Jacob Gutierrez
let's discuss the many reasons Jacob Gutierrez is one to watch. born in Kansas he made his way to the big apple and the great white way playing the titular lead in Aladdin for many years. a pandemic/actors strike lead him to decide on a backup plan to further his education taking courses in clinical psychology. then one day he received a call from his niece (who was interning at a casting company) she said they were looking for someone to play Dan Levy's boyfriend and he'd be perfect. so he gave it a try and now you can see him in the role of Tareq in BIG MISTAKES on Netflix.
additionally he's down to earth, hard working, a pianist, saxophonist, log cabin builder, a superb billiards player (he played pool with his mom growing up) loves his flannel shirts and Pendleton jackets, but most of all he's constantly in growth mode. a gifted guy going many cool places. so scroll on down and check our photo diary of Jacob wearing his own wardrobe staples, and find out more about his passions, absorbing the Big Mistakes experience and how much he admires the mix of grit, tenacity paired with kindness and talent. you got that covered Jacob!
the bare magazine: seems you had an amazing chemistry with the cast of Big Mistakes, can you describe the general vibe on set? and how it helped make the show even more special?
Jacob Gutierrez: The cast and crew made the experience, no question. It was good vibes. We all had a moment in the first block where we communally felt that, a sort of buzzing energy, and that energy maintained as we got further into the season. We just bonded. Good, good people. By day 3 of shooting, we were already in the throes of a Boggle tournament between takes, which remained in play throughout the season. A little healthy competition helps show people’s true nature. ;) I even received custom Big Mistakes Boggle Swag from the hair department.
bare:in what way was working on Big Mistakes helpful for you as an actor on the rise?
JG: I often describe myself as a sponge, observing and absorbing from those around me. Big Mistakes was full of pros at the peak of their game in this business. Dan Levy, Laurie Metcalf, Taylor Ortega, Elizabeth Perkins, Jack Innanen, Boran Kuzum, Abby Quinn. So, I took it all in. Observed. Absorbed. I counted my lucky stars every day to be there. Forever a student, I try to learn in any environment I am placed.
bare: describe your favorite thing about the show that you hope the viewer will experience?
JG: Everyone needs to laugh, and it’s just downright funny. The familial chaos dynamic is relatable for so many, even if anxiety-inducing. It is a chaotic ride, so strap in, hold on, and belly laugh. But the heart is there. For as hilarious and bizarre as it is, there is a thread of heart woven through, which is something I admire in Dan’s work. Schitt’s Creek had it, and although this is wildly different, the heart remains. There is something for everyone.
bare: can you share a few passions or goals you'd love to explore with your acting and people you'd love to work with?
JG: I came to this point a year and a half ago, where I distinctly wanted to work with people who collaborated with me and worked as a team. From all angles: my reps, my jobs, and the things I say yes or no to—all collaborative. Perhaps to take some autonomy back in an industry that can feel so out of our control. And within that framework, I want to work with people who lead with curiosity, respect, and value. I think that’s what’s most important to me. Acting challenges will continue to evolve, as I evolve as a person. Artists will step in and out of those spaces. Thankfully, this journey with Big Mistakes was all of these things. I will say, though, I listened to Amy Poehler’s Good Hang Podcast with guest Kerry Washington today, and something about her grit and tenacity, paired with her kindness and talent… yea, that’s my speed. More of that, please. Honorable mentions for Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain—their remake of Scenes from a Marriage a few years ago gutted me.
bare:we captured you in your favorite flannel shirt from the set of Big Mistakes, and playing pool, something else near and dear to your heart. did that feel special?
JG: Yea, I think I even said when I put it on, “this is me.” Haha. Jeans, plaid shirt, and a pair of boots. There were a handful of costumes I had on set that could’ve been pulled directly from my real-life closet. And re: the pool table - I grew up with a pool table in my house, and when I wasn’t playing at house, I was playing in the basement of my grandparents at holidays. I really think I am a man of simple pleasures. So put some good music on, give me a game, and let me laugh with friends. I am content.
bare: can you share some of your thoughts on staying grounded and balanced in life, and how living upstate in a log cabin works into that?
JG: Staying grounded, for me, is having other interests. Life is so much bigger than ‘show business’—a sobering reality. I invest my time, energy, and learning into other things to expand my view of the world and life. Currently, it’s graduate school in clinical psychology. Learning to understand human behavior and thought on a deeper level. And yea, my log cabin contributes to that groundedness—I always have a house project going on, which is healthy for me—paired with the lake it overlooks. Nature grounds me. But I’ll be real, I don’t need to be going out on hikes all the time, ha! I am content just being surrounded by it. A cup of coffee on the front deck or floating out on the boat—helps me breathe. Breath grounds me. I want to go to some national parks in this next year.
bare: please list 5 of the top bare essentials you can't be without. ever.
JG:
a good album—played from start to finish.
dental floss—duh.
tweezers—my eyebrows are their own personality.
good bedding—it’s an odd obsession haha.. I could do a whole interview on it.
a voice memo from a friend—I call them mini-podcasts.
