Emilio Rivera reflects on his journey through Sons of Anarchy, Mayans, and Con Air, opens up about unlearning violence, and shares the deeply personal story behind being chosen to play the father in Flamin’ Hot.
In this unfiltered conversation on Taboo’s Comics and Kicks, Emilio Rivera traces his path from the Frogtown projects of East Los Angeles to becoming a foundational presence in two of television’s most influential crime dramas. He reveals the real story behind joining the Sons of Anarchy pilot, being written out, and later returning after intense behind-the-scenes negotiations — a move that directly led into Mayans.
Emilio also revisits Con Air, discussing early-career lessons, working alongside Danny Trejo, and a near-fight that forced him to confront the survival instincts he carried into Hollywood. That moment became part of a larger journey toward sobriety, spiritual grounding, and choosing peace over conflict.
The episode culminates with Emilio sharing the emotional weight of portraying the father in Flamin’ Hot, a role shaped by his own upbringing and relationship with his dad — including the unforgettable moment he was personally chosen for the role from a Lakers suite by the man whose life inspired the film.
This is a conversation about legacy, second chances, and the hard work of becoming a different man than the one you were taught to be.
