Kevin Alejandro is a name many TV lovers recognize — a versatile actor, occasional director, and proud Texan. In recent interviews, he’s offered a candid look at his roots, his love for the Dallas Cowboys, and what’s ahead in Fire Country’s next season. Below, we dive deep into his journey, the challenges he’s embraced, and the emotional terrain awaiting his character, Manny Perez.
From Snyder, Texas to Hollywood: The Early Journey
Growing up in Snyder, Texas, Kevin Alejandro learned the meaning of grit, community, and perseverance. His small-town upbringing embedded in him a grounded sense of identity, one that he says continues to influence his work.
He studied theater, pursued auditions, and gradually carved a foothold in Hollywood. Along the way, he took roles in shows like Lucifer, Arrow, and a host of guest spots and recurring parts. Over time, he refined his craft, learned the business, and began to direct.
Wearing the Cowboys Jersey: A Football Love Story
When Alejandro talks about football, his passion lights up. He’s a diehard fan of the Dallas Cowboys, a devotion rooted in his Texan identity. In interviews, he mentions game days as sacred: he watches, he stresses, he wears the gear with pride.
This fandom is more than casual — it’s part of his persona. It grounds him to home, reminds him of what shaped him, and gives fans a glimpse into who he is off-camera.
Manny Perez in Fire Country: Transformation & Conflict
In Fire Country, Alejandro plays Manny Perez, one of the fire captains at Station 42. He’s a character under pressure: leadership, loss, loyalty, and tragic events all press on him.
During Season 3 and heading into Season 4, Manny faces health scares, shifting alliances, and emotional strain. Alejandro says this transition is one of the most challenging arcs he’s taken, pushing him both as an actor and a person.
Directing & Creative Control: Stepping Behind the Camera
Alejandro hasn’t limited himself to acting. He’s also directed episodes of Fire Country (and even Lucifer), working alongside his wife, Leslie. For him, directing adds depth — he feels it gives him a fuller understanding of story, character rhythms, and collaboration.
He describes the shift as rewarding but demanding. Directing himself requires a different mindset: stepping back, observing, trusting fellow actors, and holding space for moments that aren’t “showy” but essential.
Balancing Dual Roles: Actor & Director
Switching between being in front of the camera and behind it is not easy. Alejandro admits there are times when he must “flip the switch” mentally: in one moment, he’s Manny reacting; in the next, he’s the one calling cuts, framing shots, or giving notes.
He views it as a creative expansion. Being in both chairs lets him influence tone, pacing, and emotional beats in a way that strengthens his performance.
Texas Roots & Cultural Identity
Kevin doesn’t shy from embracing where he came from. The values of loyalty, honor, authenticity — traits he associates with his Texas upbringing — echo in his work and his approach to storytelling.
He carries that authenticity into Fire Country, especially in portrayals of community, resilience, and sacrifice. He sees no disconnect between being Texan and being a film and television actor — for him, it’s part of the same story.
Challenges & Setbacks: The Tough Roads
Every career has ups and downs. Alejandro acknowledges that roles pass, scripts change, projects get canceled, and doubts creep in. But he leans on persistence and the lessons learned in those quieter moments.
He says he’s had to fight for roles, prove himself continually, and resist complacency. These challenges have given him humility and fuel, not discouragement.
Casting & Chemistry: Building Station 42’s Team
In interviews, Alejandro praises the cast chemistry in Fire Country. He feels fortunate to work with actors who bring vulnerability and grit. For him, strong ensemble dynamics elevate every scene — especially when relationships are tested by trauma, loss, and the demands of firefighting.
He sees the new season as an opportunity for deeper exploration of how trust, leadership, and loyalty are redefined when things shift.
The Emotional Core: Manny’s Inner Conflict
Manny Perez is more than a firefighter or a leader — he’s a man carrying burdens. He wrestles with loss, guilt, the need to protect others, and the weight of command.
Alejandro says scenes where Manny falters are the hardest — not the action or rescue sequences, but the quiet moments when he doubts, grieves, or simply must decide what to do next.
Those moments, Alejandro notes, are the heart of character work.
What to Expect in Season 4: Stakes, Arcs, & Surprises
Going into Season 4, Alejandro teases several elements:
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Manny’s health and ability to lead may face new limitations.
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The power dynamics at Station 42 will shift, forcing characters to adapt.
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Relationships (romantic, familial, collegial) will go through stress tests.
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New challenges — natural, political, emotional — will push the team’s limits.
He suggests fans should expect evolution. Manny won’t be the same, and neither will the dynamics of the show.
Audience & Fan Response: Connection & Expectation
When asked about fan reactions, Alejandro says he feels humbled by how people gravitate toward Manny’s journey. He hears from viewers who relate to leadership pressure, personal loss, redemption, or simply the desire to protect those you care about.
He understands expectations are high — replacing or evolving characters carries risks. But he views that energy as motivation to honor what came before while taking the story forward in meaningful ways.
Lessons Learned: Advice From Kevin Alejandro
Reflecting on his years in the business and the mounting complexity of Fire Country, Alejandro offers advice:
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Stay grounded — remember where you came from and what motivates you.
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Keep learning — whether it’s acting, directing, or collaboration, growth never stops.
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Embrace vulnerability — strong characters are those who can show weakness.
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Choose roles that challenge you — don’t rest on past success.
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Protect your passion — the industry wears you down if you let it; keep sight of your purpose.
Conclusion
Kevin Alejandro’s journey is one of persistence, identity, and transformation. From his early days in Snyder, Texas, to directing episodes and carrying heavy emotional arcs on Fire Country, he’s built a career shaped by intention and resilience. As Season 4 looms, he carries both hope and pressure for Manny’s path ahead — and audiences will undoubtedly watch closely as that journey unfolds.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Has Kevin Alejandro directed episodes of Fire Country?
A1: Yes, he has directed episodes of Fire Country, working both behind the camera and onscreen.
Q2: How does Kevin Alejandro’s Texas background influence his work?
A2: It grounds him, gives him authenticity, and provides a set of values he brings into his performances.
Q3: What challenges does Manny Perez face in Season 4?
A3: Health issues, shifting trust and leadership, and emotional strain will all drive Manny’s arc.
Q4: Why does Alejandro love the Cowboys so much?
A4: His fandom is tied to identity and roots — it’s part of who he is beyond acting.
Q5: What career advice does Kevin Alejandro share for aspiring actors?
A5: Stay grounded, keep learning, show vulnerability, choose challenging roles, and protect your passion.
