Photographer: Ben Cope / ben_cope /

Styling: Enrique Melendez / mrenriquemelendez /

Grooming: Crystal Tran / beautybycrystal /

Words: Lupe Baeyens / lupebaeyens /

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If you haven’t heard of Diego Tinoco yet, pay very close attention as this 22-year old actor has won over the hearts of millions of teens as Cesar, in the widely successful Netflix-series ‘On My Block’ and is set to become Hollywood’s latest Heartthrob. Leading up to the now third season of On My Block airing on the 11th of March. 

• Two years ago, you got cast for your, if we may, break-through role in the critically acclaimed ‘On My Block’. How has this experience been for you?

This experience has been nothing but an absolute pleasure and joy. It’s honestly an honor and privilege representing our show’s relatable storyline and the diversity that comes with it, not only on-screen, but behind the scenes with our amazing fans, writers, directors and entire creative team over at Netflix. 

• I'm sure there were plenty, but what has been your favourite moment during the show on or off-camera? 

Favorite and funniest moment so far filming the series would definitely have to be in episode 6 of Season 3. There’s a wild dance sequence that takes place and we all did some pretty extreme dance moves... in some very, very strange costumes. They were cheesy. Literally. 

•  On My Block was voted most-binged series on Netflix, when you first received the script, did you know it was going to receive such a positive response? 

Initially, I thought we had something great at our fingertips, but you honestly never know with any given project. You could have the best director, with an incredible cast and yet, still have the project flop. All you can do is bring your A game to each and every single one of your scenes as an actor and do the best job you can. And that’s what we all did, and we had tons of fun along the way. And lots of late-night pizza... lots!

• What do you think, has lead to its widespread success? 

I think the success came from all the fans who saw themselves represented on our show. Not to say there’s no other series that represents diversity, because that’s not true and luckily now, there are a few (Gentefied, One Day at a Time, Party of 5, Good Trouble, Vida, Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia, Diary of a Future President, and more). But we told a story that is not often seen and explored in the way we did, and thankfully the fans loved it and have been nothing but incredibly supportive. We owe it all to them. 

• Your character, Cesar the ultimate heartthrob, is conflicted between life in gangs or with friends as well as first love and how to balance relationships and friendships. How do you resonate with your character? 

I see Cesar's storyline as something universal that we all go through in life. Maybe not in the exact same circumstances, but we all definitely have obstacles that we are trying to push through in our own lives. Cesar's ability to stay resilient and keep his good heart, no matter how difficult the circumstances get, is something that I admire and really try to relate with. 

•  The coming-of-age show deals with a lot of over very sensitive situations, death, violence, teen homelessness, gangs,... How important is it to you to highlight these social problems? 

It’s very important. These are things that are happening constantly all around the world and we’re trying to bring awareness to these issues. Inspiring people to take the more positive route, to lean on friendship, family, and love instead of hate. And in all honesty, projects like these are the ones I am most attracted to. Because to me, it’s about how a project can benefit humanity as a whole, and bring us all closer together with love. 

• Congratulations are in order too, as the show has received the Best Breakout Show at the Teen Choice Awards, how was that moment for you? 

That was probably one of the most surreal moments of my entire existence. Accepting that award and being on that stage in front of actors you’ve looked up to such as Chris Pratt, Cole Sprouse, Zac Efron, KJ Apa, Joey King, Anna Kendrick and much, much more was intense. I was praying I wouldn't pass out or something on stage... luckily I didn’t. I’ll save that for the Oscars.

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• We’re all excited to see what is going to unfold in seasons three, is there anything you can share with us? 

This is the best season yet... lots of kissing, digging, dancing, exploring, gnomes, and more. The stakes have never been higher, the kids have never had so much on the line, and everything is intensified. Expect to laugh your butt off, and also cry your eyes out. You will 100% binge it in a night because the storyline this season will have you hooked. 

•  In just two years, your career has taken off, how is your life different in comparison to before and that at the age of 22, how have things changed? 

I’m on a really good step in my career right now, put on a great platform, with a great team, and working with amazing people over at Netflix. Life is very different now and I can talk endlessly about the change. From owning a house, to meeting actors and directors I’ve admired growing up, to not being able to go to malls anymore without meeting at least 100 really cool fans. But the one thing that will always remain the same is that I’m going to continue being the same kid with a dream, always working hard, staying hungry, and not letting this grand opportunity go to waste. 

• You’ve been acting since the age of 16, did you always know you wanted to become an actor, and what would you be doing if you hadn’t? 

I’ve always wanted to become an actor. And it was always what I was going to end up doing. Rich or poor, in movies or in a local theatre, this is what I would always choose doing. But If I couldn’t, I would pursue being a writer. I love stories and writing. I have plans on releasing a book next year that I’ve already written and I’ve started writing a few screenplays that I’m dying to dive into... but I have been a bit busy to fully invest in everything right now. 

•  I’m sure you’ve met your fair share of A-list celebrities, but we’re curious, were you ever starstruck? 

100% I met Brad Pitt at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival last month and I’m still trying to figure out how I managed to keep my cool around him. Fingers crossed I get to work with him one day.

• With most of your career ahead of you, what would you like to accomplish?

I want to work with the best actors, best directors, best writers, best studios, and continue to inspire others with the craft I love to do. Some specific people whose work I love that I have in mind are Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Tim Burton, Tarantino, Aaron Sorkin, Taika Waititi, Ryan Coogler, Jon M Chu, Warner Bros, Marvel, Universal Studios, Henry Golding, Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, and honestly, the list goes on. And also just being happy, being present, taking care of myself as a person, growing and learning every day... and man, just enjoying this thing called life!

• Lastly, what other plans do you have coming up, or projects can we expect to see you in the near future? 

Just wrapped up a fun film which is a remake of a pretty iconic story and I'm getting ready to promote the launch of On My Block, Season 3. Along with that, I’m 22 years old with nothing but time, energy and passion, so expect projects from acting, writing, music, and more.