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Kuno Becker

From soap operas to soccer

By OLIVIA RUIZ / Vida En El Valle

If you're going to talk to Kuno Becker about the Chivas from Guadalajara or Cruz Azul, don't even bother. Becker, who plays the role of a soccer player in the film 'Goal,' is a super fanatic of the Águilas del América.

The 30-year-old Mexican is promoting the second part of the story, 'Goal II: Living the Dream.' He considers this one of his biggest challenges.

"The physical challenge was without a doubt bigger with 'Goal' than with any other movie. It has been a very important challenge in that aspect, but it has also been the most important (in my career) because it has opened many doors for me in other places," said Becker via telephone.

Nonetheless, the hardest part for the actor was learning to dominate the sport.

"It was difficult physically because I had to do a lot of preparation for the role. I had to train with a soccer coach, with a trainer, but that's what I wanted to do," he said. "It was a very important experience for me in my life."

The character that Becker plays is Santiago Muñez, a young guy from East Los Ángeles with the aspiration to become a professional soccer player. After landing a spot with the New Castle team, Muñez is transferred to Real Madrid. That's when his recently obtained fame blinds him and Santiago loses control.

Becker, who began his career on the small screen in 1996 doing soap operas, enjoyed fame at a very young age, but he says that didn't affect him.

"My case has been very different. My level of fame, up to a certain extent, came with more time difference. It has been very hard for me to get to where I'm at," explains the young actor whose great aunt is none other than 'La Doña' María Felix. "The truth is that fame came to my character Santiago suddenly and that makes a big difference, it can make people lose ground."

By 2003, Becker made his debut on the big screen with 'La Hija del Caníbal' (Lucía, Lucía) and since then, he has traveled around the world doing what he likes.

"I'm working everywhere, not only in the United States. For example, I did a film in Asia, in different places, so I play it by ear," he said.

But leaving his country and his already established fame to go in search of his most desired dream hasn't been easy for the light-colored-eyes actor.

"Building a career from scratch in a place where you're not known is not easy. What I'm trying to do is have steadiness and appreciate the work I've had and continue to find good roles and good stories. But it has been tough."

In the meantime, Becker doesn't have plans to go back and do soap operas, at least not now, and will continue to focus on movies.

"I don't know where life will take me. Right now I am very happy with what I have done. I'm accomplishing what I wanted which is making movies and it's gone well doing that," he said. "I've had a very good job opportunity in the independent film industry and I'm doing what I like."

And for those who haven't had the chance to watch 'Goal,' Becker has a piece of advice to get them to go watch the second part on Friday (Aug. 29).

"It is a very entertaining movie that talks about feelings, where one doesn't have to be a soccer fan in order to watch it and be entertained. It is a very visual film and it will be a very enjoyable time."

Send e-mail to:

oruiz@vidaenelvalle.com

Send e-mail to: oruiz@vidaenelvalle.com