Ricky Martin is back in the spotlight. Then again, did the Livin’ La Vida Loca star ever really leave?
This time around, the Puerto Rican singer is up to something totally new for him. He’s ventured into comedy! Fans can catch him gracing the small screen in Apple TV+'s new series “Palm Royale” – a comedy set in vintage Palm Beach County, Florida.
“Palm Royale on Apple TV+ is a colorful examination of the high-society world of Palm Beach in 1969, telling the story of one woman’s desperate attempts to infiltrate and belong in the titular exclusive resort — making us wonder how far she’ll go to achieve this dream, and how far everybody else will go to stop her,” Vulture says.
This period dramedy weaves together dark humor, drama, and intrigue. And Martin’s charasmatic character is in the middle of it.
“In Palm Royale, Martin plays Robert Diaz, a bartender at the country club the show takes place at and Carol Burnett’s Norma’s caretaker,” Deadline writes.
Ricky Martin shines in the comedic role, marking his fourth decade in the international spotlight.
Ricky Martin Shines: From Menudo to ‘Palm Royale’
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Martin’s acting journey began early, when he burst onto the international scene as a member of the Latin pop band Menudo.
After leaving the band, he moved into acting. In Mexico, he honed his craft, performing in telenovelas and theater productions like “Mama ama el Rock” and “Alcanzar una Estrella.”
“Alcanzar una Estrella became a massive hit with youngsters and Ricky became a teen idol for the second time, this time in Mexico,” Hola writes. “With the series band Muñecos de Papel, the Puerto Rican toured Latin America and recorded an album, but after a year, the band broke up and each one of them pursued a solo career.”
He went on to star in the ABC soap opera "General Hospital" before jumping to international stardom again with his hit 1999 song “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”
Thirty years after his debut on the small screen, Martin is back in a new light in “Palm Royale.” He’s amongst the funniest comedians and actors of our time.
The singer turned actor tells the AP that the series gave him an opportunity to perform comedy for the first time and “try to hold his own in scenes with maestros in comedy.”
“I love difficult tasks. I’m a Capricorn,” Martin tells the AP. “If it’s challenging, I’m in. I’m seduced by it, and I want to be good at it.”
Coming Out: A Risk Worth Taking
As part of the show’s promotions, Martin has been talking about his career-altering decision to publicly come out as gay.
He recently said his father, a psychologist, encouraged him to be honest, even though his team worried about the impact on his career. Martin says his decision to reveal his sexuality felt liberating.
“I wish I could come out 20 times,” the father of four, told Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live” while promoting his new Apple TV+ series.
He said the world embraced him, and his newfound authenticity gave him the power to conquer emotions he didn’t know existed.
Streaming Now
Viewers and critics can't get enough of “Palm Royale." Audiences are captivated by the chemistry between Martin and 91-year-old comedy legend Carol Burnett.
Don’t miss Ricky Martin’s triumphant return to television in “Palm Royale,” streaming now on Apple TV+.
Feature image: Ricky Martin in "Palm Royale," courtesy of Apple TV+.
