Alfonso “Poncho” Herrera has built an artistic career that is both varied and strong. Many first knew the Mexican actor as a member of the hit band RBD. Since then, he’s reinvented himself time and again. His solid career now puts him front and center in a big Netflix show, Las Muertas. This series is one of the most talked-about productions coming out. In a revealing chat with a prominent entertainment publication, Us Weekly en Español, Poncho shared a lot. He opened up about leaving his music days behind. He also discussed how he changed as an actor for this new series, directed by Luis Estrada. Plus, he expressed how excited he is to keep working with the acclaimed filmmaker.
Alfonso Herrera’s Sure Footing in Acting
Poncho Herrera’s name first soared to international fame because of RBD. This music group came straight from the telenovela Rebelde. Around the mid-2000s, RBD became a huge musical sensation across Latin America, the United States, and Europe. But unlike the others in the band, Poncho chose a different path. He decided to step away from music. His goal was to focus entirely on acting.
Now 41, the actor looks back on those early days with gratitude. He also feels certain he made the right choice for his career. He shared, "I’m happy with the projects I have right now." He added, "But I have a lot of affection for the past." He believes, "The past makes you the person you are today." He finished by saying, "I had an incredible time back then."
Just recently, Poncho got RBD fans talking again. He popped up on social media alongside his former bandmate, Anahí. He didn’t join the group’s 2023 reunion tour. Still, sharing that moment with Anahí sparked a wave of nostalgia. Millions of fans got excited, as they still see him as a vital part of RBD’s story. As time goes on, his acting career and his musical past are growing further apart. This separation shows his clear dedication. You can see this in his impressive acting roles. He’s shone in shows like Ozark and films such as La dictadura perfecta and ¡Que viva México!. Now, he’s starring in Las Muertas. Luis Estrada directed those last three projects.
A Peculiar Pedro Infante in *Las Muertas*
Back on Mexican screens, Herrera takes on the role of Simón Corona in Las Muertas. This character brings to mind the legendary idol Pedro Infante. However, Poncho gives Simón a very unique spin. The actor explained his approach. He said, "There was a very clear nod to Pedro Infante in the way the character looked." But his deeper goal was different. "Deep down, I wanted to show a man with clumsy, irresponsible masculinity." He believes this clumsiness is key. "That clumsiness creates a domino effect in the plot and an apocalypse for all the characters." This acting choice kept his character from being just a simple caricature. It let him explore a kind of masculinity he feels is still present in Mexican society. It’s a masculinity that seems charming on the outside. Yet, it’s full of contradictions and flaws.
Pride and Partnership with Luis Estrada
Simón’s role truly came to life thanks to Luis Estrada’s direction. Poncho couldn’t have done it alone. Poncho openly admires the filmmaker, Luis Estrada. They have worked together many times before. Poncho spoke with great enthusiasm about Estrada. "With Luis, you receive such solid material," he shared. "It gives you all the tools you need to work." He called it "a joy, a pleasure." He firmly believes Estrada is "one of the best directors that Latin America, and consequently, the world, has." He added, "I hope it’s the fourth of many more collaborations." Their shared understanding has grown with each project they tackle. From ¡Que viva México! to this latest mini-series, Estrada and Herrera shine as a creative team. They expertly deliver sharp satire and social commentary. Their work reaches a wide and diverse audience.
What’s Next: Film, Television, and Streaming
Las Muertas marks a big moment for both their careers. But neither man plans to hit the brakes just yet. Estrada and Herrera confirmed their partnership will keep going. They will tackle many more projects together, no matter the format. During their conversation, they both agreed on a key point. "The most important thing," they said, "is not where it premieres." Instead, it’s "what story you want to tell." They plan to work across different media. "Some we will do in film, others on television, others on platforms," they explained. But one thing will always remain constant: "always with the same passion."
For Poncho Herrera, his present is full of exciting challenges. He’s taking on tough characters and teaming up with great talents. These choices really strengthen his path as an actor. He’s truly moved far from his music days. Still, he cherishes the love from fans who knew him from his early career. To his audience, his incredible journey shows something important. He’s much more than just a former RBD member. Poncho Herrera has grown into one of Latin America’s most respected actors.