Pepe Barroso

Your role in Those About To Die dives into a world of ancient battles and raw human emotion. How did you prepare for such a physically and mentally demanding character?

I’ve always found Ancient Rome fascinating and have been reading about and studying it since a very young age. Gathering as much information as possible and understanding the historical background definitely helped me get into the mindset of that era.

What was it like stepping onto the set of Those About To Die and immersing yourself in that historical period? Any moments that particularly stood out during filming?

Everything really stood out. It was surreal walking onto the set every day, seeing how the temples, areas of the Palatine, or the Circus Maximus were built so precisely in just a few days. The costumes were astonishing, and the resources we had were unbelievable.

The show explores themes of power, survival, and honor. How do these themes resonate with you personally, and how did they influence your portrayal of the character?

These concepts have evolved a lot over the years. In Ancient Rome, people held onto them strongly because life had little meaning, and the mortality rate was much higher than it is today. These themes were the backbone of not just my character but many others. It was all about survival.

Fashion has always been part of your world. How has your personal style evolved since stepping into the limelight?

I wouldn’t say it evolved because of any ‘limelight’; it might have evolved based on things I see that I like. But honestly, I’ve had the same taste since I was younger. I’ve always been more drawn to classics and timeless pieces rather than modern or trendy looks.

Growing up with a prominent family background, did you feel any pressure to follow a certain path, or were you always set on creating your own journey?

I never felt any pressure beyond the pressure I put on myself. I never had a clear path; I tend to discover things, and if I like something, I dive in. I’m pretty obsessive, so if I like something, I pursue it fully.

Your Instagram offers glimpses into your life. How do you navigate the fine line between sharing your personal moments and maintaining a sense of privacy?

By keeping what I want to keep private. I don’t have much of a filter, but there are certain things I won’t negotiate. I don’t believe there’s a right or wrong way to handle it—everyone has the right to decide for themselves. I personally prefer to keep certain things private.

What’s a day in the life of Pepe Barroso like when you’re not on set or in front of the camera?

Usually, I’m working on my business, playing sports—lately golf, football, or boxing—or spending time with family and friends.

How does your approach to modeling dicer from your approach to acting?

I dedicate much more time to acting than to modeling. Acting requires more preparation and study and holds a much larger significance in my life. I feel lucky to work with great brands, but my focus is on acting. Modeling is more of a complementary aspect that has allowed me to pursue my true passion.

In your opinion, what makes a man truly stylish? Is it the clothes, the confidence, or something else entirely?

It’s definitely a combination of all those things. But I believe the most important thing is to stay true to who you are and feel confident in that. There’s no right or wrong, just different styles.

You’ve ventured into acting, modeling, and business. How do you strike a balance between these dicerent facets of your career?

It’s a balance that works for me—a mix of passion, opportunity, and work- life interests. They all complement each other. I’m a very active person, and I always need to have my mind engaged in something.

If you could collaborate with any director or fashion house in the future, who would it be and why?

Working with Roland Emmerich was a dream come true. There are so many other directors I admire—Martin Scorsese, Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Guy Ritchie, Denis Villeneuve, Guillermo del Toro, Wes Anderson, Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton… the list goes on. Working with any of them would be a dream come true. They’re the ones who inspired me to dedicate my life to this.