Recently, Abraham Rodriguez could be seen playing Nate Silva/Gold Beast Morphers Ranger across all episodes of the Nickelodeon series Power Rangers Beast Morphers, which saw him in his first series regular role and be nominated for Favourite Male TV Star at the 2020 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. Another regular role for Abraham saw him join the cast of the new revival of the 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell as Spencer Buckley, with Series 1 premiering last year. We caught up with Abraham who told us about starring in Power Rangers Beast Morphers, being nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award and playing Spencer Buckley in Saved by the Bell.
How did it feel booking your role in Power Rangers Beast Morphers as Nate Silva/Gold Beast Morphers Ranger and what is the character like to play?
Booking this role was a dream come true. I grew up watching Nickelodeon and dreamed of the day I would be on it. For my first series regular to be this role in an iconic show so many generations have grown up watching is so, so special. Playing Nate was so much fun. I learned how to do stunts and screen fighting, which is something I never thought I’d do and I absolutely love it. Learning and memorising Nate’s extensive scientific vocabulary was a super fun challenge.
How was it seeing the costume for the first time and getting into character?
Trying on my Ranger suit for the first time was super exciting, I was overflowing with so many emotions. I only got to wear my Rangers suit a few times throughout the series, so it was super special every time I got to wear it. Creating Nate and stepping into his shoes was a blast.
What’s it like on set of a Nickelodeon series and how was your time working with the rest of the cast?
Working on those sci-fi sets was super awesome. Every project I’ve worked on, aside from Power Rangers, has been set in an ordinary world, so getting to film on those futuristic/other-worldly sets was so much fun and unique. My castmates and I all got along so well and truly became our own little family. We travelled throughout New Zealand together and hung out all the time on and off set.
Do you have any stand-out moments from being in Power Rangers Beast Morphers?
My most favourite experience from the show is filming the musical episode. High School Musical was a huge part of my life growing up and I always dreamed of filming something like that, so getting to experience that dream through the musical number in Power Rangers was so amazing and special.
You were nominated for Favourite Male TV Star at the 2020 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, how was this to hear?
I honestly still can’t believe it. I grew up watching the Kids’ Choice Awards and dreamed of going. Being nominated from my first series and first time attending the awards show is so insanely awesome and I’m so, so grateful.
What did you enjoy most about developing the character over time and seeing the viewers’ response to the show?
I really enjoyed discovering all of the differences and similarities between Nate and myself. One big difference between Nate and I is that Nate didn’t grow up with any family and I have a huge family. I was always surrounded when growing up. I also loved working on the relationship between Nate and Zoey and just watching it develop throughout the series. It feels so good to see that all of the hard work I put into my character and the show is loved and enjoyed by the viewers.
Can you tell us about playing Spencer Buckley in Saved by the Bell and what is it like working on the revival of the 1990s sitcom?
Spencer is one of my most favourite characters I’ve played. I had never played a character like Spencer and always wanted to. I really had to step out of my comfort zone to play him and that is one of the reasons why this role is so special and so much fun to play. Working on this show was such a blast. The entire cast and crew were so amazing to work with and really made me feel a part of the family. Everything about working on this iconic show has been such a beautiful and fun experience that I am forever grateful for.
How much did you know about the show before being cast?
I had never seen the show but definitely knew the name. After being cast, I watched the first and last season to familiarise myself with the show and characters.
How are you finding the experience of playing a character on a comedy series?
It’s sooooo much fun and so different to other projects I’ve worked on. I love the high energy of a comedy series and love the feeling of playing a comedic role.
Have you had any favourite scenes to film?
My most favourite scene to film in Saved by the Bell was the musical just like in Power Rangers. I loved learning the choreography and working with the super fabulous and talented Josie Totah, who plays Lexi.
Can you tell us about recording an episode of Solve: The Podcast?
This was my first experience recording a podcast and it was so cool and fun. I love doing ADR so I really enjoyed working on this project. It was an interesting experience to work in a studio and only have to focus on your vocal performance rather than working on a film/TV set and being aware of your physicality and surroundings.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you start?
I’ve always loved performing and from a very young age knew I wanted to be an actor. I started acting in plays at my church when I was six years old.
Do you have any favourite TV shows or films to watch?
My all-time most favourite TV show is Elite on Netflix. My favourite films to watch are suspenseful thrillers.
What are you hoping 2021 brings for your career?
I’m hoping to work on a new series. One of my dreams is to book a series regular role on a Hispanic family drama that touches on the issues happening in the Hispanic community. I’d also love to play a character that is bilingual.
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