Discover the inspiring stories behind McFarland, USA as we meet the actors from McFarland, USA who brought this incredible true story to life. In this exclusive feature, we dive deep into the lives of these talented individuals and explore how their experiences shaped their performances. Whether you’re a fan of the film or new to its compelling narrative, meeting the actors from McFarland, USA offers a unique glimpse into their dedication and passion. Join us as we meet the actors from McFarland, USA and uncover the behind-the-scenes magic that made this film a standout hit.
Meet the Actors from McFarland, USA: A True Story of Grit and Heart
An Unforgettable Experience
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of sitting down with the seven young actors who brought to life the 1987 McFarland, USA cross-country team. As McFarland, USA continues to captivate audiences nationwide, hearing directly from the cast was an experience that made the heart of this remarkable story beat even louder. What I learned was that this film was more than just a Hollywood production; it was a deeply personal project for many of the actors, especially those who grew up in or around McFarland itself.
McFarland’s Real-Life Connection
One thing that sets this movie apart is the genuine connection three of the actors have to McFarland. Sergio Avelar (who plays Victor Puentes), Michael Aguero (Damacio Diaz), and Ramiro Rodriguez (Danny Diaz) aren’t just actors—they’re athletes who were raised in McFarland or the surrounding areas. Sergio and Michael, in fact, are actual runners, while Ramiro was a soccer champion before stepping into the role of Danny Diaz.
Hearing them share their personal ties to McFarland added a rich, authentic layer to the film’s narrative. Sergio talked about how he grew up with Thomas Valles, the runner who inspired Carlos Pratts’ character. He recalled, “Thomas was my coach since I was a little kid in elementary. He always took time off work to travel with us runners, taking us all over the country to compete. The support he and the Diaz brothers have for McFarland, even today, is just amazing.”
Bringing a True Story to Life
Based on the true events of 1987, McFarland, USA chronicles the journey of a novice cross-country team in an economically challenged town in California’s Central Valley. Under the guidance of Coach Jim White (played by the legendary Kevin Costner), a newcomer to the predominantly Latino high school, this unlikely group of runners pushes beyond their limits, both physically and emotionally, to achieve the impossible. What they lack in resources, they more than make up for in determination, family support, and an incredible work ethic. It’s this combination that forges not only a championship team but an enduring legacy that still resonates in McFarland today.
As I spoke with the actors, it became clear that the lessons they learned on screen mirrored their own lives. Johnny Ortiz (Jose Cardenas) shared, “I think as an actor, what I take from this is the message it gives. It’s important that I choose my roles carefully because, as Latino-Hispanics, we’re often seen as gang members. But why can’t we be the doctors, the lawyers, the detectives?” His words echoed the broader message of the film—that success isn’t defined by where you start but by the determination and heart you bring to the journey.
Working with Kevin Costner: More Than Just a Hollywood Dream
Naturally, I had to ask what it was like working with Kevin Costner, a Hollywood icon in his own right. Every single actor I interviewed lit up at the mention of his name, describing him as humble, generous, and a true mentor on set. Hector Duran (Johnny Sameniego) recounted a moment where he tried to correct one of Costner’s lines—a bold move! “Kevin’s got more stories than a library,” Hector laughed. “It was a great experience.”
Carlos Pratts, who plays Thomas Valles, kept it short but powerful: “Working with Kevin Costner is so much more than amazing.”
Ramiro Rodriguez shared a story that highlighted Costner’s humility: “My mom kept telling me, ‘Can’t you just ask Kevin to get you another job?‘ And I had to laugh. It doesn’t work that way! But she always believed Kevin could make anything happen.”
Behind the Scenes: Building Brotherhood
What struck me most about the cast was the deep camaraderie that went beyond the script. These young men truly became brothers, both on and off the set. Ramiro Rodriguez said it best when he reflected on his time filming in McFarland: “I just wake up every morning and look at the building where they put the runners, and I remind myself, ‘It’s not a dream. It’s not a dream.’ This town has changed so much for the better. It’s become a real community.”
For Michael Aguero, life imitated art in a particularly poignant way. He had never seen the ocean before filming the scene where the team visits the beach for the first time. “It was freezing!” he laughed. “But I’ll never forget that moment. It was as surreal for me as it was for my character.”
Training for the Role: More Than Just Acting
Training for the roles wasn’t easy either. Hector Duran shared, “We did a lot more running than you see in the film. Every single day, we would run 5 or 6 miles as a warm-up, then hit the elliptical or bike. The amount of running we did for takes, from different angles and perspectives, was more than the actual 5K race!”
Johnny Ortiz added, “Running is hard. I thought I had it easy with football and soccer, but cross-country is no joke. It’s a tough sport!”
A Community’s Pride and Legacy
Today, McFarland stands as a symbol of resilience and pride. Sergio Avelar spoke to this transformation: “Now, when people ask where I’m from and I say McFarland, they know exactly where that is. It’s no longer just ‘the town that smells like cows.’ It’s a place of pride—a place people are proud to call home.”
And that’s perhaps the greatest legacy of this film. McFarland, USA isn’t just about a cross-country team. It’s about a community that rallied behind its youth, a town that proved there’s strength in unity, and a group of young men who reminded us all what it means to dream big and never give up.
