What Do You Know Now: Demian Bichir

Our exclusive one-on-one interview with Best Actor Nominee Damian Bichir for "A Better Life"

February 23, 2012
What Do You Know Now: Demian BichirSource: Getty Images

Demian Bichir is nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for "A Better Life." 

WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW IN YOUR 20s and 30s? 

DEMIAN BICHIR, Best Actor Oscar Nominee for "A Better Life" 

"I grew up in Mexico and moved to New York at age 22. I used to work in a restaurant with no papers. It was a such a tough life. I wanted to learn English. I wanted to fit in.

"What I know now is all of us go through difficult times, but you have to think of the other person next to you. You don't know their story. There was someone in the restaurant by me who had to send checks to Mexico to take care of his child. I didn't have a child. You can't wallow in your problems because there is the next man or woman who has worse struggles. I've learned that you must think about their story. 

"Stop for a minute and think about your gardener...your babysitter...the woman next door? What is her plight? When you feel angry with another, think that maybe they are just struggling to give their child or their family a better life."

"Finally, I became a US citizen and life became so much easier for me. Now, I'm an Academy Award nominee for Best Actor for a movie called 'A Better Life.'

"What I know now is we have to always strive for a better life at any age and at every age. Miracles can happen at every age. Every age is a gift!  I never thought I'd be nominated for an Oscar. A man who used to haul plates at a restaurant! It's never too late to dream." 

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Irene S. Levine | Feb 23, 2012
I loved this movie so much! It was so compelling. Best, Irene
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