Raul Julia Interview (1992) | Broadway, Man of La Mancha & The Addams Family – Playwright Discussion

We can shape our future by observing the past. In this 1992 interview, legendary actor Raul Julia reflects on his extraordinary career, from Shakespeare in the Park to Broadway’s Man of La Mancha, and his breakout global stardom in The Addams Family. Julia discusses his passion for Cervantes, his Puerto Rican heritage, and the challenges of breaking stereotypes in theater and film. Known for his unforgettable roles in Kiss of the Spider Woman, Presumed Innocent, and The Addams Family, Raul Julia left a lasting impact on stage and screen. In this rare conversation, we see his deep love for acting, Puerto Rico, and the timeless craft of storytelling. 00:00 – Raul Julia’s versatility as an actor 00:45 – Broadway’s revival in the 1990s 01:13 – Why Julia took on Man of La Mancha 02:30 – Touring across the U.S. before Broadway 03:24 – His deepening approach to Don Quixote 03:57 – Roots with the New York Shakespeare Festival 04:43 – From stage actor to Addams Family film star 05:44 – Julia on fame and artistic choices 06:34 – Career-defining theater roles (Verona, Threepenny Opera) 07:12 – Representing Puerto Rico & breaking stereotypes 08:55 – Fighting for roles against typecasting (Presumed Innocent) 09:38 – Performance excerpt: The Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha) 11:06 – Plans after Broadway run 12:26 – On creating projects vs. choosing roles 12:53 – Early influences and acting heroes 13:38 – Returning home to Puerto Rico 14:02 – Closing reflections Playwright Discussion is a curated archive of interviews with the great voices of theater, literature, and stagecraft. From Broadway icons to emerging playwrights, we explore the artistry and ideas shaping dramatic storytelling. #playwrights #playwright #playwrightdiscussion