Jaime Lorente, born in 1991 in Murcia, is part of a generation of actors whose careers gained momentum after bold transitions. Known for the show The Secret of the Old Bridge on Antenna 3, his rise happened swiftly: his breakout came with The Paper House which propelled him to international recognition. Since then, he has continued to build on that momentum with projects such as El Sid on Amazon Prime Video and the recently released 42 Seconds. In the latest project Cristo y Rey, he returns to the screen, portraying a character drawn from the life of a figure who became Europe’s most prominent circus performer, a person whose story is scrutinized due to connections and struggles with Bárbara Rey. The premiere was celebrated by Atresmedia on a Thursday, with the production set to debut on January 15 at AtresPLAYER Premium before screening at the Callao cinemas in Madrid.
A thief, a historical leader, an outstanding athlete, the world’s best trainer with a controversial life… How does one manage such a sweeping personality change without losing balance?
By dedicating effort to the construction of each character, ensuring every figure is granted their own space and voice, all while maintaining intense focus.
How is a deeply impactful character prepared when he causes significant harm around him?
It required a very intense shoot. The sequence depicting the circus, with its imaginary animals, was exceptionally demanding, reflecting dramatic, harsh moments that affected close ones as well. The process hinges on trusting the team, the writers, and fellow actors, while the actor takes great care of personal well-being and handles everything with sensitivity.
What did you mean when you said there were many aspects about him and others that were not close to reality?
There is nothing specific on him. The point is that actors who play complex figures often find common ground that allows for empathetic interpretation. In this case, the material was difficult because it involved actions that were shady and unpleasant, making the portrayal tricky.
Were those empathetic connections impossible to uncover?
They were not something to be sought publicly; it is a highly sensitive topic that demands respect since harm occurred in real life.
Ángel Cristo lived at the expense of others until his own life deteriorated.
The show does not justify his actions. Given what you know about Ángel Cristo now, how do you view him?
He stood as a circus icon, a premier tamer of his era, shaped by a difficult childhood and a self-taught path that rebuilt his family’s circus. Yet he was also violent, wrestled with a severe drug addiction, and his life reflected in complicated relationships. He exhausted others’ lives while his own life slipped away as well.
Was it challenging to distance yourself from such a potent character on set?
No. Filming spanned three or four months and the actor remained largely present on set, not taking the work home. The aim was to live a normal life to avoid losing perspective.
Did this role trigger anxiety?
Yes, because there were many disturbing scenes. It was less about anxiety and more about discomfort, since the work involved describing situations one hopes never to encounter and accurately recreating extremely violent moments is not easy.
This role raises concerns because it delves into experiences one would rather forget.
Didn’t Ángel Cristo force shooting scenes in front of Bárbara Rey?
No. On set, the actor stayed focused and avoided distractions, maintaining professional concentration.
Did you discuss the project with him, sharing personal views about the work?
There was a very intimate rapport. He is a remarkable person and a strong partner, and although conversations happened, he did not influence the artistic process.
This story seems tailor-made for gossip. What was the secret of the series that kept it from degenerating into mere sensationalism?
It revisits a time and a culture in which icons and top-tier representatives shaped the show, sharing their experiences. It travels back to a Spain of that era and simultaneously reveals behind-the-scenes details, shedding light on what is publicly known about Ángel Cristo and Bárbara Rey. It is a journey into memory that aims to go beyond what tabloids offered.
Do you consider this the defining role of your career so far?
Undoubtedly. The role holds a special place, and the body of work is something the actor remains proud of.
There is a strong pulse of talent emerging from the Murcia School of Dramatic Art. What is your view?
It has always been vibrant. The concentration of Madrid and Barcelona as the primary hubs has loosened, allowing regional talent to flourish and reach audiences beyond traditional centers.
Was the regional talent undervalued?
Locally, talent has long been held in high regard, but the job market in Murcia remains limited, often pushing performers to seek opportunities elsewhere.
What does the writer miss about Murcia?
The sense of home, the family, and the simple pleasures like the local food draw them back frequently.
How did the on-set chemistry with Belén Cuesta come across?
The collaboration was excellent. Both are strong actors and good partners, and the on-screen chemistry was a real asset. A capable partner is essential to pushing the performance further.