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So ... I might have a slight obsession with Yul Vazquez ... maybe

It’s been a week since the Midnight, Texas finale and I’ve been filling the void in my schedule and my fandom-based obsessions with finding out more information on and watching TV and films including the one member of the Midnight, Texas cast that I think doesn’t get enough love and appreciation from the fans. No, not Creek. The Reverend Emilio Sheehan. Or shall I say, his alter ego, Yul Vazquez.

Let me tell you how I got here.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that although I’ve seen Mr. Vazquez’s work elsewhere, I haven’t really seen him, if that makes sense. He’s one of those character actors who always gives a solid performance, but he’s not usually ostentatious or overly animated in his delivery (save his character on Seinfeld), so it’s only now because of Midnight, Texas that I’ve stopped and taken notice. And let’s just say, I’m glad that I did and I feel a fool for not paying him more attention in the past.

When MTX first started, my favorite character, by and large, was Joe Strong. Partially because I knew Jason Lewis’s work on other TV shows, and the idea of an angel hiding among humans – even in a town of outcasts – really intrigued me. But as the show went on, I became more and more focused on The Rev. And I noticed a lot of fans didn’t really talk about him as much as they did the other characters on the show. And I guess I understand why. The Rev’s not flamboyant. He’s not overflowing with charm and a boyish grin. He’s not really considered a badass. Instead, he’s reserved, measured and a bit of a tortured soul.

As a devout man of the cloth who eschews the company of most humans and prefers honoring the animal kingdom instead, I honestly didn’t think we would get to learn too much about him after the first few episodes when they told us his big secret. But then he disappeared for a couple of episodes, and when he returned, I realized how much I missed him and how much the show truly needs his presence. And I think a lot of that is due to Yul Vazquez’s talent.

So I went searching for more media (film, TV, theater, etc.) to see if I could find other performances that resonated with me as The Rev does on Midnight, Texas. And let’s just say, if you think Yul Vazquez is exactly like his character, The Rev, prepared to be surprised.

First of all, Yul may be reserved somewhat in real life, but if you look at his Instagram account, there’s certainly enough evidence to say that his reserved demeanor isn’t at all like The Rev’s. Just scrolling through his Insta feed and watching interviews on YouTube, I feel like I can safely say this about Yul:

He cusses a lot. A lot.

He is a kickass guitar player and he used to be lead guitarist in several bands in the 1980s where he may have gone through a can of Aquanet per week.

He’s into the occult and spiritual mysticism. (I say “into” because I don’t know if he practices any specific mysticism.)

He’s a proud Cuban man, and he travels to Miami often.

He enjoys taking video selfies, especially when he’s riding in the backseat of an Uber, which is kinda creepy when you think about it.

He’s an animal rights activist.

He seems to come by that Johnny Cash look naturally. It’s not just a Midnight, Texas thing.

He’s an avid photographer.

He’s a fan of Montgomery Clift.

He’s a theater geek, but he’s not a theater snob (i.e., he doesn’t think less of actors who haven’t worked in the theater).

Oh, and did I mention he cusses a lot?

In discovering all of that and realizing all of those traits made me adore him more, I couldn’t help but think of how MTX fans are really sleeping on this guy. But seriously, in the past week, I’ve given myself a mini-crash course in as much of Yul’s work that I can find without completely ignoring my job, and now I know I’ll be even more angry if NBC doesn’t renew Midnight, Texas for a second season.

Want to know how obsessed appreciative I’ve been? I watched the MTX finale last Tuesday. Since that Wednesday (a week ago today), I’ve watched Che, The True Memoirs of an International Assassin, the entire 2 seasons of Magic City (that’s 16 1-hour episodes), YouTube clips from his 2011 Tony-nominated performance of The Motherfucker With The Hat, and The Cobbler. I also rewatched Bad Boys II yesterday, which I hadn’t seen in years. And I have plans to watch The Glass Chin, Amigo, The Box and his episodes of Bloodline sometime over the next few days.

OK. Before you judge me, watch him in this 2014 Mimi Awards presentation performing a scene from The Motherfucker With The Hat:

So … yeah. I might have a bit of a problem, but look how awesome he is! The important thing is I know it’s an obsession, and will therefore do my best to not delve into stalker territory. Although if he has plans to do any plays in NYC anytime soon, I will likely try to see it. Hey! I’m a theater geek too, so it’s justified.

Some of the things I like most about what I’ve learned about Yul (other than we share a birthday) is how he’s really supportive of the arts, and he comes across as someone who’s fearless about what he does. And by that I mean, so far, I can’t identify anything that has led to him being typecast. He’s played gay characters, transvestites, detectives, priests, hitmen, money launderers for cartels, corrupt politicians, committed family men, Russians, Italians, Anglos, and Latinos of every nationality. He’s devoted to creative expression and he occasionally works with his fellow theater geeks and acting pals like Sam Rockwell, Bobby Cannavale, and Josh Charles in film shorts.

And on top of all that, he can do this to a guitar:

A post shared by YUL VAZQUEZ (@yuluminati) on Jun 17, 2017 at 1:44pm PDT

Would The Rev ever be caught doing that? I think not. Although if they could work in an excuse for him to play the guitar in the 2nd season of MTX, I’d adore the show even more.

And if you’re still doubting Yul’s rock band credentials, check out this coiffure from the mid-80s:

Yes, that’s Yul in the back center with hair higher to heaven than Dolly Parton’s. I found it here, just in case anyone wants to know the source.

See why I think he might easily be the coolest member of the Midnight, Texas cast? Hell, he might be cooler than all of us combined. And fans of the show don’t even know it.

A post shared by YUL VAZQUEZ (@yuluminati) on May 26, 2017 at 2:59pm PDT

And now you do.

OK. One more video of him playing guitar, and then I’ll stop.

A post shared by YUL VAZQUEZ (@yuluminati) on Feb 7, 2017 at 9:47am PST

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