Raúl Castillo (born August 30, 1977) is an American stage and film actor and playwright, known for his roles in Amexicano, Cold Weather, and for his role as Richie Donado Ventura in the HBO series Looking.

Biography

“

When I would go to Mexico, my brother and sister and I would be the gringos. Then I went out to school in Boston and felt so un-American. Everyone always asked, "Where are you from?" I said, "Texas." And then they said, "No, where are you from from?" Then I understood that this is what most of America is like, and that I grew up sheltered.

”


— Raúl Castillo, Out.com

Despite having a bicultural upbringing, Castillo stated that he always felt American growing up, and that he and his siblings were considered "gringos" when they visited Mexico. He identifies as Mexican-American. Castillo describes his childhood as sheltered from racism and racial dynamics in the US due to McAllen's high Hispanic and Latino population. When Castillo moved to Boston to study acting, he recounts that he was often viewed by others as being foreign. Regardless, Castillo described his experiences in the diversity of Boston to be a positive experience in expanding his horizons.

Castillo is very close with his family. Though he was raised Catholic, he describes himself currently as "not as religiously involved." He describes his parents as "old school and traditional, [but] very open-minded." Before shooting the pilot for Looking, Castillo wrote a letter to his family to explain the part and make them aware the more explicit aspects of the show. His family's reaction was very excited, supportive, and proud. His sister is an accountant and is married to chef and restaurateur Omar Rodriguez.

Although his role as Richie Ventura in Looking has garnered Castillo popularity among gay viewers, he is straight. Castillo is proud of being a New York actor and describes the move to New York City as the smartest decision that he made for his acting career. He resides in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.