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Tuesday's Connector: Andy Garcia
Andy Garcia made his name in films like "The Godfather: Part III", "The Untouchables" and "When a Man Loves a Woman."
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/07/12/garcia.art.gettyimages.jpg
caption="Andy Garcia is your Connector of the Day."]
Born in Havana, Cuba, Garcia moved with his family to Miami after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
He went to hollywood soon after university and quickly won over casting directors.
Recently he's been most recognized for his portrayal of a tough-guy casino owner in the Ocean's 11 films.
Garcia has had garnered a lot of recognition for his portrayal of a New York City correction's officer in the new film "City Island"
The film which also stars Emily Mortimer and Alan Arkin, is set in the Bronx and follows Garcia's character, Vince, as he tries to secretly pursue his passion for acting.
The film  won the Audience award at the Tribeca Film festival and also features Garcia's real life daughter.
On Twitter
Hello Andrés Arturo GarcÃa Menéndez and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Andy GarcÃa on the following questions:
– What should your Cuban family and Raúl Modesto Castro’s administration do to STOP THE OIL LEAK and to CLEAN UP THE OIL IN AND AROUND THE GULF OF MEXICO and THE ATLANTIC OCEAN in order to KEEP HUMANITY , especially in Cuba, HEALTHY?
– What is your opinion on the way Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, California Governor, is handling the Heroin, Cocaine and Marihuana use in the Dark side of the Movie, Music and Entertainment Industries in the State of California?
– How do you manage your personal life with your acting career?
– What can we expect from you in 2010?
– How are you inspiring people all over the world to make our world a Better Healthier and Beautiful Place?
I am awaiting Andrés Arturo GarcÃa Menéndez’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
I would like to know if he chooses directing over acting now. As I read that he is going to direct a TV series. If this is true, can you tell us more about this project? I would like to to contine to act as he is a brilliant actor. He should win an Oscar for the role he played in City Island.
My question for Andy has two parts. He is a sensational underrated actor. First, how many roles has he turned downed that became big characters or films? Second, does he have any second thoughts about wishing he would have, have could have, should have taken one of them?
Thanks Andy for all your sensational work and for upgrading the personal presence of a major film star.
Tom Ricciardi
Bangkok, Thailand
Great actor he is!
What will it be now, Lakers or Heat ?
Things to do in Denver When your Dead? Andy do you know why they came up with that name? The movie was good, its just that name had to have killed it. How did you and Christopher Walken get along on set?
Mr. Garcia,
I think you are one of the few fine actors around today..and hope you keep up the wonderful work.
my question is , what do you think will become of Cuba once Castro dies and his brother has full power?
kymberley
ps, writing form Germany ,-)
I have enjoyed your films and the characters you have portrayed. Would you say that you have raised your children to be close to their Cuban heritage? And, would you like to see diplomatic relations opened between Cuba and the U.S. ?
Love your accent, by the way!
Diane
Spearfish, SD
Question for Andy Garcia:
Will you consider to make film in Cuba soon? What's is the next step in your professional carrier?
I would like so much to tell you, Andy, that you're my dear actor, for me you're THE BEST, I admire your talent, your honesty, your humbleness, I see you like an example of man, husband, father and profissional, that never agree that the fame spoil you carater. I would like to ask you, how did you meet Marivi. bye and God Bless you forever.
Soory, I forgot to tell that I'm Brasilian woman, from São Paulo/Capital.
I'm a music video director from Pakistan. I grew up watching your films' in the 90's. I've always believed that somehow you did not achieve the recognition you deserved. I'm an admirer and it would be an honour to direct you someday, God willing. My only request is that for once you take a mainstream role and give this generation a glimpse of just how good you are! 🙂 Hope you read this.
My favorite Garcia movie is The Lost City. Andy's acting in that movie as a cuban demonstratively comes from the heart. But Bill Murray's role in that movie is somewhat ambiguous. Can you comment ? Thanks
Another book in mind that needed to be filmed? If so .... what then?
Regards from Holland!
I would like to know if you find any similarities between the Venezuelan regime and the one you left back in Cuba.
I wonder why some of your coleagues, namely Mr. Penn, think its so great, defending a corrupt presidency of empty promises.
Don't you think he does not know what really goes on down here? We are counting the days till our civil rights disappear totally.
Waiting to exhale, in Caracas.
You're an amazing actor. Out of the acting world – what are your ambitions?
Mr. Garcia,
I have always enjoyed knowing that actors are among some of the brightest and most generous people in the world. How has acting helped influence your capacity to help others and raise awareness?
Very Respectfully,
YN3 Trevor Edwards
U.S. Naval Station Rota Spain
United States Navy
PSC 819 BOX 1
FPO AE 09645
Mr Garcia
I have been a member of the Big 5 club in Miami for over 30 years. I remember meeting you on a few occassions at the Club and even shotting hoops one day many years ago. I remember your well respected father "El Alcalde" as he used to pitch in the Clubs softball league. Great career! Were proud of you!
Dear Mr.Andy Garcia,
Having watched you in several films, i was wondering what film is your favourite and why ?
and also – what is your most favourite actor and why ?
Thanks,
Björn Thorsteinsson
Reykjavik, Iceland
What makes a great actor like you
Hi Mr. Garcia,
I've been a fan since I watched " The Untouchables" when I was 10 years old. Just wanted you to know in what type of movies would we see you more in the next few years and what charity causes are you active in?
Thanks,
Jean
Philippines
My husband, Kiki Aguila, has told me and my children many, many stories about growing up in Miami in the 60's. He has also told us some stories about you and your family. One in particular is how you used to play tennis with him and his friends. Another is how great a musician you were (still are) and how you let him and his friends play your musical instruments! He always recalls these stories with such pride and happiness! It must have been a magical place to grow up in.
When we see you in a movie our daughter, Anna, always gets excited and tells everyone that her dad knows Andy Garcia....and he always smiles!
Andy Garcia is a solidly mediocre actor at best. His good looks and suave latin presence have given him an edge in getting some lead roles. However, for those in the business, he is really a nobody in spite of his talents for luxury car and watch commercials. Andy Garcia
is really just bland industry crapola....
Hi
I love watching your work !
If there was to be a remake of the Godfather triology would you be interested in being a part of that project or do you think that the triology should be left as is ?
Thanks
Zia Els
South Africa
Hi Andy
I am a fan of yours from London. How do you prepare yourself for a role? Are you a method actor like the greats Al Pacino and Robert De Niro? How do you know what when you select a film to do that the story and haracter gel with you as an actor?
Thanks
Rajesh Bhardwaj
London, England
Hi Andy, (Sending this from Shanghai)
Keep the great work coming! Gotta say that a movie's likeability goes up several notches when you're part of the cast (large or small part). Loved the way that Meg Ryan described you in the "Andy's Heat" article in GQ Magazine years ago (described your having a way of looking at people that draws out their honesty; paraphrasing)
Was curious about any leading ladies with whom you'd most like to work, and by what particular piece of work of each lady are you most impressed?
Andy, thanks for taking the time!
Greetings,
My question is, was it difficult to master the NY accent? Have you been to City Island?
Also, what is his opinion regarding the statements made by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen when she said the Cuban government is fooling the world by freeing the alleged political prisoners & nothing will change?
Buena suerte siempre!
Keira
NY
Hi Andy, is me again, Marcia from Brazil/São Paulo.
I would like to tell you another question: Do you have plains to come here, in Ṣo Paulo? and when? РI would like so much to get on touch with you! God Bles you.
YOU DECERVES ALL OF OSCARS TROPHY BY ALL YOUR MOVIES!
Hi Andy,
I loved your performance in Godfather 3.........in fact it was my first Godfather experience and it inspired me to watch the 1st and 2nd part.
I have always imagined a Godfather 4 with Vincent Corleone...........that would be so much fun......loved his temper, womanizing and still very lovable attitude. I got a glimpse of Vincent in Ocean's 11 and 12.
Is that why you took the role? Have you ever contemplated a Vincent Corleone role in GODFATHER 4?
Folu,
Siena, Italy.
In one of the scenes from Godfather III, with you sitting down and people kiss your ring.... as the door slowly swings shut, what happens next?
Its one of my favourite movie scenes and I would love to hear some behind-the-scenes stuff, about when that was shot.
How is it working with your children in the scene?
Dear Mr. Garcia,
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my humble questions. Here they come:
1) Was it difficult for someone from Guatemala to break through in Hollywood?
2) Was the fact that your last name is clearly Austrian prove to be an advantage or disadvantage when auditioning for roles?
3) What was it like kissing Sandra Bullock in 'the Proposal'?
4) Will you continue making music with Buena Vista Social Club or do your acting commitments take up most of your time?
Thank you very much and best of luck in your future acting career,
Best,
Min Wah from Australia