IN CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN CHACON
interview by JANA LETONJA
photography by DANIEL LIGHT
Kevin Chacon is stepping into the spotlight with his role as Chris Rodriguez in Disney’s ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. Next, he will also expand his range in Apple TV+’s ‘Dark Matter’, appearing opposite Alice Braga in the acclaimed sci-fi thriller. With a background spanning Marvel, FX, Nickelodeon, and a budding music career under the name NYV3K, Kevin represents a new generation of bilingual performers shaping the future of entertainment. His star is rising fast, and 2026 is set to be his biggest year yet.
clothing worn throughout:
sweater and trousers BOOHOOMAN
shoes MAISON MIHARA YASUHIRO
What was your first reaction when you officially landed the role of Chris Rodriguez in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’?
It was such a surreal feeling. I was just about to start my college career when I found out I got the part for Chris and had to fly to Vancouver in 2 weeks. I had no doubt it was God’s plan, so I followed my acting career.
Chris Rodriguez has a meaningful arc in the books. How did you prepare to bring emotional depth and authenticity to the role?
I started off by doing my research on him and freshening up on the books. Me and Chris do have some similar traits, which I believe was a big help in making sure I delivered him authentically.
Season 2 is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. What can fans expect from Chris’s storyline?
I would say that this season is going to be a fan favorite as we see new faces and many events fans have been anticipating. Expect for Chris to protect himself and not fear anything that comes towards him.
You trained at the Rybin Studio under Susan Rybin. What’s one lesson from that training that you still carry into every job?
As my manager Susan always says, “Feel and believe in what you say and do”. This has always stuck with me and helped me get into so many characters and emotions that I didn’t know I could connect with in my career.
You’ve worked across genres—Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Nickelodeon’s Santiago of the Seas, FX’s Aaron Hernandez. What role challenged you the most, and why?
I think that playing Max on ‘Chicago Med’ was the toughest challenge for me. Getting in touch with a situation that emotional and devastating was a big challenge as it’s hard for me to touch base with those emotions in general. It’s a role I will never forget.
In ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2, you play Eduardo opposite Alice Braga. What excited you most about joining that world?
The show/book is so well done that just being part of the storyline was such an honor. The sci-fi thriller genre is so much fun, and I love how creative it can get sometimes.
What was it like working with such a seasoned cast in a project known for its complexity?
It was such a blessing to work with such experienced actors. Their professionalism pushed me to give my best. Because the project was complex, the cast’s energy and experience made everything easy and enjoyable.
As a proud Latino actor from the Tri-State area, how does your heritage influence your creative identity?
My Latino heritage and Tri-State upbringing influence the way I connect with different characters, bring emotion, and show authenticity. It’s shaped my work ethic and the energy I bring on camera.
Under your artist name NYV3K, you released your single ‘El Cuarto’. How does your music allow you to express a different side of yourself?
‘El Cuarto’ was my first single and my favorite song I've made. Music allows me to express my thoughts, my feelings, or to comfort anyone depending on the genre they like. Being Costa Rican is such a big part of who I am, that’s the reason all my songs are bilingual and contain Costa Rican slang.
Do acting and music influence each other for you, or do you keep those creative worlds separate?
I do like to keep the two worlds separate for the time being. It’s two different versions of myself when it comes to creative writing/making music and when it comes to becoming someone else in front of a camera. I would love to possibly combine the two someday.
You’ve already earned recognition like the Imagen Award nomination and the HOLA Award. What accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Every time I’m in front of a camera, is an accomplishment. Knowing that I'm making my dreams come true and working hard for it everyday is an accomplishment for me. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and for what the future has in store.
