Political struggle and volatile romance form the explosive backdrop to this epic series. Sangre Negra is the cross-generational saga of the Santos Family which is told telenovela style and combines the family drama of “Dallas” with the underworld intrigue of the “Sopranos.”
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, the Santos family includes Guillermo Santos Sr. (played brilliantly by Erik Estrada), the wealthy patriarch of La Familia de Santo; the eldest son, Guillermo Jr. (Ricardo Herranz) a dashing and ambitious criminal defense attorney, and Ricardo “Ricky” Santos (Antonio McKay), the half-black, half-Hispanic illegitimate son of Guillermo Sr. The charismatic, charming devil Ricky is an upcoming star in the world of organized crime. Christian Santos (Danny Arroyo) rounds out the cast as the youngest of the Santos brothers, a decorated LA detective sincerely dedicated to cleaning up the streets of Los Angeles, even if it means putting Ricky, his own brother, in jail.
The brothers are “the Law, the Lawyer and the Lawbreaker!” When Ricky gets arrested- by his brother, the cop, naturally his attorney brother defends him. Guillermo is constantly trying to make the peace between Christian and Ricky. This series features the constant battle between good and evil, and how the choices made will determine the path each character will take to achieve the American dream.
“The Lawless” Antonio McKay 
“The Lawyer” Ricardo Herranz 
“The Law” Danny Arroyo
I was fortunate to be able to chat with stars Ricardo Herranz (Secretos) and Antonio McKay (Law & Order, Jimmy Kimmel Show), who is also the writer of Sangre Negra (Black Blood).
I knew it was going to be fun because I had already watched the first 3 episodes and found them fast-paced, filled with melodrama, and sensational intrigue! You can’t help being drawn into this web of crimes and misdemeanors, orchestrated by Ricky, who goes about his business like a Pirate on the High Seas with no worry or concern for the consequences resulting from his actions.
The show really has a family vibe. How did you create characters that love and hate each other?
Antonio McKay: Each character has their own identity – The Law, a detective who believes in his mission, The Lawyer, who understands The Law and how to use it for his client’s advantage, and The Lawless, who knows how to manipulate them all! They each share the same father and they all understand the power of being part of the Santos Family. It is also especially rewarding to have a role creating the content of a character I will play.
Ricardo Herranz: The set, run by Director Frank Pinnock, a co-creator on the show, leaves it up to the actor to interpret his character. He completely trusts the actor’s talent and ability to improvise and allows the freedom to explore. He creates an ideal environment for an actor to be creative. He allows you to be a kid again and go for the moment.
There are familiar faces in supporting roles. Was that your intention?
Antonio McKay: I was definitely aiming for ethnic diversity. Hispanic and Latinos are the largest ethnic minority and the telenovela is very familiar for this population which is inspired by the DALLAS format. We included familiar actors like Eric Estrada (CHiPS) as the patriarch, Eric Roberts (The Pope of Greenwich Village) plays an Attorney General, we have Stoney Jackson (The Insiders, The White Shadow), Robert Miano (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and Richard Greico (21 Jump Street) is joining us, who play the SOPRANO‘S element to the story.
Who inspired you as an actor?
Antonio McKay: When I was very young my Mom got me started watching Errol Flynn movies, (The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, The Charge of the Light Brigade). He was a hero to me and I guess I lean towards roles that allow me to be a Swashbuckler!
Ricardo Herranz: I am an admirer of Sean Connery, he is just naturally cool. Being cool is a gift, but you can still aspire to attain it.
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Thank you Antonio and Ricardo !
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