Photographer: Farrah Aviva
What role do you play on Moonshine?
Tell us more about it and about the show Moonshine is a dramedy series about the Finley-Cullens, who each fight in their own way to become the sole owner of the Moonshine Lodge and Campground. Think "Succession", but with a family of inept but extremely lovable trailer park hicks with really bad ideas. I say that lovingly. My character Sammy is the youngest of the five Finley-Cullen siblings — he spends his time trying to keep his brother and sisters from murdering each other. He’s also tasked with hiding the criminal truth of how he and his parents have been keeping the business afloat. It’s an extremely entertaining show that masterfully balances a chaotic brand of comedy with a whole lot of heart. It’s beautifully shot, the story takes some incredible turns… there’s something in it for everyone.
Where did you film and what was it like on set?
Moonshine is filmed in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, in Canada. It’s semi-autobiographical, so it was important to Sheri Elwood, the series creator, that we filmed in the place she spent her summers. We filmed in 2020, in between the second and third wave of the pandemic, so things were definitely strange at first. By that point, we were so used to social distancing and keeping ourselves isolated in our homes. So being on set was a little nerve racking, hardcore social anxiety for sure! But we stuck to our covid protocols, wore masks on set, and we kept to a cast-only social bubble off-set. We were also getting PCR tests done weekly, which helped to calm our concerns. After a few weeks we were truly a family. And of course, Nova Scotia is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time I felt like I was on vacation!
What is something that was most surprising that you have done that you didn't think you could do in your lifetime so far?
I really wasn’t sure that anyone was going to trust me with such a significant emotional character role. Don’t get me wrong, I love comedy. With all my heart. But a character like Sammy has been so rare for me. He’s the emotional rock of the show, which is so fulfilling to perform. On a lighter, more dangerous note, my Moonshine co-star Farid Yazdani bought a moped scooter and somehow convinced me to ride it with him. Never thought I’d do that. I think I held onto him so tight I left claw marks on his sides. Sorry buddy, but never again.
Name 4 facts that fans need to know about you
I’m Jamaican/Chilean but my Spanish is SO bad. Sorry in advance, Spanish speakers! They’re always bummed when they find out my last name is Nunez and I’m not fluent. Downloading Duolingo as I write this. I have my blackbelt in karate, and I’m also experienced in Jiu Jitsu! I think that’s on my IMDB, people always ask if that’s fake. But it’s true, and I’m incredible with fight choreography. The kid I’m constantly showing off on Instagram is my nephew, not my son. But he totally looks like baby me. I’m also a writer! So keep an eye out for future projects written by yours truly!
How do you say humble in this world today?
I keep myself surrounded by friends and family who are willing to be real with me. And hard work aside, I’m just extremely aware of how lucky I am.
What's your soft spot ? What makes you smile?
So many things! I have many, many soft spots. A good joke - even a corny joke makes me smile. I like hearing when people are happy or are doing well. I love watching parental love in shows and movies. I love when my nephew runs up to hug me after he hasn’t seen me in a while. And my partner makes me smile every day! I could go on, but I’m making myself sick from all the gooey loveliness. Ugh. Feelings. Amiright?
What role do you play on Moonshine?
Tell us more about it and about the show Moonshine is a dramedy series about the Finley-Cullens, who each fight in their own way to become the sole owner of the Moonshine Lodge and Campground. Think "Succession", but with a family of inept but extremely lovable trailer park hicks with really bad ideas. I say that lovingly. My character Sammy is the youngest of the five Finley-Cullen siblings — he spends his time trying to keep his brother and sisters from murdering each other. He’s also tasked with hiding the criminal truth of how he and his parents have been keeping the business afloat. It’s an extremely entertaining show that masterfully balances a chaotic brand of comedy with a whole lot of heart. It’s beautifully shot, the story takes some incredible turns… there’s something in it for everyone.
Where did you film and what was it like on set?
Moonshine is filmed in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, in Canada. It’s semi-autobiographical, so it was important to Sheri Elwood, the series creator, that we filmed in the place she spent her summers. We filmed in 2020, in between the second and third wave of the pandemic, so things were definitely strange at first. By that point, we were so used to social distancing and keeping ourselves isolated in our homes. So being on set was a little nerve racking, hardcore social anxiety for sure! But we stuck to our covid protocols, wore masks on set, and we kept to a cast-only social bubble off-set. We were also getting PCR tests done weekly, which helped to calm our concerns. After a few weeks we were truly a family. And of course, Nova Scotia is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time I felt like I was on vacation!
What is something that was most surprising that you have done that you didn't think you could do in your lifetime so far?
I really wasn’t sure that anyone was going to trust me with such a significant emotional character role. Don’t get me wrong, I love comedy. With all my heart. But a character like Sammy has been so rare for me. He’s the emotional rock of the show, which is so fulfilling to perform. On a lighter, more dangerous note, my Moonshine co-star Farid Yazdani bought a moped scooter and somehow convinced me to ride it with him. Never thought I’d do that. I think I held onto him so tight I left claw marks on his sides. Sorry buddy, but never again.
Name 4 facts that fans need to know about you
I’m Jamaican/Chilean but my Spanish is SO bad. Sorry in advance, Spanish speakers! They’re always bummed when they find out my last name is Nunez and I’m not fluent. Downloading Duolingo as I write this. I have my blackbelt in karate, and I’m also experienced in Jiu Jitsu! I think that’s on my IMDB, people always ask if that’s fake. But it’s true, and I’m incredible with fight choreography. The kid I’m constantly showing off on Instagram is my nephew, not my son. But he totally looks like baby me. I’m also a writer! So keep an eye out for future projects written by yours truly!
How do you say humble in this world today?
I keep myself surrounded by friends and family who are willing to be real with me. And hard work aside, I’m just extremely aware of how lucky I am.
What's your soft spot ? What makes you smile?
So many things! I have many, many soft spots. A good joke - even a corny joke makes me smile. I like hearing when people are happy or are doing well. I love watching parental love in shows and movies. I love when my nephew runs up to hug me after he hasn’t seen me in a while. And my partner makes me smile every day! I could go on, but I’m making myself sick from all the gooey loveliness. Ugh. Feelings. Amiright?