We were lucky to catch up with Rodolfo Alvarado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rodolfo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Throughout my career, I have been drawn to stories that demand to be told—the kind of stories that are often overlooked, forgotten, or deliberately buried. Each of my works has been deeply personal, but if I had to define a thread that connects them all, it would be this: they honor individuals whose lives and legacies deserve to be remembered, whether they were silenced by history, struggled against overwhelming odds, or carried burdens the world never saw.
My book The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita is a prime example. Joe Hernandez was a pioneering Mexican American race caller who broke racial barriers in a time when segregation and discrimination were the norm. He became the voice of Santa Anita Park, calling more than 15,500 races over 30 years. But his story, his contributions, and his resilience were largely forgotten outside the racing community. Writing his biography was not just about chronicling his career; it was about reclaiming a piece of history that should have never been lost. The book went on to win the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award and was a finalist for several national honors, affirming that his story, once nearly erased, had found its audience.
Then came The Garrett Gomez Story: A Jockey’s Journey Through Addiction & Salvation. Garrett Gomez was one of the greatest jockeys of his generation, but his battles with addiction and inner demons defined much of his life. His journey was one of triumph and struggle, a constant battle between his immense talent and the addictions that threatened to destroy him. Writing his story was emotionally exhausting but necessary. I had no idea, however, that the words I put to paper would take on an even deeper weight when, not long after the book’s release, Garrett lost his fight and passed away from a drug overdose. His death was heartbreaking, and it reinforced my belief that storytelling isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about finding meaning in it, learning from it, and making sure others do too.
And now, I find myself bringing to life Undesirable Secrets: The Untold Story of Anthony Acevedo and the Forgotten Soldiers of Berga. Unlike my previous works, this one isn’t just something I’ve written—it’s something I’m living. As the playwright and sole performer of this one-man play, I step into the shoes of Anthony Acevedo, a Mexican American WWII combat medic and Holocaust survivor who was ordered by his own government to keep his suffering a secret. He spent over 63 years in silence before finally breaking it, ensuring that the names of the men who perished in the Nazi slave labor camp of Berga would not be forgotten.
I have written about men who shattered barriers, about men who wrestled with personal demons, and now, I am writing—and performing—the story of a man whose suffering was buried by history itself. The weight of carrying Anthony’s story is immense, but it’s also an honor. It has been one of the most meaningful projects of my life because it challenges me, not just as a writer, but as an actor, a historian, and as someone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling.
Joe Hernandez, Garrett Gomez, Anthony Acevedo—three men from different worlds, three stories that deserved to be told, three legacies that, through my work, will not be forgotten.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am. Whether through books, plays, screenwriting, or performance, my goal has always been to unearth untold stories and give voice to those who history has silenced. I am a writer, playwright, actor, and historian, but above all, I consider myself a bridge between the past and the present, using my craft to illuminate forgotten histories and personal struggles that still resonate today.
My journey into this world began long before I even knew what it meant to be a writer. Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, I was surrounded by stories—stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience. My love for history and literature led me to pursue a Fine Arts Ph.D. and an MFA in Playwriting from Texas Tech University, as well as an MA in History from Eastern Michigan University. These academic pursuits not only deepened my understanding of storytelling but also gave me the foundation to blend rigorous historical research with compelling, emotionally driven narratives.
Over the years, my work has spanned multiple disciplines. I have written award-winning books such as The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez: The Voice of Santa Anita, which won the Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award, and The Garrett Gomez Story: A Jockey’s Journey Through Addiction & Salvation, which was a finalist for the same award. My work in children’s literature has also earned recognition, including the Latin Podcast Award for The Perla Garcia Mysteries, a podcast series adapted from my books aimed at engaging young readers in Latino-centered mystery stories.
But perhaps what truly sets me apart is my ability to bring history to life—not just on the page, but on the stage. My transition into playwriting and performance has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. My critically acclaimed one-man play, Undesirable Secrets, tells the story of Anthony Acevedo, a Mexican American WWII combat medic and Holocaust survivor who, for decades, was forced into silence by his own government. Writing this play was a deeply personal experience, but stepping into Anthony’s shoes as an actor has allowed me to connect with audiences on an entirely new level. This production is not just a play—it’s a call to remember, to honor, and to reckon with the past in a way that makes it impossible to look away.
My work is about more than just entertainment. It’s about education, representation, and using art as a tool for social change. I want my audiences to walk away not just moved by a story but transformed by it. Whether through literature, theater, or film, my goal remains the same: to challenge perceptions, to break the silence surrounding difficult histories, and to ensure that the stories of those who paved the way before us are never forgotten.
For those who are just discovering my work, I invite you to explore my books, my plays, and my performances. I want people to know that my work is deeply researched, driven by passion, and created with the intent of leaving a lasting impact. If you are an educator, a historian, a theater producer, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling to change the world, I hope you’ll join me in sharing these stories and making sure they continue to be told.
To learn more about my work, upcoming performances, and projects, please visit:
www.rodolfoalvarado.com
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to unearth forgotten stories and bring them to life in a way that makes people feel, think, and, hopefully, change. I see storytelling as an act of preservation—whether through writing, theater, or film, I am drawn to narratives that have been buried by time, overlooked by history, or silenced by those in power. To me, being a creative isn’t just about self-expression; it’s about bearing witness and ensuring that the voices of the past aren’t lost to indifference or neglect.
Much of my work has revolved around uncovering these hidden histories, from the life of Joe Hernández, the legendary racetrack announcer who broke racial barriers in horse racing, to the struggles of Garrett Gomez, a world-class jockey who battled addiction before his untimely death. But nothing has been as personally meaningful as Undesirable Secrets, the one-man play I wrote and perform about Anthony Acevedo—a Mexican American WWII medic, Holocaust survivor, and U.S. POW. His story was nearly erased from history, as he and the other survivors of Berga were ordered to remain silent about their captivity. For over 60 years, Anthony carried that burden alone. When he finally broke his silence, it was as if he had been given permission to exist again—to have his suffering acknowledged and his sacrifices honored. That’s what storytelling can do. That’s what art can do.
The most fulfilling moments as an artist come not from the applause at the end of a show, but from the conversations that happen afterward. I’ve had people approach me after performances of Undesirable Secrets in tears, telling me that they never knew about this part of WWII history or that the play helped them process their own family’s past. I’ve met veterans who have struggled with PTSD, individuals who have kept painful secrets for years, and people who have never considered the contributions of Latinos and Jewish American GIs in the war. When someone tells me that my work has given them a new perspective, or even the courage to speak their own truth, that’s when I know I’ve done something worthwhile.
But beyond just preserving history, my work is about inspiring future generations. That’s why my storytelling extends beyond adult audiences into the world of children’s literature and young adult fiction. I believe that young people need stories that not only entertain but also educate and challenge them to see the world through different perspectives. My Perla Garcia Mysteries series, for instance, introduces young readers to Mexican American culture while encouraging curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving. My young adult novels delve into themes of identity, acceptance, and social justice, offering stories that empower readers to embrace who they are and to stand up for others. Whether it’s a historical play, a novel about overcoming adversity, or a mystery that sparks a child’s imagination, my goal is always the same: to educate, to inspire, and to instill the importance of empathy and understanding.
As an artist, I don’t just want to tell stories—I want to make people feel something. I want them to walk away from my work with a deeper understanding of history, identity, and resilience. I want my writing, my performances, and my creative projects to continue challenging people to confront what they think they know and to recognize the untold stories that shape our world. That, to me, is the most rewarding part of being an artist: knowing that my work can serve as both a mirror and a bridge—reflecting forgotten histories while connecting people through shared human experiences, and ultimately, inspiring the next generation to embrace diversity, truth, and the power of storytelling.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
One of the biggest challenges in pursuing a creative career is that it often looks very different from more traditional professions. Unlike careers with clear roadmaps, promotions, and defined success metrics, a creative path is unpredictable, filled with highs and lows, uncertainty, and, at times, self-doubt. It requires not only talent but also persistence, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the work, even when the outcome is uncertain.
For me, creativity is not just about inspiration—it’s about dedication. Many people assume that writing, performing, or any form of artistic expression is purely fueled by spontaneous bursts of creativity. But in reality, it’s a deeply immersive and demanding process. Whether I’m crafting a book like The Untold Story of Joe Hernandez, writing The Garrett Gomez Story, or performing Undesirable Secrets, the process is often grueling. Research takes months, sometimes years. Writing is a process of endless revisions. And when I step onto the stage as Anthony Acevedo, it’s not just acting—it’s reliving history, embodying trauma, and carrying the weight of a story that needs to be told.
One of the aspects of this journey that can be difficult to articulate is the emotional toll. When telling powerful and sometimes painful stories, there’s no easy way to separate the work from the person creating it. Performing Undesirable Secrets is more than just delivering lines—it’s stepping into the shoes of a man who endured the worst of humanity, and that stays with me long after I leave the stage. Similarly, writing The Garrett Gomez Story meant spending time in the depths of his struggle with addiction, knowing how tragically his life ended. These stories are real, and that makes the work all the more meaningful—but also, at times, emotionally exhausting.
Another aspect that people may not see is the way success in the arts doesn’t follow a straightforward path. A book can win an award one year, and the next project might take years to gain recognition. A performance can move an audience to tears, but there are no guarantees of full houses or financial stability. There is no set formula for success, and the unpredictability requires a level of resilience that goes beyond passion—it requires belief in the work itself.
Perhaps one of the most important things I’ve learned in my career is that creativity is more than just storytelling—it’s about impact. My young adult novels and children’s books, just like my historical and theatrical work, are meant to educate, inspire, and encourage understanding. Whether I’m introducing young readers to characters who learn to embrace differences or bringing the story of Anthony Acevedo to the stage, my mission is to create work that resonates across generations.
At its core, the creative journey is about connection. It’s about sharing stories that might otherwise be forgotten, giving voice to those who came before us, and inviting audiences—whether in a theater, through the pages of a book, or even in a conversation—to see the world in a new way. That’s what keeps me going, and it’s why I continue to write, to perform, and to tell stories that matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rodolfoalvarado.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rudolph.alvarado.9
