Anthony Ramos: Brooklyn-born actor, singer who chose Broadway over baseball, rise to stardom in Hamilton, inspired by Busta & influenced by Bradley Cooper, once turned down J.Lo, his Latino roots, and yes—answers the phone in the shower.

Sep 30, 2025

Anthony Ramos, a Brooklyn-born actor and singer known for his breakout role in Hamilton, shares his inspiring journey from the streets to Broadway stages. He reflects on pivotal moments, like turning down a project with J.Lo for loyalty and learning the ropes of performance from his tough upbringing. Ramos discusses his commitment to authenticity in Hollywood, the influence of icons like Busta Rhymes and Bradley Cooper, and how his Puerto Rican roots shape his artistic identity. He also reveals ambitious future projects, including a unique take on Bob the Builder.

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ANECDOTE

From Shower Call To Scholarship

Anthony Ramos got into AMDA via a scholarship after teachers advocated for him despite poor grades.
He described the emotional meeting where he shared his hardships and earned the Jerry Seinfeld Scholarship support.

INSIGHT

Street Survival Shaped His Craft

Growing up in tough neighborhoods forces you to perform socially and adapt constantly.
Ramos says that improvising to survive taught him acting skills long before formal training.

ANECDOTE

Turned Down Jennifer Lopez Role

Ramos turned down a role tied to a high-profile relationship out of loyalty and discomfort.
He emphasized choosing principles over short-term career gain and maintaining respectful relationships.

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"When you stand on what matters, everything is going to fall into place for you." Anthony Ramos

One's journey is never a straight line and often the path we think we are destined for is paved with lots of ups and downs that lead us to where we belong. In this pivotal conversation, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with multi‑talented actor, singer, and storyteller Anthony Ramos, to explore the twists, turns, and lessons that have shaped his journey. From humble beginnings of the New York streets to Broadway stages, from major film sets to music studios, Anthony shares how he’s navigated shifting expectations, risk, and growth — all while staying rooted in identity and purpose.

He shares the impact that starring in Hamilton had on his life, the wisdom from Busta Rhymes, the excitement of Spike Lee, being on set with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, his most transformative role as well as his most challenging and gives a sneak peek at some big projects in the works.

It's a reflective and honest conversation on the little moments and decisions that led him to chase his dream down an unlikely path overcoming poverty, sharing how the streets taught him to act and maneuver the challenges of a rough upbringing and why pursuing a passion is often out of reach for people like him. He talks to Ryan about dealing with race and cultural barriers, staying authentically himself while balancing Hollywood pressures, choosing to be on the right side of his beliefs, betting on himself and taking risks to chase the big roles.

He talks to Channing how he mended the relationship with his father before he passed and explains to Fred saying no is hard but being loyal to his roots matters the most, which he explains turning down the chance to work with J.Lo.

The guys get into what “pivoting” really means when your life is already in motion as this episode goes beyond the highlight reel to dig into the grind, the doubts, and the quiet breakthroughs. Whether you’re in creative fields or facing your own pivot point, Anthony’s transparency and mindset offer resonance and inspiration.

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