Conversations with Edwin Montero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edwin Montero.

Hi Edwin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always been involved in the arts from a young age. First as a dancer, producer, artist, later as an actor, host, and reporter. I got to where I am today though the grace of God, hard work, perseverance, and a lot of thick skin.  My story starts in Panama City, Panama, where I was born. I grew up in a military family. In addition to living in Panama, I also lived and went to school in the United States, and Germany. My travels abroad made me appreciate different cultures early on, influencing my academic background in Cultural Anthropology. I love sports, especially boxing and martial arts, I currently hold a third dan in TaeKwonDo. I am where I am, because I always do my best to be prepared physically and mentally. I’ve been blessed with family, friends, and teachers that have been a positive influence in my life. I made it this far because I have said “no” to many things that would have been obstacles on the road to my goals.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If the road is smooth, it won’t be that way for long. I believe that obstacles and challenges are not things to avoid, but something to expect and prepare for. One example of one of my biggest challenges came the night that I was cast as the Sekai Taikai Brazilian board member for the Netflix show Cobra Kai season 5. I got the news one night after my wife had a major surgery. She was still in the hospital bed, I felt terrible and selfish to leave her, even though her mom was also with her during this difficult time.

I called the casting director and canceled in a voice message, despite my wife and mother-in-law telling me to “GO!” Minutes later the casting director called me back asking “Why exactly are you canceling? Do you know how many directors and producers had to approve you?”. I explained why, I told her that “it would be very difficult to leave my wife in the hospital”, but I took her calling me back as a sign that I was doing the right thing by going. Normally a person’s job would be filled in a blink of an eye in the acting industry, so it was kind of incredible that they called me back.

Cobra Kai turned out to be a great decision. They took a still of the main characters of Cobra Kai and the board members and it circulated all over the internet. NPR, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Tonight, and Netflix, were but a few of the newspapers the still pic was on. To make it a bigger blessing, Netflix Latino, Netflix Brazil, and many other Latino internet sights posted a close-up of just me and the two main characters of Cobra Kai. Which has helped build my confidence, not only as an actor but also in building value as a marketing tool. Therefore, from big obstacles come big blessings.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I’m not at my home studio making music, I’m in the gym preparing for my next opportunity to be in front of the camera. My main focus is on the film industry. I recently wrapped on “Capitan America Brave New World” to be released in the summer of 2024. I cannot say much about this production, but I worked behind-the-scenes as part of the second team.

I started working on Capitan America 4 two months before filming started, I was doing all the screen tests for the character “Joaquim Torres” the new “Falcon” superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I worked on set from the very first day till the end of production. Working for Marvel Studios has been a marvelous/surreal experience. I feel very blessed to be part of that crew.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My happiness is my relationship with God first and foremost. After that is my wife, she inspires and motivates me. Making my mother and father proud brings a lot of joy to my heart. Also, I’m happiest when I know that I’m doing my best. Giving my best effort at what I am currently doing, I can look in the mirror and like what I see. Always giving it your absolute best effort, no shortcuts, integrity. That makes me very happy.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturati7/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturati7/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eddiemonteroculturati695

Image Credits
Netflix, Netflix Brazil, Channel Fight, Edwin Montero at the “Capitan America Brave New World” wrap party with Nate Moore Executive Producer and VP of Development for Marvel Studios. Edwin intervierviewing Freddie Roach 10/21/17 at HBO Boxing After Dark in Turningstone Resort and Casino NY.