opened a world he hadn’t known existed.
Recalling his first foray into the theatrical world, he reminisced, “I was required to take an aesthetic activity. Photography was my initial preference, but sadly, it clashed with my schedule. Besides, the group was already fully enrolled, so I ended up in theater.”
The budding actor didn’t initially warm to the strict demands of his first drama instructor,Gonzalo Correa. Yet, the influence of the teacher, persistent in his belief in Edgar, proved transformative.
Edgar laughed, sharing, “I didn’t get along with the teacher, so I almost quit. But he asked me several times to come back, and eventually, I did. He practically begged for me to stay onstage.” From that moment forward, acting encompassed him, embracing him on all levels. He immersed himself in the works of Anton Chekhov, an author whose plays enthralled him.
Interestingly,alongside his journey into the artistic realm,edgar simultaneously pursued a degree in Medicine at the National autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). This unique combination painted a interesting picture of his dedication to both intellect and creativity, a duality he embraced with fervor. He would spend his mornings in medical studies and his afternoons at the Center for University Theater (CUT).
He mused, “My path involved two seemingly unconnected fields: medicine and theater. While medicine provided insights into mortality, human suffering, and deepened empathy, art, in its entirety, nurtured that sensitivity.
For an actor,this capacity for analysis and understanding of the human condition is paramount. It’s about comprehending emotions, recognizing complexities to portray characters authentically. Both fields are intensely creative processes in their own right.”
Television beckoned, altering his trajectory once more.
He had ventured onto the screen through a chance encounter – a commercial.”My entry into television was through a commercial, a relatively simple project,” he recalled. “A casting director, knowing me from my theater work, approached me. I didn’t even audition; my theater work had already caught his attention.”
This single commercial opened a floodgate of opportunities, leading to multiple projects.
Through these connections, Edgar Vivar crossed paths with nacho Brambila, a producer who was aware of Roberto Gómez Bolaños, “Chespirito,” the mastermind behind the beloved “El Chavo del 8.”
Edgar was fortunate to be cast in several of the roles he became known for. For Edgar, portraying these characters felt like destiny, blessed by the pen of Chespirito, whom he considers the greatest screenwriter in the Spanish-speaking world.”I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the chance to portray these characters.Chespirito, understanding my strengths and limitations, tailored the roles perfectly. For me, this experiance was the most splendid gift in my career.”
he described their relationship with warmth and admiration, ”He was a kind, incredibly smart, and deeply perceptive man. It’s remarkable how even after achieving remarkable success, he remained humble.
He constantly emphasized the power of teamwork and perseverance. His success, achieved starting in his 40s, serves as a testament to his dedication.”
In “El Chavo del 8,” one of mexico and Latin America’s most iconic sitcoms, Edgar Vivar enchanted audiences with his portrayal of “Señor Barriga” and “Ñoño,” sharing the screen with Roberto Gómez Bolaños himself, Maria Antonieta de las Nieves, Ramón Valdés, florinda Meza, and Carlos Villagrán.
Edgar’s journey extended beyond “El Chavo del 8.” He donned several captivating hats in “Los Caquitos,” lending life to “Gordon Botija Pompa y Pompa.” He tackled the role of “Dr. Nájera” in “El Chanfle” and ”Kilos” in the movie “Don Ratón y Don Ratero,” further showcasing his versatility.
What are the key lessons about acting that Edgar Vivar learned from his theater experiences?
Interview: The Allure of Theater with Edgar Vivar
Editor from Time.news: Welcome, Edgar! It’s a pleasure to speak with you today, especially considering your remarkable journey from unexpected beginnings to becoming a beloved character in “El Chavo del 8.” Can you start by sharing with us the moment when you first realized theater was your calling?
Edgar Vivar: Thank you for having me! It’s always a joy to reflect on that journey. To be honest, it all started quite accidentally. Back in high school, I was supposed to take a photography class—my first love, you could say. But due to some scheduling conflicts, I ended up in a theater class rather. I remember thinking, “This isn’t what I wanted,” but little did I no that this twist of fate would open an entire world for me.
Editor: That’s captivating! It’s almost as if destiny had a hand in your career path.Did you face any initial challenges while adapting to the world of theater?
Edgar Vivar: Oh, absolutely! At first, I didn’t warm to the strict demands of theater.It was a different realm, and I wasn’t used to the discipline and teamwork it required. But as I immersed myself more,I fell in love with the craft. The thrill of performing, the connection with the audience, and the beauty of storytelling—those became my driving forces.
Editor: That’s a stunning evolution. Can you tell us a bit more about how your love for theater has influenced the characters you’ve portrayed, especially Señor Barriga and Ñoño?
Edgar Vivar: Theater is, to me, the paramount art form. It teaches you the essence of character building and depth. When I brought Señor Barriga and Ñoño to life, I drew on those theater lessons. Each character has layers, emotions, and interactions that reflect real-life complexities. The stage experience helped me convey authenticity in my performances, making those characters resonate with audiences.
Editor: It sounds like your theater background has enriched your television work considerably. After all those years of bringing laughter and joy to so many,what do you hope audiences take away from your performances?
Edgar Vivar: My greatest wish is for audiences to feel a sense of joy and nostalgia when thay watch my performances.Laughter is a global language, and if I can make even one person smile or momentarily escape their worries, then I consider my job well done. Theater taught me the power of connection, and I carry that through my work in television as well.
Editor: That’s a meaningful impact to have! looking back at your career, is there any advice you would give to aspiring actors who might find themselves in a similar situation to where you started?
Edgar Vivar: I would tell them to embrace the unexpected. Life often leads you down paths you never anticipated, and those paths can be filled with opportunities for growth. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and most importantly, invest in your craft. Every moment on stage or screen is a chance to learn and shape your art.
Editor: Wise words,Edgar! Thank you for sharing your insights and journey with us. It’s been a pleasure discussing the magic of theater and television with you.
Edgar Vivar: thank you for having me! It’s wonderful to reflect on these experiences, and I hope they inspire others to follow their passions.