Jorge Garcia looks back at ‘Lost’ 20 years later and the role of a lifetime

Reflecting back on my time with “Lost,” I can truly say it was an extraordinary journey that has left an indelible mark on my life and career. The opportunity to work in Hawaii, creating a show that captivated audiences worldwide, is something I will always cherish.

In spring 2004, actor Jorge Garcia found himself in the back of a van on Oahu’s Mokulē’ia Beach, struggling to make sense of the surreal sight before him. What lay across the sand was the remnants of a colossal passenger plane; one twisted wing from the shattered body aimed skyward, with smoke and fire enshrouding it. Amidst this unsettling scene, Garcia couldn’t help but chuckle – an automatic reaction to discomfort. However, there was an inescapable sensation that lingered: “This role is far beyond my capabilities.

In essence, Garcia joined the hit TV series “Lost,” which was set on a mysterious island following a plane crash. Over six seasons, the show captivated audiences by presenting a complex mystery involving multiple characters from diverse backgrounds struggling for survival. There were romantic entanglements, villains, morally ambiguous characters, and a narrative woven with flashbacks, alternate realities, and clues that viewers tried to decipher to unravel the enigmatic island’s secrets.

Even though Garcia may have had a vague notion of what lay ahead when he set foot on Mokulē’ia Beach two decades ago, he couldn’t have foreseen how it would all conclude. To celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary (airing September 22, 2004), the actor shared his recollections of filming the pilot, the impact the series has had, and his thoughts on Hurley’s evolution from a hapless yet kind-hearted fan favorite to the island’s heir.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.

In the initial stages, the showrunners, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, had not yet fully developed the character of Hurley before the audition process started. Can you share what your audition experience was like?

There was an issue with a character named Hurley who was portrayed as a 50-year-old redneck type, which I found amusing. In the description, he was referred to as a “redshirt,” suggesting that his character might not make it through the pilot episode. However, they asked me to come in and since there wasn’t much material for the other characters, I ended up reading the lines meant for Sawyer instead of Hurley.

How much did you know about Hurley when it came time to shoot the first season?

As a die-hard movie buff, I was initially unaware of the intricate details behind the characters, only grasping what was presented in the pilot. It wasn’t until that first sweltering summer that a select group of scribes were tasked with weaving back stories for our on-screen personas. Among them was Javier Grillo-Marxuach, who brought Hurley to life, giving him the nickname I would later embody – Hugo Reyes. His creative genius concocted an enticing tale where Hurley was a repo man so charismatic and adept at his job that people willingly returned their belongings to him.

Instead of becoming his backstory, it’s amusing how certain concepts eventually appeared in the series. For instance, Jack (Matthew Fox) pretends to be a repo man instead of revealing he’s a doctor, and initially Hurley was portrayed as a redneck, but Sawyer took on that role more prominently. Originally, Sawyer was supposed to be a smooth New Yorker according to the initial character description.

What was your initial thought or feeling about the show before it turned into a massive sensation during its debut season?

Upon learning I’d secured the job, my main thoughts revolved around the fact that J.J. Abrams, both executive producer and director of the pilot, had a strong reputation, and filming was scheduled in Hawaii – essentially, I stood to enjoy a Hawaiian getaway if things didn’t work out. As filming commenced, I recall we were expected to flee with an explosion erupting behind us. My mind wandered, “Do people actually dive after explosions? Is this something that occurs in real life or just on screen?” Then, Abrams bellowed over the megaphone, “Alright, after the explosion, dive into the sand.” Needless to say, we were thrilled at the prospect of performing such an action-packed stunt.

In a series known for its dramatic and tense moments, Hurley often brought laughter to the table, particularly through his interactions with Sawyer. What do you believe contributed to his widespread popularity among viewers?

In Season 1, Hurley’s character evolved to embody the perspective of the viewers, often questioning strange occurrences like, “What could be causing those trees to tremble in the woods?” As the storyline became increasingly intricate, particularly concerning time travel on the island, they included a scene where Hurley struggled to grasp these concepts, leading to frustration for both him and the audience. This portrayal seemed to win over viewers, and many found themselves drawn to Hurley because of it.

At home, we eagerly anticipated each Hurley episode not only for the humor it offered, but also because the relationship between him and his Latino family resonated deeply with our own experiences.

It’s heartwarming to learn that our efforts are appreciated in Latin households, as we often don’t consider the impact while working on the show. Knowing that families eagerly anticipate what we produce truly means a great deal. Initially, during the first season of filming, we didn’t know if our audience would connect with us; all we knew was that we were creating something unique and fresh for television. For instance, remember the first episode featuring Sun (Yunjin Kim) and Jin (Daniel Dae Kim)? More than half of it was subtitled because it wasn’t commonly seen on TV at the time.

Apart from Hurley himself, it was Lillian Hurst and Cheech Marin, who portrayed his parents, who brought about plenty of humor. What aspects of their dynamic did you find amusing?

Wow, when I learned they’d brought on Cheech Marin, I couldn’t help but feel it was a brilliant decision. Having the chance to interact with him was fantastic, given his extensive experience in the industry that seemed endless anecdotes at his disposal. Yet, the relationship between Hurley and his mother is what truly stands out for me. That particular scene where she reconnects with his father and defiantly turns away from the statue of Jesus, saying “I have needs,” remains etched in my memory.

How did your family respond to the frenzy the show created?

They certainly weren’t part of the group who delved deeply to understand the show’s meaning. However, that was my first job that made my mother genuinely proud, and she couldn’t help but boast about it. I landed a role on “Becker” for 13 episodes, which was the job that gave her the confidence that I could make a living out of this. But it was “Lost” that truly brought her pride. When my mother realized how passionate the show’s fans were, she eagerly jumped at the opportunity to play Hurley’s mother. [Chuckles]

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply engrossed in a series where the narrative often jumps back and forth between present events and past experiences. Being part of such a production, I couldn’t help but wonder about the unique experience it offered to the actors as they unveiled fresh layers of their characters, both on the island and beyond. So, I can’t help but ask, what was it like for you, as an actor, to gradually piece together your character’s history, bit by bit?

In my creative process with Hurley, I often used the information available to me as a foundation, then filled in the gaps myself. During conversations with other cast members about new discoveries, they might express, “If I had known this sooner, I would have acted differently.” However, I found these contradictions endearing because they lend authenticity to characters. The inconsistencies make a character seem real and relatable.

As a fan, I can’t help but wonder about the experience of bringing Hurley’s romantic storyline with Libby (played by Cynthia Watros) to life in Season 2. How did it feel for you to be part of such a significant and poignant part of his character’s journey?

Engaging in a romance, however sad its outcome, isn’t something my character is typically involved with. After all, I’m not the type who gets to share a romantic moment atop a cliffside. Frankly, I never thought such an event would happen to me. Yet, here’s the peculiar twist: we moved to Hawaii for a show where characters often met untimely ends. One day, friends and co-stars you’ve grown close with would vanish. It was Cynthia in Season 2 that I had the privilege of working with closely. We didn’t cross paths again for years, but when we did reconnect, it was a joy beyond words. As the final season approached, there were numerous heartwarming reunions among us. By the time we reached the church scene where we were all gathered, it felt incredibly meaningful.

In a series renowned for its unexpected plot developments, viewers found themselves on tenterhooks, eagerly guessing the finale’s outcome. Can you recall the last script you read for that show?

I recall distinctly because they contacted me with news that an additional DVD feature was planned, detailing the process of script creation and delivery to us upon completion. They were incredibly discreet about the scripts; every season finale had a significant portion missing, which was only revealed to those directly involved. However, towards the end, when Damon and Carlton arrived in Hawaii, they occasionally summoned certain individuals aside to share the contents of the confidential pages.

When they presented the script, they hired someone to film additional footage for the DVD. As I was reading over my own copy, I believe others in the room may have sensed a shift in my mood. Just then, the cameraman began recording, and he managed to catch me getting emotional on camera.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself quite surprised when it was revealed during the final season that Hurley had emerged as one of the potential caretakers of the mysterious island. Reflecting on this development, I must admit that my initial thoughts were a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Given his past struggles, it seemed almost too fitting for Hurley to find himself in such an important role. Yet, there was also a sense of hope and anticipation as we prepared to see how this revelation would unfold.

I was really moved because it was such a huge reward for his whole journey to get to do that. To have the island handed over to him? I wasn’t expecting that at all. This was Jack’s story. It starts with his eyes opening, and ends with his eyes closing. It always felt like he was the sun and we were the planets revolving around his experience. So to have Hurley step up into that role — I don’t know, I’m grateful that they did it one step at a time because just sitting back and thinking about it, if they had explained this as his arc, it would’ve been unfathomable. I can’t imagine they knew that from the beginning. I was speechless, just completely at a loss for words at how the Hurley story wrapped up.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, could you share some memorable moments or standout experiences that particularly resonate with you now?

The TV series “Lost” provided a multitude of remarkable chances. Working in Hawaii added to the pleasure, as it seemed like we were the artisans from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” immersed in our production within the jungle. Initially, it felt as though we were solely focused on our small project, sending it to the mainland and leaving the rest to others. It wasn’t until unexpectedly receiving an invitation to attend the Golden Globes to represent the show that we started considering its broader impact.

Do you have any plans for a rewatch?

Back in the early days of the show, there was a custom we followed when an episode focused on your character’s history. We’d gather at your place for a potluck dinner while watching it, celebrating together. I’ve caught glimpses of the series, and what resonates with me most are the blooper reels. When someone slips up and breaks character, it feels like, “Ah, there’s the person I’m familiar with. That’s who I recall from under the tent, waiting for our next scene.

Just recently, I found myself immersed in a nostalgic journey, revisiting some of the most memorable scenes from a beloved show. And when I came across the scene where they jump-start the van, goosebumps rose on my skin. The way the tension was built up, with Michael Giacchino’s score swelling and then Three Dog Night taking over? It left me yearning to rewatch the entire series all over again. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since its premiere, but I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of something so extraordinary. Despite the passage of time, I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue working and contributing to this incredible industry.

As a passionate storyteller and shutterbug residing in the vibrant heart of Austin, I’ve had the privilege of seeing my work gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, New York Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, and many more.

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2024-09-21 22:32