Fans of USA Network’s hit series Graceland are in for a treat as season two promises to delve deeper into the backstories of our beloved undercover agents. One character whose past is about to be explored is Johnny Tuturro, played by the talented Manny Montana. We are excited to exclusively announce a significant casting update: Mercedes Colon Actress known for her role in General Hospital, has been cast to play Johnny’s mother! This casting choice, significantly influenced by Montana himself, is set to bring a new dynamic and emotional depth to the upcoming season.
Manny Montana shared insights into his involvement in the casting process, revealing his desire to portray a more realistic family dynamic. “It was the first time I had ever been involved in the casting so much,” Montana explained, recalling his experience shadowing director Sanford Bookstaver. He humorously noted the initial auditions, “Some women came in as if my mother was extremely old, with the sweaters and the shawls. And I’m like, ‘My mother’s still in her late 40s!'” Montana emphasized the importance of reflecting his own upbringing, where young mothers were common. His advocacy for a younger actress led to the perfect choice in Mercedes Colon. While Montana wasn’t able to audition directly with Colon as she was cast from Los Angeles, he was immediately impressed upon meeting her on set. “Once she got on set, she was perfect! She looked the part, and she’s Latin, so we bonded over cooking and things.” This personal connection and shared cultural background promise an authentic and compelling portrayal of a mother-son relationship.
The introduction of Johnny’s mother is not just a simple cameo; it’s a pivotal moment in season two. As Montana describes, “She’s a huge part of this one episode.” The storyline revolves around their reunion after a long time, complicated by Johnny’s secret life as an undercover agent. His mother remains unaware of his true profession, still perceiving him as “some street kid.” This creates a poignant tension, as Johnny grapples with the desire for his mother’s pride and the necessity of maintaining his undercover identity. “When I see her, I see that look of disappointment in her eyes, and it’s tough because I know if I told her I was a cop, she’d be so proud of me,” Montana reveals, highlighting the emotional core of this episode. This dynamic promises to explore themes of family expectations, hidden identities, and the sacrifices made in the line of duty.
While the age aspect of the casting resonates with Montana’s personal life – “My mother was always a young mom” – he clarifies that the similarities largely end there. He playfully recounts anecdotes of his coaches’ interactions with his “young, hot mom” during his football days. However, unlike Johnny’s character, Montana describes himself as “a good kid that got good grades and played sports,” emphasizing a different upbringing from the fictional agent. This distinction underscores the depth of Montana’s acting as he embodies a character with a vastly different background while drawing on relatable nuances from his own life to inform the portrayal of Johnny’s relationship with his mother.
Adding another layer of personal touch, Montana collaborated closely with creator Jeff Eastin to design Johnny’s childhood room, ensuring its authenticity. A key element Montana insisted upon was the inclusion of Tupac posters. “Tupac, behind my father, is my hero,” Montana states passionately, explaining his deep admiration for the iconic rapper. He recounts his teenage years, “In high school, I had posters of him all over my wall.” Despite initial challenges in securing the rights, the art department succeeded in recreating this crucial detail. Montana’s emotional reaction upon seeing the set was palpable: “I was so, so happy when I walked into the room. It looked exactly like my childhood room!” This attention to detail not only enriches the visual narrative but also provides a deeper insight into Johnny Tuturro’s character and his formative years.
For viewers curious about the extent of Johnny’s family involvement, Montana clarifies that this particular episode focuses primarily on his mother. While Johnny’s family history includes a brother, whose fate remains ambiguous, the current storyline centers on the mother-son dynamic. Montana expresses enthusiasm for potentially exploring more of Johnny’s family in the future, drawing parallels to his own large family. However, he also acknowledges the richness of the ensemble cast and the compelling storylines of other characters like Jakes and Charlie in season two. Ultimately, the introduction of Mercedes Colon actress as Johnny’s mother is a significant development, promising an emotionally resonant and revealing episode within the broader narrative of Graceland season two.
Source: USA Network
