Luis Gerardo Méndez, Breakout Star of Half Brothers , Loves Rom-Coms and Mezcal

Charlie’s Angels scene stealer Luis Gerardo Méndez knows how to tackle important conversations with a wickedly sharp sense of humor—a skill that translates well in his latest project, Half Brothers. The film, out now, tells the story of two brothers—Renato, a Mexican aviation exec who seems to have it all, and Asher, his half-American brother who can’t seem to get it right—and how they overcome their cultural and emotional differences on a road trip that changes their lives. 

It’s a story that is full of comedic mishaps and feel-good reunions, but it also provides pointed commentary on the stereotypes often perpetuated about immigrants coming to America and the deep-seated tension held along the border. Yes, we can use a bit of relief from the constant chaos that 2020 has thrown at us…but we’re by no means done addressing the beliefs and actions that perpetuate further divisions. If anything, it’s time to put our differences together. That’s perhaps the biggest lesson Renato and Asher take away, and it’s an important one. 

Méndez, who was recently cast in Narcos: Mexico, spoke with Glamour for our Inappropriate Questions column, where we get into the kind of juicy bits you find out when you’re post-dating and in full relationship mode. Curious to find out which rom-com he’s seen “at least 20 times” and his dating deal breaker? (Hint: It involves a popular drink.) Read on. 

Glamour: Out of all the characters you've played in the past, which would you say is most like yourself when it comes to relationships?

Luis Gerardo Méndez: I think it’s a mix of the characters I did in Charlie’s Angels and Half Brothers. Like [The Saint], I’m always sharing tips that no one is asking for. Like, yeah, you should drink kombucha and wake up at 7 a.m.; it’s good for your immune system. I’m always that guy who is trying to transform their friends or their partner into a better version of themselves, which I think is a pain in the ass. I’m not proud of it. [Laughs.]

We all have our things! What rules do you think are complete B.S. when it comes to dating?

I think rules in general when it comes to relationships are bullshit. I really think that the difference between us and animals is that human beings are able to come to agreements. For relationships, it’s all about communication.  

How do you take on difficult conversations?

With counseling and therapy? [Laughs.]

Fully support that. What do you love most in a partner?

For me, the most important thing is—and it’s pretty common—is that the other person has to make you laugh out loud. If that’s not there, it’s not going to work. I also really think that admiration is important, especially as an actor or an artist. You really need to look up to your partner.

So would you ever date another actor?

Ummm, next question. 

Okay! Switching it up: There are romantic elements to a lot of the films you’ve acted in, but do you personally like rom-coms?

I do like classics. My Best Friend’s Wedding is one of my favorite films of all time. I’ve watched it like 20 times. It was a really important reference for me as an actor, in terms of the kind of acting they do and the comedy. I like those kind of rom-coms, but now I’m really into the rom-coms that make fun of themselves. You can't take the genre that seriously anymore because we’ve seen it all, so we need to reinvent and transform the genre and make fun of it. Like the film Rebel Wilson did, Isn’t It Romantic. I loved that film. You can keep the romanticism but also make fun of the clichés and stereotypes we’ve seen for years. 

What’s your favorite genre, then?

In the past years I discovered that I love documentaries. I’m also really into TV shows and films based in true stories. It’s what I get the most involved and attracted to because you’re getting to witness the real way people act. It’s not an actor performing, but how this particular person actually reacted to something that took place in their life. That’s really useful to an actor as a tool. 

I’m also shooting the third season of Narcos: Mexico. I’m super happy and grateful to be there because it’s one of my favorite shows of all time. The writing is fantastic, and it’s talking about something really important—about my country and about what’s happening in the world. It creates a greater conscious about, like, what does having cocaine at a party mean? What are the consequences of that action? 

It’s clear you are really drawn toward work that calls on people to become more critical about their individual roles in the greater scheme of things. 

One hundred percent. I think that’s so important right now with everything we are consuming. From TV to film to the groceries you’re buying…where is this avocado coming from? Who grew this? And what’s the real cost of these things you’re using? Now we must be aware of those things. 

Speaking of groceries, I think a lot of us have been adding our fair share of alcohol to our carts these days. Can you tell us more about your mezcal company? How did you get involved in the business?

When I was in my early 20s and moved to Mexico City, I drank mezcal for the first time and was taken back with how smooth and complex it is. It’s completely different than tequila or a beer, and I became obsessed with the artisanal way of making it. While I was learning more, this American businessman called my agent and asked for me to be the face of his mezcal brand. I ultimately declined, but it fueled my interest in the process. 

One day while I was discussing it with my manager in Mexico, he asked why I didn’t do my own brand. I laughed a lot at first, but two hours later I was like, Maybe this isn’t so crazy an idea. A year after that first meeting, we launched Ojo de Tigre. It’s like my other baby, besides acting and producing. I love everything that has something to do with mezcal. It’s so much more complex and herbal than tequila. You just drink mezcal one night, the next day you’re going to be perfect. If you mix it, however, you may be fucked up. 

What’s your hangover cure?

I’m completely addicted to carbs, so if I have a hangover I will eat everything I have—pancakes, peanut butter, chocolate, just sugar. That, or drinking another mezcal!

Given your strong allegiance to all things mezcal, if you’re dating someone and they hate it, would that be a deal breaker?

It’s completely over! There’s no more conversation. It’s like suddenly discovering they hate your favorite poem or your favorite TV show. There’s nothing else to talk about. 

Oh, so what is something people love but you hate?

I don’t like reality TV, especially those dating shows. I cannot stand those things! But during the pandemic, I will admit that I did watch one of them: Too Hot to Handle.

What’s the most inappropriate question you’ve been asked?

Once someone asked me what my favorite sex position was in an interview. 

Michella Oré is an editorial assistant at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @michellaor.

Originally Appeared on Glamour