interview by JANA LETONJA
From the stage to the screen, Alexandro Byrd is making his mark as a dynamic triple-threat performer with undeniable talent and charisma. Currently starring as Luis Madrigal in Disney’s Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and captivating audiences around the globe on the Worlds Collide arena tour, he is quickly becoming an exciting young talent to watch. His growing career also includes the title role in the independent film The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, directed by Michael Walker. With a strong foundation in theater, dance, and film, Alexandro is embracing exciting new opportunities while bringing his unique energy and cultural background to every role.
photography by ADDISON O’CONNOR
You’ve been immersed in the performing arts from a young age. Do you remember the moment you realized that entertaining people was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
I don’t think I can remember the exact moment that I wanted to pursue this professionally, but I do remember being 5 years old and absolutely dominating the D floor at my auntie Paula’s wedding and it being the first moment where I went “Heck yeah, this rocks.”
Growing up, who were some of the performers or artists who inspired you, and how have those influences shaped your own artistic style?
Goodness gracious, there are so many incredible artists who have inspired me, but if I had to hone it down to two, it would be Michael Jackson and Lin Manuel-Miranda. I’ve definitely put in my over 10k hours consuming each of their work and it will forever amaze me that I get to walk the same planet as them.
You trained at RISPA-Louchiey Theater before attending the University of Michigan. What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during those formative years?
There are countless lessons that I learned but here are a few of them that always stick with me
Legendary Professor Brent Wagner would always say “You can’t move forward while looking to the side.” Jack Harbaugh would say, “Attack each and every day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.” And, don’t be a jerk. Be kind, to everyone. It’s free and always makes you and the people around you happy.
You’re currently playing Luis Madrigal in Disney’s Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. How did this exciting opportunity come about, and what was your reaction when you learned you’d landed the role?
I had just wrapped my first film opportunity, The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, and was about to go back to waiting tables at the steakhouse I had previously worked at in north Georgia and then that cheeky little self tape request hit my inbox. Sent a tape, had a Zoom, one week later I was in LA for a chem test and a month later, on Dec 13th 2024, I got the life changing phone call that I booked the role. I was at a bar in Brooklyn with one of my best buddies from college, anxiously waiting for any information from my agent knowing that I could either get the best news ever or that I’d have to start rehearsing my spiel about A5 Wagyu specials for the steakhouse. Agent's name showed up on my phone, I ran outside the bar, got the good news, and my buddy threw me over his shoulders and ran up and down the street with me. I hung my head outside of a cab on the Brooklyn bridge that night screaming “YEAAAAAAAA BOIIIIIIII” while Oak Island by Zach Bryan was playing. It was epic.
Tell us about Luis Madrigal. How would you describe his personality, and what do you love most about bringing him to life?
I always describe Luis Madrigal as a golden retriever puppy dawg. Just a happy go lucky can do guy who wants to do the right thing. He loves his family and his friends, and so do I. Luis and I are so similar, so it was so special bringing so much of myself to the character.
The Descendants franchise has such a passionate international fan base. Were you a fan of the films before joining the Disney universe, and what does becoming part of this legacy mean to you?
Full transparency, I hadn’t seen a single one of the films before getting the self tape request. However, being apart of this legacy means the entire world to me. It’s such an honor that I do not take for granted. The impact this franchise has on so many people across the world is truly remarkable.
You’re also performing on the worldwide Worlds Collidearena tour. What has the experience been like performing in front of thousands of fans, and how does that energy compare to performing on a traditional theater stage?
It has truly been the biggest blessing to be a part of this tour. This was my first time performing in front of a live audience in five years. The energy in all of these iconic venues is so palpable. It’s the most incredibly energetic and rewarding crowd to perform for. It’s been so spectacular to perform live where you are encouraged to break that fourth wall and interact with the audience throughout the entire show and have them sing along with you. Whereas all of my other live performing/theatre experiences, the audience etiquette is to clap after the button of a number. In summary, it's electric.
Being part of a major production and international tour must come with some unforgettable experiences. What’s been your most memorable or surreal moment so far?
As a self proclaimed “ambassador of athletics” and absolute sports nerd, I become completely overwhelmed with the sports history that has taken place in each of these iconic venues. Crypto Arena? Kia Forum? TD Garden? I grew up idolizing athletes that played in these venues and now I have the privilege of performing in them.
It was pretty surreal to walk through the bones of the United Center, the house that the GOAT, Michael Jordan, built. Each show day, I take multiple laps around the venue we are in that day, digesting all of the iconic moments and teams that have played there. Seeing some of the locker rooms is just so freaking awesome. Huge shoutout to the venues who have gifted me custom jerseys with Byrd #11 on them. Love you.
Performing at this level requires incredible stamina and dedication. How do you prepare physically and mentally for the demands of singing, dancing, and acting during a live arena show?
Physically I make sure to hydrate, eat clean, continue to lift weights when I have the time, or energy. Mentally, I say my daily prayers, call my mom and girlfriend, listen to some good pump up music, and then just let the preparation do its job. It’s a family Disney show so it’s important to not take yourself too seriously and have fun.
You’re a true triple threat with talents in acting, singing, and dancing. Which of these disciplines comes most naturally to you, and which one do you feel pushes you the hardest creatively?
I’d say dancing comes most naturally. I feel like I can move and groove, maybe not always super well, to just about any genre of music. Singing is always going to be the scariest to me. And acting will always be the one that pushes me the hardest creatively. Always so many more layers to peel away through character analysis.
With your career gaining momentum, how do you stay grounded and connected to your family, friends, and Venezuelan heritage while navigating the entertainment industry?
I like to think I’m an over-communicator and I’m extremely active in the over a dozen groupchats I’m in with friends and family. Also, we’re all on our phones. It takes 2 seconds to respond. Plus, I definitely have some OCD about having any notifications in the bottom bar of my iPhone. In terms of staying connected with my Venezuelan side, I’m always looking out for the best cachapas and arepas in every city this tour brings me to.
Looking ahead, are there any dream roles, genres, or creative projects you’d love to explore? Could we potentially see you releasing original music or taking on more film and television roles?
Gosh, in a perfect world I’d love the opportunity to work with Lin Manuel-Miranda. As mentioned earlier, he’s definitely a top two artistic influence in my life and it’s been so special playing a descendant from a Disney film he worked on. Funny enough, my first ever film audition was for the In The Heights movie back in 2018 when I was a freshman at Michigan. Had the great honor of meeting and auditioning in front of Lin and John M Chu. Obviously didn’t book the role, but playing a descendant from Encanto feels pretty full circle. I’d love to potentially release some music at some point, but I would definitely lean more towards focusing on a film/theatre career vs. a music career. But hey, why not all of the above?
