Article Overview
"El Rey, Vicente Fernández" is an enthralling 36-episode biographical series that explores the captivating journey and accomplishments of the iconic Mexican ranchera artist, Vicente Fernández. This compelling show provides a refreshing perspective for both ardent admirers and those discovering his legacy for the first time.
The series showcases four actors who play Vicente Fernández at various points in his life, providing an in-depth examination of his musical journey and growth. Despite enduring personal hardships and rejection, Fernández's unwavering devotion to music ultimately resulted in his breakthrough, propelling him to fame and highlighting his resilience and determination to achieve his aspirations.
When the 36-episode biopic series "El Rey, Vicente Fernández" premiered on Netflix in 2022, it captivated both avid fans and newcomers with its sensational portrayal of the iconic Mexican ranchera musician and singer. Similar to beloved music biopics like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Rocketman," and "Elvis," "El Rey, Vicente Fernández" offers a comprehensive look into Fernández's life and career, leaving no stone unturned.
What sets "El Rey, Vicente Fernández" apart is its use of four talented actors to depict different stages of the musician's life. Kaled Acab portrays a young Vicente Fernàndez, Sebastian García embodies Fernández during his teenage years, Sebastian Dante brings to life Fernández's early days as an emerging musician, and Jaime Camil portrays an older Fernández at the pinnacle of his career. Alongside these performances, the series also delves into the significant roles played by characters such as Fernández's mother, Paula (Marissa Saavedra), and his wife, Maria (Regina Pavón).
With its engrossing storytelling, "El Rey, Vicente Fernández" surprises even the most devoted fans with eye-opening revelations about the musician's life. It is a must-watch series that both diehard fans and those new to Fernández's music can enjoy, as it offers a remarkable insight into the journey of a legendary artist.
El Rey, Vicente Fernández Tells The Singer's Entire Life Story
Every Actor Who Plays Vicente Fernández | |
Actor | Character |
Kaled Acab | Fernández as a child |
Sebastian García | Fernández as a teenager |
Sebastian Dante | Fernández in his early music career |
Jaime Camil | Fernández at the height of his fame |
With a total of 36 episodes, El Rey, Vicente Fernández allowed ample time for the creative team to carefully craft and faithfully depict the life of Fernández. Through a comprehensive exploration of every aspect of his life, they presented a rich and accurate portrayal of the renowned musician. This dedication is evident in the initial 12 episodes, which meticulously delve into Fernández's childhood, teenage years, and early music career. Rather than feeling like filler content, these episodes serve the crucial purpose of establishing and developing the character, ultimately unveiling the trajectory that led him to become one of Mexico's most beloved and renowned musicians.
Fernández Specifically Picked Jane the Virgin's Jaime Camil To Play Him
Since the very beginning, Fernández and his family have played a significant role in the development of El Rey, Vicente Fernández. It was Vicente Fernández himself who personally chose Jaime Camil to portray him in the series (via Al Dia). Camil is widely recognized for his acclaimed portrayal of Rogelio de la Vega in the CW series Jane the Virgin. Additionally, he has also starred in numerous other films and TV shows, such as Antonio Rivas in Steven Soderbergh's Kimi, Jorge Chavez in Netflix's BoJack Horseman, and Don Karnage in Disney's DuckTales.
Fernández Showed Signs Of His Musical Talents During His Early Years
The initial 12 episodes of El Rey, Vicente Fernández, predominantly delve into his formative years. Significant highlights encompass the gift of his first-ever guitar as a child, his determination to prioritize music over returning to school, and his early forays into the music industry as a member of various mariachi bands, performing at restaurants. These scenes not only provide insights into Fernández's youthful persona but also demonstrate the evolution of his passion for music.
Fernández Faced Constant Rejection And Personal Issues Throughout His Career
However, in spite of Fernández's exceptional talent and unwavering passion for music, he initially encountered significant difficulties in achieving mainstream success. The documentary El Rey, Vicente Fernández, sheds light on the fact that numerous, if not all, major record labels in Mexico turned down Fernández and his music. To make matters even more challenging, Fernández tragically lost his mother to cancer at the tender age of 23 (via HITC). Nevertheless, despite these formidable obstacles, Fernández tenaciously clung to his dream and remained determined to pursue a career as a professional musician. Despite facing rejections, Fernández persisted in honing his craft, endlessly playing and performing his music for anyone willing to listen, patiently awaiting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Fernández Finally Got His Big Break When He Signed With CBS Mexico
Fernández's big break came when he was presented with the opportunity to showcase his music on XEX-AM, the most renowned radio station in Mexico at that time. Coincidentally, this momentous occasion occurred shortly after the unexpected passing of the esteemed ranchera and bolero singer, Javier Sollís, resulting in a void within the Mexican music industry that needed to be filled urgently. Consequently, only a few days after Sollís' demise, Fernández inked a deal with CBS Mexico, who generously provided financial support for his initial albums.
Fernández Also Became A Big Movie Star
El Rey, Vicente Fernández also showcases Fernández's successful journey in the world of acting. His inaugural role was in a 1971 film titled Tacos Al Carbón (Grilled Tacos). However, it was his remarkable performance in La Ley del Monte (The Law of the Wild) in 1974 that marked the turning point in his career, as he also contributed to the movie's soundtrack. Subsequently, Fernández graced the silver screen in numerous other films, with his final appearance being in the 1991 release, Mí Querido Viejo (My Dear Old Man). It is noteworthy that Fernández's exceptional contributions to the field of acting led to the honor of having his own star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame.
El Rey, Vicente Fernández Showcases Just How Beloved And Famous The Singer Became
El Rey, Vicente Fernández not only tells a compelling story about the life and career of Vicente Fernández, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of why people adore and connect with his music. Similar to other music biopics, the show delves into Fernández's creation of his iconic hits like "Tu Camino y El Mío" and "Cantina del Barrio". It then showcases Fernández's captivating performances of these songs at concerts and live music events.
Where to Stream El Rey, Vicente Fernández?
Editor's P/S
As a long-time fan of Vicente Fernández, I was thrilled to hear about the release of the Netflix series "El Rey, Vicente Fernández." The show did not disappoint, as it provided a comprehensive and captivating look at the life and career of this legendary Mexican singer.
One of the things I appreciated most about the series was its attention to detail. The show's creators clearly did their research, and it showed in the accuracy of the portrayal of Fernández's life. From the sets and costumes to the music and performances, everything was spot-on.
I was also impressed by the acting in the series. The four actors who played Fernández at different stages of his life all did an excellent job of capturing his essence. Jaime Camil, in particular, was outstanding as the older Fernández. He brought a real sense of gravitas to the role and truly embodied the spirit of the character.
Overall, I thought "El Rey, Vicente Fernández" was a well-made and entertaining series that did justice to the legacy of one of Mexico's greatest singers. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Fernández or who is interested in learning more about his life and music.