Found’s Arlen Escarpeta Talks Playing Zeke Wallace

You may have seen actor Arlen Escarpeta killing it in projects such as The Oath, David Makes Man, and Final Destination 5. Now, he’s bringing the same dynamism to his portrayal of Zeke Wallace in drama series Found on NBC, airing Thursdays at 10pm ET and streaming on Peacock. The show focuses on Gabi Mosely, a PR specialist with a secret, and her team (Zeke included), all of whom work together to look for missing people from marginalized communities who don’t receive their fair share of media attention. Below, Arlen discusses playing tech-savvy, agoraphobic, Zeke and what such an intense endeavor looks like behind-the-scenes.

Top by D.RT
Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt: Freddie Frances
Pant by Freddie Frances
Jewelry by David Yurman 

What drew you to Found and the role of Zeke Wallace?
It was definitely fate that opened up the door for me to be a part of FOUND. I was on a great show David Makes Man that received an untimely cancellation. That cancellation allowed me to be available to audition for FOUND and for me to meet Zeke Wallace. One door closes so that another can open.

Found dives into important real-world issues including trauma, justice, and media bias. Does being part of such a socially conscious show impact your perspective as an actor?Absolutely, but not just as an actor. It impacts me as a human being. I’m glad that our show is able to both entertain & enlighten.

How do you stay emotionally grounded while diving deeply into not only the trauma of those around him, but Zeke’s own as well?
Thankfully I was already paying attention to my own mental health when I booked FOUND. The work that I’ve done & I’m still doing within myself is what allows me to carry the weight of our show as well as Zeke’s trauma. I think the key to it is having empathy & grace. No judgement zone is what I call it.

Top by D.RT
Pants by Andre Emery
Jewelry by David Yurman 

Is there anything in your portrayal of Zeke that you hope viewers can connect with or learn from?
I hope that people connect with ALL of Zeke. The mask he wears when everything looks ok, as well as the broken version of him. You can’t have one without the other. It’s what makes him real and complete. 

You’ve taken on a variety of different roles in your career thus far, from Final Destination 5 to David Makes Man and now Found. What makes a project stand out?
I think it’s a combination of the characters journey as well as the theme of the entire show. I’ve been fortunate to be able to a part of some amazing projects, with characters that I still carry with me now.

Left:
Set by Charles & Ron
Shoes by Prada
Jewelry by David Yurman
Right:
Kimono Set by Andre Emery
Tank by Andre Emery
Jewelry by David Yurman 

What was the energy like on set? Any standout moments behind-the-scenes that come to mind?
The energy on our set is a combination of joy, focus, empathy, love and laughter. We have a good time together!!! Behind the scenes you will absolutely find our entire cast and crew singing a back from lunch song or a first scene of the day song….lol.

Was filming the second season different in any way than shooting the first?
Filming season 2 was definitely different from scene one. We found our rhythm even better in season 2 and I can’t wait to see what we cook up in season 3!!!

If Found had a theme song, what would it be?
It would be the Cheers theme song by Gary Portnoy. We are a family of misfits that are so much better together than alone.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in your acting journey?
Forest Whitaker said “ don’t ever stop. Stay in queue with yourself & your dreams”. Staying the course is EVERYTHING.

Set by Charles & Ron
Shoes by Prada
Jewelry by David Yurman 

Do you have a dream collaboration that you would love to take part in at some point?
It would definitely be a project that involved either Spike Lee, Quintin Tarantino, Jordan Peele, Misha Green or Guillermo Del Toro. Or a BLACK MIRROR EPISODE!!!!!

What do you to do to unwind after an emotionally taxing day on set?
Some classic cartoons, or tv shows and I’m good to go!!!

What, besides acting, do you most enjoy spending your time doing?
Definitely playing outside!! I’m a weekend warrior in my flag football league (LA Sports Net). I also play on a charity basketball team with an LA radio station (Power 106 & DJ Eman).

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Arlen Escarpeta
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Aaron Jay Young
Producer: Alison Hernon
Fashion Stylist: Fernando Legadoé
BTS: Ashton Legadoé
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

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SpotlightAlison Hernon#actor, #NBC, Found, #photo shoot, #interview, #The Oath, David Makes Man, #Final Destination 5, #Zeke Wallace