LOS ANGELES, CA – April 13, 2016 – Actor Rafael de la Fuente, known for portraying Michael Sanchez on “Empire,” has signed onto the cast of the 2017 ABC mini-series “When We Rise.” He is represented by Latin World Entertainment (Mari Urdaneta) and Abrams Artists.
The ABC miniseries directed by Gus Van Sant and Dee Rees and written by Dustin Lance Black, is a re-telling of the gay rights movement in the U.S. after the Stonewall riots. De la Fuente will portray “Ricardo,” a character who ends up in a long-term relationship with Cleve. De la Fuente joins already announced cast members Guy Pearce (“Cleve”) and Mary Louise Parker.
“I’m excited to take on the role of Ricardo in this very important mini-series,” said de la Fuente. “I’m excited to work opposite Guy Pearce, and work with Dustin, Gus and Dee. This team will bring the story of the Gay rights movement to life, showing the courage, compassion, diversity, fear and most important, love, of this movement and era. The stories within this series will undoubtedly resonate today in all communities, not just the LGBT community.”
De la Fuente’s most recently portrayed Michael Sanchez on the hit series “Empire.”
