As the crime drama mystery series, Dexter, completes 10 years, David Zayas talks about his role as a detective, how close the show is to him and his love for acting. By Jigyasu Joshi
David Zayas has been a steady working actor since breaking out on the highly-acclaimed series OZ, and next the Bronx native stars in Shut Eye. For former NYPD beat cop and Air Force veteran what was in the cards was acting, but he didn’t get that from any fortune-teller. Zayas’ passion for acting started at an early age. “I went to watch Al Pacino’s Dog Day Afternoon and that’s where it all began. I was fascinated. This was the art that was attractive to me,” said Zayas.
But reality took him on a detour. “I always wanted to be an actor. But you know reality and life… I grew up in the Bronx so reality and life takes over and you got to survive. All of a sudden I was married with two kids. Now I need a job. life has a way of changing the dynamics of what your passion is.”
But the path from childhood dream to career wasn't a smooth one: Zayas spent years in one uniform or another, before he finally decided to start taking a stab at auditions. “When you're 13, you don't think of the challenges that come with acting, the sacrifices you have to make, the cesspools you might have to swim through to get there. But in my case, it was all worth it. I wouldn't have it any other way,” shared Zayas.
He was working as NYC beat cop when he got the role in OZ. That role allowed him to retire from the force to fully concentrate on acting. Since then, the actor has appeared in over 88 projects.
Zayas’s career spanned every medium, from TV to theater, to blockbuster movies. Talking about Dexter, the show which is very close to his heart, he said, “When I first read the pilot of the show, I remember thinking it was really interesting, well written, and well structured. I didn't know how people would receive it, but as an actor you don't think too much about those things. You just see a good project and want to be involved in it, and that's what Dexter was.” He’s thankful for what he has accomplished and he considers every role a blessing no matter the size. He doesn’t feel like he’s missed out on any roles. “I don’t have a dream role. Every role I get is my dream role. Whatever the role, I have to commit to every time,” he said.
What would Zayas advice to younger generations looking to make acting their dreamIJ It’s a different journey for everyone, first off, so it depends on the sacrifices and compromises you are willing to make, but more importantly - he said passion plays a bigger role. “Pursue your dreams if you know it. If you’re lucky to discover your passion, go for it. Some people don’t.”
Celebrating ten years of Dexter, the show airs Monday to Friday at 10PM on AXN.