Known for his incisive, culture-critiquing one-man shows like “Latin History for Morons” and “Mambo Mouth,” John Leguizamo has always pushed theatrical boundaries.
However, a few years ago, when he sought out a “culturally exciting” play to enjoy with his Latin friends, he found New York City’s stages lacking.
“That’s just crazy,” the 65-year-old actor and playwright, who grew up in Queens and has resided in Lower Manhattan since 1986, recalled thinking. “Latinos are equal to — or even outnumber — white people in New York City, yet there was nothing representing us.”
Determined to fill this void, he took matters into his own hands and penned “The Other Americans.” This powerful play follows a Latino family grappling with a hate crime after relocating from Leguizamo’s childhood neighborhood of Jackson Heights to Forest Hills. Leguizamo himself takes on the role of Nelson Castro, a Colombian American laundromat owner, with performances running at the Public Theater in downtown Manhattan until October 26.
“Theater is a space for risk-taking, where audiences embrace innovative storytelling, structure, and themes,” explained Leguizamo, who was honored with a special Tony Award in 2018 for “Latin History for Morons.”
His commute to the theater is a mere six-block bike ride from his Greenwich Village brownstone, a 4,500-square-foot home he purchased for $6 million in 2008 with his wife of 22 years, Justine Maurer, 57. The couple invested $2 million and a year into meticulously restoring the residence to its original 19th-century splendor. Adding to their family is a charming Bengal cat named Leonard Bernstein.
The New York Times recently spent a Thursday with Mr. Leguizamo, offering a glimpse into his life during the preview period of his new production.
This interview has been condensed and lightly edited.
EARLY START Waking up at 6 a.m. is his standard, though he admits attempts at joining the 5 a.m. club proved too exhausting. Eight hours of sleep is non-negotiable for optimal function.
KNEES AND TOES His morning ritual includes an immediate, comprehensive stretching routine. With extensive dancing in his current show, maintaining flexibility is crucial to prevent onstage injuries. His stretches cover everything from pigeons and quads to hamstrings, neck, upper torso, hands, feet, and ankles.
HORMONE-FRIENDLY HYGIENE His hygiene regimen is mindful: chemical-free toothpaste and non-hormone-disrupting deodorant. This conscious approach began years ago, spurred by the birth of his children, which heightened his awareness of toxins and endocrine disruptors in the environment. He notes that youthful invincibility often gives way to environmental awareness once parenthood begins.
SECRET RECIPE His breakfast starts with coffee and skim milk, followed by fruit 20 minutes before anything else. A favorite is papaya with kefir and raw honey, then a raw chocolate shake blending banana, dates (no added sugar), raw cacao, cacao nibs, a teaspoon each of raw almonds and cashews, and a touch of cayenne.
SILENT SWEAT His fitness journey intensified during his time in “Romeo and Juliet.” Now, his basement is a personal gym, equipped with weights, a pull-up bar, and a half rubber ball—all his preferred tools for an effective workout.
He prefers complete silence during his workouts, treating it as a form of meditation. In a day filled with noise, this quiet time allows him to collect his thoughts. His intense, at least 30-minute sessions include push-ups, pull-ups, curls, squats, sumos, and various abdominal exercises.
FUNK IT UP Leguizamo makes sure to dance at least twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes, choosing music that gets him moving. Currently, his playlist leans old-school, featuring tracks like Denroy Morgan’s “I’ll Do Anything for You,” “Casual Connection,” “Do It in the Dark,” Zhané’s “Hey Mr. D.J.,” Foxy’s “Get Off,” and Cheo Feliciano’s “El Ratón.” He’s also perfecting his hustle for the play, ensuring his moves are as authentic as possible.
COFFEE AND CREATIVE TIME Writing, his favorite and most sacred part of the day, occupies at least two hours daily. He retreats to their orange living room, where his Bengal cat often joins him, sometimes playfully interfering with his typing.
TENNIS THROWDOWN Around 9 a.m., he heads to Randall’s Island for a couple of hours of tennis with his 24-year-old son, Lucas. This is a weekly highlight, and after six years of playing, the last two alongside his son, he finds it thrilling to witness Lucas’s impressive skill on the court.
PRE-SHOW FIX Back home just after noon, lunch is typically eggs with manchego cheese and avocado. He also relies on meal prep from a chef twice a week, enjoying salt- and oil-free salmon or chicken thighs with broccoli and brown rice.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT With his assistant, Joe—whom he praises as the best line runner due to his acting ability—Leguizamo diligently rehearses. He focuses on challenging passages, repeating them at least five times to ensure mastery.
REHEARSAL His afternoon is dedicated to rehearsal, starting at 1 p.m. with director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and the cast. They review new lines, discuss adjustments, address actor concerns, and engage in dance and fight choreography before a semi run-through. Rehearsal wraps by 4:30, followed by physical therapy. He then returns home to rest and dedicate another 20 minutes to writing.
CIRCLE UP By 6:30, he’s biked back to the theater, preparing his body, mind, and voice for the performance. Before curtain, the cast gathers in a circle—a tradition initiated by Ruben—to discuss their intentions for the evening. Holding hands, they energize each other, ready to “kill it” on stage.
POST-SHOW BITE When the show concludes around 10:30 p.m., he often dines at the Public Theater’s Library, choosing between deviled eggs or spicy vodka rigatoni with unsweetened iced tea. He spends about thirty minutes socializing with guests and fellow actors before an illuminated bike ride home, navigating traffic safely.
TIRED AND WIRED Arriving home between 11:30 p.m. and midnight, he’s a paradoxical mix of exhaustion and high energy. His wife inquires about the show, and then they often unwind with their favorite new game, Mexican Train, or a quick round of backgammon if energy permits. Their evening typically concludes with a political podcast, like comedian Tim Dillon’s show, “Ear Hustle,” or Judge Napolitano.
OUT LIKE A LIGHT Maintaining eight hours of sleep has become more challenging with the demands of the play. Nevertheless, he’s a quick sleeper and prioritizes rest, considering sleep his “favorite drug.”