IN CONVERSATION WITH ROMÁN ZARAGOZA

interview by JANA LETONJA
photography ANDREW LIPOVSKY

Román Zaragoza currently stars on CBS’ hit comedy series ‘Ghosts’, which was recently renewed for two more seasons. He also recently wrapped production on the upcoming animated feature film ‘Aang: The Last Airbender’ for Paramount Pictures, releasing in 2026.

‘Ghosts’ has been such a massive hit. What has this journey been like for you since joining the show in 2021?

This experience has truly been life-changing, and I can't express enough how grateful I am for this show and our incredible team. I was living in Eugene, Oregon when I booked the pilot of ‘Ghosts’, and looking back at how much my life has transformed since then is surreal.

‘Ghosts’ brought a sense of calm into my life that I never expected. I had spent my whole life chasing this dream, growing up in a family that shared the same pursuit. My upbringing was deeply rooted in the performing arts with my father being an actor and I always dreamed of being on a sitcom, so working on this show continues to be an absolute dream come true.

Sasappis is a fan-favourite with his witty and mischievous personality. What do you love most about playing him?

I love how dry his humour is. I’ve definitely found myself adopting more of that dry, sarcastic wit in my everyday life, and I’m all for it. But what I love most is that he’s not perfect. He makes mistakes, he struggles, and he’s constantly striving to be better. Playing someone flawed yet full of hope is incredibly rewarding. I also love that he’s a hopeless romantic. That’s something I really relate to. At the end of the day, I am also a hopeless Romántic.

This season, Sasappis finally gets a love interest. What can you tease about this storyline, and how does it change things for him?

It’s really exciting. Pete introduces Joan, a fast-talking 1940s screenwriter, to the house, and she and Sasappis immediately hit it off. As storytellers, they share a deep connection and the chemistry between them is undeniable. But, is Sasappis still hung up on Shiki? Is he truly ready to move on and open his heart to someone new? We’ll just have to wait and see.

The show has been renewed for two more seasons. Where do you hope to see Sasappis’ story go next?

I really hope we get to learn more about his death. It would definitely bring out some fascinating inner conflict he’s been holding onto. I’d also love to bring my dad back. My real father played Sasappis’ dad on the show, which was such a special experience. Lastly, I’m excited to see how love pushes him to go even crazier. He’s never really gotten close to anyone before and we all know that falling in love brings out all sorts of emotions.

Is there a particular scene or moment from the series you’re most excited for fans to see?

I absolutely love the episode in season one where we discover that Sasappis is a storyteller. It really captures who he is in a nutshell, a character who genuinely wants to help and connect with others, like the moment when he symbolically gives his feather to Sam. This episode also holds a special place for me personally because it was the first time my father and I got to play father and son in a project together. It was a moment I’ll always cherish.

In addition, I’m really proud of the upcoming Joan scenes and can’t wait for audiences to see what unfolds between them

Growing up in a family deeply connected to the arts, did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

I knew early on that performing brought me a lot of joy. I love being on stage, playing characters, and connecting with an audience. To be honest, after high school, I wasn’t sure if acting would be a sustainable career. I had been rejected from UCLA’s musical theatre department and was auditioning constantly without much success. At that point, I decided to pivot and focus on creating my own films and writing my own stories, so I went on to study Film Production, and I’m so grateful for the skills I gained. I’m really excited to get back into creating my own projects.

You’ve had an impressive theatre background. How has your stage experience influenced your work on screen?

Working in theatre is incredible training for film and TV because it teaches you how to truly use your instrument, your voice and body. Theatre also gives you a deep understanding of dramaturgy and how to break down and question a script. I spent a lot of time on new works, which meant I was constantly helping writers develop and discover these characters.

One of my favourite things is originating a character, because you're actively collaborating with the director, writer, and the entire team to bring something new to life. I absolutely love theatre and miss it so much. I hope to get back on stage soon.

You proudly represent multiple cultures—Akimel O’otham, Mexican, Japanese, and Taiwanese. How has your heritage influenced your career and the roles you choose?

Most of my life, I’ve played characters that were race-specific and been involved in shows focused heavily on race. In 2019, I played Orlando in ‘As You Like It’ at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and it was the first time I portrayed a character that wasn’t defined by race. I was simply a young man fighting for love, and it was both eye-opening and freeing to embrace the character without fear or limitation. 

That being said, I also love playing characters that highlight a specific culture or background because media representation has the power to shine a light on people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Showing that stories are universal, regardless of race, is invaluable in bringing the world together. By telling stories from different backgrounds, we not only highlight those cultures but also help others relate more to people from diverse walks of life.

You’ve been involved in Native Voices at the Autry and CSUN’s American Indian Student Association. Why is it important to you to support and uplift Indigenous and mixed-race stories?

I got my start with Native Voices, where I learned the importance of telling the stories of the oppressed, particularly uplifting Native voices. I owe so much to Native Voices and am eager to continue collaborating with them in the future.

I’ve also recently joined the board of Outlast Arts and Education, an organisation dedicated to uplifting Native and Black youth in South Dakota. They host a film camp every year on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and I’m thrilled to be working with them. Additionally, I’m involved with Konaway, a Native youth camp in Ashland, Oregon, that brings both contemporary and traditional art to Native youth.

It’s incredibly important to me to be involved with the next generation and help uplift more Native voices. I believe it’s imperative to lift others as you rise. After all, a rising tide lifts all ships.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

I’m currently working on the animated film ‘The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender’, alongside an incredible cast including Dave Bautista, Eric Nam, Steven Yeun, and more. The film premieres in January 2026, and I absolutely cannot wait for everyone to see it.