Feature

David Hernandez has come a long way from the young boy “discovered” by an NBC producer on the corner of Augusta and Rockwell. Taking up the role of Cheuy Flores in the new holiday film “Nothing Like the Holidays”, Hernandez has once again proven to be a true renaissance man.

A Chicago native, raised in the Logan Square neighborhood, Hernandez has been involved in a dizzying array of endeavors. From television and radio to running a successful west side seafood restaurant, he has seen the city through many eyes. The film “Nothing Like the Holidays”, set in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, has not only allowed Hernandez the opportunity to bring forward his own distinct style, but to draw from a lifetime of experience and showcase a character with a genuine local sensibility.

“Nothing Like the Holidays” is the story of one family’s struggle as they face what may be their last Christmas together. With an incredible cast including Alfred Molina, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Luis Guzman, Freddy Rodriguez, and many more, the opportunity was something that Hernandez could not have passed on.

In the role of Cheuy Flores, Hernandez was to portray a Mexican landscaper. However, Hernandez is “Boriqueño”, a term used to describe someone of Puerto Rican ancestry. He swells with pride when he recalls, “I was told that I portrayed a Mexican better than the seasoned Mexican actors that auditioned for that same role.” It seems that even John Leguizamo was under the impression that Hernandez was of Mexican decent until he explained his heritage.

In addition to this and a number of other recent projects, Hernandez also plays a role in another Chicago based film, “Helix”. Based on a true incident, “Helix” is the compelling tale of five disparate lives that become inextricably entangled one cold morning. Written and directed by Aram Rappaport, “Helix” was shot in one continuous take without any edits, a first in the US crime/action/drama genre.

From the young boy known around the neighborhood as “Hollywood Hernandez” once the first talent agents came looking for him, David Hernandez has succeeded in fulfilling what his friends called a crazy dream. As much as anyone can never escape a childhood nickname, Hernandez has picked up a different moniker: “One Take Hernandez”.

- Added: 2/11/2009 7:28:42 PM