IN CONVERSATION WITH ERIC WINTER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents actor and producer Eric Winter, starring in this exclusive editorial captured by Bret Lamke. Eric currently stars in ABC’s hit series ‘The Rookie’, which is currently airing its sixth season. ‘The Rookie’ has not only taken the coveted spot as one of ABC’s top scripted drama shows, but is also ranked as one of Hulu’s most watched series with nearly 500 million hours streamed since 2018. This May, Eric will be launching an exciting new venture ‘Palm Republic’, a handcrafted premium, unique blend of rums from diverse rum making regions of Panama, Jamaica and the US Virgin Islands.

Eric, you’ve been in the acting business for over two decades. What would you describe as the highlight of your career so far?

There have honestly been quite a few highlights along the way for me. I would start with booking my first TV pilot that went on to be a very short-lived series. When I got the job, I had to audition in front of Hugh Jackman because he was an executive producer. When I finished, he jumped up and gave me a huge hug while telling me I got the job. Getting the movie ‘The Ugly Truth’ was also huge for me at the time and finally landing the role of Tim Bradford on ‘The Rookie’. No one believed I was right for the role because they thought I was too nice of a person, so it felt great to show everyone what I can do as an actor. 

We’re currently able to watch you on the sixth season of ABC’s hit show ‘The Rookie’. What can the fans expect from the remaining episodes?

As far as Tim goes, we will continue to see his growth as a person and more of his personal challenges unfold. He and Lucy will continue to navigate their breakup and current situation. As a team, we will explore some secrets and drama within the department.  Some lives will be in danger and our team will work to protect them by bringing down some very corrupt individuals. 

The show’s also been renewed for a seventh season, which will be returning to the screens this Fall. How exciting is it to hear when a show gets renewed for another season?

Getting renewed for any new season is exciting and something I never take for granted. I’ll be honest, it feels so special to be headed into season 7. This is so rare nowadays and I am so happy to be on this journey with our team. It’s also very unique to see a show like ours continue to grow and become even more popular this late in the series. Our fans are simply the best.

What do you love the most about ‘The Rookie’ and your character Sergeant Tim Bradford?

I love how ‘The Rookie’ continues to balance the incredible level of action, drama and humor with incredible character development. I personally love the role of Bradford because he is one of the most dynamic characters I’ve ever gotten to play. He is so broken and just when you think he is moving past his challenges, there is another setback. As an actor, this character always keeps me on my toes and allows me to explore so much. Every season, I get to peel back a new layer of Bradford. 

Besides acting, you’re also co-hosting the weekly iHeart Radio podcast ‘He Said, Ella Dijo’ with your wife Roselyn Sanchez.Tell us more about how this podcast came about and what inspires your weekly episodes?

This podcast is based on our real life dynamic of opposites attract. We are such different people culturally and with our personalities, yet we have managed to build a strong marriage for 16 years with respect, understanding and humor.

iHeart saw this quality in us and asked if we would be interested in exploring this on air through pop culture topics, personal experiences and guests. 

How do you balance it all, work and family life?

This is always a balancing act, but before my career, I am a dad and a husband. My family is everything to me, so by always making them my top priority, it helps the work life balance feel seamless. Don’t get me wrong, it still takes a lot of work to make things function at the highest level, but I always make decisions with my family in mind first. I also have an incredibly supportive wife that pushes me to be the best I can on all fronts. 

This May, you’ll also be launching an exciting new venture, ‘Palm Republic’, a handcrafted, premium, unique blend of rums from Panama, Jamaica and West Indies. Tell us more about it and how was the idea for this venture born?

I am so excited for the launch of my rum ‘Palm Republic’. It’s looking like we will be ready for pre-orders by the end of May and fully in the market by early June. I first fell in love with rum when I met my wife’s family for the first time in Puerto Rico. They are big rum drinkers and I had never been introduced to the quality of premium rum before. Rum always reminds me of those special trips to the islands or being on vacation. It also makes me think about bringing cultures together.  So with that, I wanted to bring a premium rum to the States that represented what I fell in love with 19 years ago. There aren’t a lot of great premium rums that are easy to come by in the US and that’s why this has been a passion project of mine for the past few years. 

How did you decide on blending the rums specifically from Panama, Jamaica and USVI?

My partner Brad Parkes and I tasted a bunch of different rums from different regions all over the world. These rums were derived from different sugarcane that take on unique properties from the soil it was grown in, as well as very different distilling techniques. After finding three special rums, we blended them into something that is better than the sum of its parts. The fact that these various rums also came from very different cultures reminded me of the first time I had rum with my wife’s family. 

With the launch just around the corner, are you already thinking of the future plans for the brand?

Yes, we are already planning on some other special blends and ages we’d like to play with. Possibly a Caribbean blend leaning heavy on Puerto Rican rum and even some single barrel special releases.  

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects, besides of course ‘Palm Republic’ and the new season of ‘The Rookie’?

My wife and I are actively producing projects. We have a drama in development, centered around a special unit of Homeland Security based out Puerto Rico and a comedy set up at FOX that we are hoping to get greenlit. 

We are always looking for content to build on and produce. Outside of entertainment, we also have a couple of other business ventures that we are about to embark on together. 

TEAM CREDITS:
talent ERIC WINTER
photographer BRET LEMKE
stylist BRANDEN RUIZ
groomer COURTNEY HOUSNER
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA