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CristAn de la Fuente: A Hollywood Trailblazer

3/1/2007

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Cristián de la Fuente made history as the first male to grace the cover of Cosmopolitan En Español. He has been recognized as one of the "50 Most Beautiful" by People en Español three times, and in 1999, he was featured in People magazine.

His film career began with “Driven,” in which he starred alongside Sylvester Stallone, achieving box-office success. He also appeared in “Basic” with John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson, and “Vampiros Los Muertos” opposite Jon Bon Jovi. More recent projects include “Once Upon a Wedding” with Esai Morales and “Sueños” alongside John Leguizamo.

Originally from Chile, Cristián recently spoke with Cigar City Magazine about his latest projects, family, and his positive outlook on life. He visited Tampa for the first time during the Gasparilla Film Festival from February 28 to March 4, 2007.
CCM: Do you smoke cigars?  
Cristián: Yes, I enjoy smoking cigars and have my own locker at a cigar lounge. 

CCM: What is your favorite cigar?  
Cristián: I love Fuente Opus X, Partagas, and Montecristo #2. People warn me about smoking, but I believe cigars are different from cigarettes.

CCM: What current project are you working on?  
Cristián: I recently finished filming “The Class,” and I'm set to shoot “Love and Virtue” with director Raoul Ruiz in Luxembourg and London. I'm excited to work with Peter O’Toole, John Malkovich, and Daryl Hannah. I also filmed a pilot called “Mary Sunshine,” which was picked up by USA Network.

CCM: Can you explain your acting method?  
Cristián: I immerse myself in my characters rather than just acting them out. I believe we all have different feelings and personalities, and I try to channel those to create a more authentic portrayal.

CCM: How do you select your roles?  
Cristián: I look for characters that resonate with me. If I can connect with a character, I feel I can portray them more authentically.

CCM: What are you most proud of professionally?  
Cristián: I take pride in all my work, with “Driven” holding special significance as my first film. Achieving my dream of making it to Hollywood from Chile is a highlight in my career.

CCM: Has becoming a father changed how you select roles?  
Cristián: I consider how my daughter might perceive my work but focus on roles that are appropriate for her age. For now, she sees me as just "Daddy" on TV.

CCM: What is the most satisfying part of acting?  
Cristián: Living many different lives through my characters.

CCM: What’s the most challenging aspect?  
Cristián: The media often focuses on personal lives rather than careers, which can be intrusive.

CCM: What advice has influenced you as an actor?  
Cristián: An older actor once told me to never forget where I come from, as many lose sight of their roots after achieving success.

CCM: How often do you return to Chile?  
Cristián: I visit frequently for family and work, and I also serve as a lieutenant in the air force reserves.

CCM: What are you currently producing?  
Cristián: I'm working on “Casino,” a drama set in a Chilean casino, where I will also have a small acting role.

CCM: How do you stay connected to reality?  
Cristián: I do everyday things, like grocery shopping, to stay grounded.

CCM: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of acting?  
Cristián: I love sports; they bring me joy and energy.

CCM: What do you hope for in the future?  
Cristián: I hope to be as happy in ten years as I am today. Happiness is a choice I make every day.

CCM: Is this your first visit to Tampa?  
Cristián: Yes, and I'm excited to explore the city and visit the Gasparilla Film Festival.

CCM: Any final thoughts?  
Cristián: I think we've covered everything! Oh, I have a dog named Napoleon whom I adore.

CCM: Thank you, Cristián! Best of luck with your career. We look forward to seeing you at the Gasparilla Film Festival. 
Cristián: Thank you! Have a great day, and I hope to see you soon.
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What Cristián de la Fuente Has Been Up To Since 2007

Since our last interview in 2007, Cristián de la Fuente has continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. He has appeared in various television series, including “Dancing with the Stars,” where he showcased his dancing skills and charismatic personality. He also starred in the popular soap opera “El Clon” and participated in numerous films, further establishing his acting portfolio.

In addition to acting, Cristián has taken on producing roles, including the successful series “La Casa de al Lado.” He has remained active in charitable efforts, supporting various causes, especially those that help children and families in need.

Cristián also expanded his family by welcoming a second child and has often shared his experiences as a father, emphasizing the importance of family in his life. His passion for flying continues, and he has remained involved in the Air Force Reserve.
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Today, Cristián de la Fuente is not only a respected actor and producer but also a loving father and an advocate for positive change in his community.

LISA M. FIGUEREDO CIGAR CITY MAGAZINE
LISA M. FIGUEREDO

WRITER & FOUNDER OF CIGAR CITY MAGAZINE

Cigar City Magazine is the brainchild of Lisa M. Figueredo, a passionate advocate for her rich cultural heritage, history, and family legacy.

Born in Tampa, Lisa grew up in West Tampa alongside her best friends, Linda Gallardo and Cynthia Fuente, and the Fuente family. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, she attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. Lisa enjoyed a successful 45-year career as the owner of an advertising agency. In 2005, she founded Cigar City Magazine, establishing the magazine as the city’s only history publication.

In 2016, Lisa took the reins of the Cigar Heritage Festival, also known as the Ybor City Cigar Festival, transforming it into the world's largest cigar festival, attracting over 20,000 attendees to Ybor City for this cherished tradition. After successfully achieving her goals, she sold the festival in 2021 and is now semi-retired.

Lisa currently co-runs Tampa Mafia Tours with her business partner, Scott M. Deitche, author of beloved works such as Cigar City Mafia: A Complete History of the Tampa Underworld and The Silent Don: The Criminal Underworld of Santo Trafficante Jr.

Lisa's Mission: "We have all heard stories from our parents, grandparents, abuelos, abuelas, nanas, nanos, tios, tias, zios, and zias that captivated us and sparked our curiosity. We asked questions about our family's origins, journeys, and lives. As we learned these stories, we felt pride in our heritage, alongside a hint of sadness for those we would never meet. It is our responsibility to keep these narratives alive by passing them on to our children. By sharing our past, we help them understand their roots and embrace the foundation of love and family they can carry into the future. In this way, they become the voices of our ancestors."

Although Cigar City Magazine last published a printed issue in 2014, the website features articles written from 2005 to 2014. Who knows? Lisa might just revive the magazine once more!


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