Go Away With … Kirk Acevedo

By Jae-Ha Kim
Los Angeles Times
May 15, 2018

Growing up in New York, actor Kirk Acevedo says he learned early on to be self-reliant. “Having lived on my own since I was 16 in a big city taught me to be very self-sufficient,” says Acevedo, who portrays Ricardo Diaz — aka The Dragon — on the CW series “Arrow.” “I trust people very slowly. And then I suffer no fools. And for these skills I have to thank New York City. I always know who’s walking 20 yards behind me and then who’s 20 yards ahead.” The Los Angeles-based actor — who is also known for his work on “Oz,” “Thin Red Line” and “Band of Brothers” — is looking forward to spending this summer visiting Europe with his wife, actress Kiersten Warren, and their daughter, Scarlett. Fans may stay in touch with Acevedo on Twitter.

Q. Of all the characters you’ve played, which one would make a great travel partner?

A. Ricardo Diaz (from “Arrow”) would be a hoot to travel with. I mean with all his connections we’d be hooked up with the best restaurant reservations, event tickets and all-access passes everywhere. Downside would be trying to keep him from killing people, of course. Upside, you’re rolling with top-of-the-line security. And for those times when things go a little sideways and you get arrested, I could trust him to fix that too. Yeah, I’d go anywhere with him.

Q. What would be your dream vacation?

A. The Orient Express. Or any trip where my middle-schooler puts down her phone would be a dream.

Q. How has growing up in New York shaped the man you are today?

A. As a latchkey kid at 5, I learned to navigate the subway system and how to duck under velvet ropes with ease. For a couple weeks, I played hooky from school — just walked out and caught the train to the American Museum of Natural History, where no one suspected anyone that little would be on their own. To this day, that museum is one of my favorite places in the world. But heads-up, kids: that kind of devil-may-care attitude will get you kicked out of kindergarten. I speak from proud experience. My wife and daughter are like puppies that got let loose in a city. Clueless and oblivious, super cute and friendly, trusting and chatting with everyone. But people probably like them more than me so. … There’s the rub.

Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?

A. I was a Fresh Air Fund kid as a child. That’s where they send inner-city kids to other parts of the country, specifically farms in the Midwest. I was sent to a slaughter farm where they made veal from baby calves. Brutal; and I hated it. It’s hard for a little kid from the South Bronx to be plucked from the world he knows and live with another family. I was way stressed out and wet the bed and they hit me. I’ll always remember that. Honestly, it’s amazing I didn’t grow up to be a killer. But, hey, I play one on TV!

Q. Have you traveled to a place that helped shape how you viewed it?

A. I was in Cairns (and Port Douglas), Australia, for six months filming “The Thin Red Line.” Before I went, I read up on the deadly snakes and saltwater and freshwater crocodiles and killer spiders that hang out in your boots, jellyfish and great white sharks. So I got off the plane expecting “Land of the Lost,” but found it so peaceful and relaxing and the people so lovely that I almost let my guard down. Then I met the giant fruit bats swooping over our heads like freaking pterodactyls. The guys I was shooting with and myself were carrying pizzas and that sustaining image of us screaming like little girls, while dodging those monsters, is a horror takeaway from an otherwise idyllic place.

Q. Where have you traveled to that most reminded you of home?

A. London, probably. The pace. The congestion. I lived there for a year filming “Band of Brothers” in 1999. I really loved it.

Q. What do you hope your daughter remembers from her travels?

A. I want her to understand that traveling internationally changes who you are for the better and for all times. She’s been to a lot of places. I want her to know a hundred people’s personal stories from a hundred different places. And then from that be able to glean that which we all have in common and then that which is special to her home. I want her to have a worldview and to be an independent thinker. Scratch that, she’s already way too independent of a thinker for me.

Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?

A. The Amalfi Coast is amazing. I loved Positano so much, and I’m taking the family in June. Capri. My god — the food, culture and history.

Q. How have your travels changed since becoming a father?
A. Scarlett’s always traveled, so I don’t think much has changed. I mean, we have to wait for her to have school breaks to take her anywhere is the only thing now. I don’t think it’s fair to not allow her to have a real school and social life, just because I’m basically an act in a traveling carnival. They fly up to see me and she unpacks the Xbox and we get right down to “Fortnite” business in whatever city I’m in.

Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. After Vegas, it’s all about my backyard. My pool. My couch. My TV. My UFC. My hot wings. My boxing. My wife’s cooking. My friends. My dogs. When you’re away working as much as I am, being home is the best.

Q. Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A. Greece or Japan.

Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. The Colorado mountains make the best Christmas trips. Winter Park is one of the oldest ski resorts, but much less populated than the Aspens of the world. Super family friendly.

Q. Street carts or fine dining?
A. Some of my favorite meals have been at Nobu. Be it in London, L.A., Vegas or Budapest. I’m never disappointed. And yeah, I should’ve invested in that place. But when I’m not being fancy, I can be just as satisfied with a hot dog off the street. The way I look at it is that it has more to do with the people or person you’re eating with than the actual food. My wife likes to say that if I shop for food, it looks like a 12 year old robbed a convenience store. She’s not completely wrong. That piña colada Slurpee from 7-Eleven is amazing. Have it and get back to me. I also love love the food at Ca del Sole in Studio City. What’s the line from the Rudyard Kipling poem, “If”? “Walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch.”

© 2018 JAE-HA KIM 
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