Chillin’ with Hemky Madera

By Joseph Luparello

Debonair, transformative actor Hemky Madera was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

His acting career dates to his first leading roles in D.R. television production series En La Olla and Trio en Alta Mar, helmed by director/producer Alfonso Rodríguez. After college, Madera made a move to New York City, zeroing in on his pursuit of acting, and booked prominent roles in feature films, one of them being The Lost City opposite Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman, and Bill Murray. Madera gets the most amount of recognition for his role as drug cartel criminal Ignacio on Showtime’s hit dark comedy Weeds.

Chillin' with Hemky Madera

Chillin’ with Hemky Madera

Photo by Bobby Quillard

In his return to television, he plays the menacing lieutenant of the Vargas Cartel Pote Galvez, for the fourth season of USA Network’s award-winning crime drama Queen of the South. The production entails the powerful story of Teresa Mendoza (Braga), a woman who is forced to run from the Mexican cartel and seek refuge in America.

Madera will also star as ‘Rigoberto’ opposite Emmy winner Matthew Rhys in the HBO limited series Perry Mason, executive produced by Robert Downey Jr.

During his downtime, Madera enjoys playing guitar, golf, flying airplanes, and lending his time to organizations that raise awareness for Down’s Syndrome. Madera is happily married and living with his two children and wife, singer-songwriter, Jesse Lynn Madera. Chilled sat down with him to learn about his home bar and go-to drinks and eats.

When you are able to go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

We are “foodies,” we like trying new things. However, I love sushi and Indian food. But, I’m always willing to try anything.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

Depends on the cuisine. For sushi I go more traditional and get nigiri.

Chillin' with Hemky Madera

Chillin’ with Hemky Madera

Photo by Bobby Quillard

Do you cook?

A little bit – Jesse is a hell of a cook. I’m learning!

What types of drinks do you order when out?

Tequila on the rocks. No shooters!

Chillin' with Hemky Madera

Chillin’ with Hemky Madera

Photo by Bobby Quillard

Do you own a home bar?

I do, we entertain a lot.

If you own a home bar, what is it stocked with?

Everything. A lot of Dominican rum, Tequila, vodka … everything!

Chillin' with Hemky Madera

Chillin’ with Hemky Madera

Photo by Bobby Quillard

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

Tequila on the rocks.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I was years ago. I enjoyed it very much.

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