Gorka Otxoa
Laughter is the best medicine
When we laugh, our brain releases endorphins—the happy hormone—. Gorka Otxoa, who has just starred in the third season of 'Alpha Males', invites us to laugh by recommending five Spanish comedy series. A way of campaigning for Spanish talent—both current and from yesteryear— for humour and, in particular, that of three creators this actor knows well.
“Comedy is a kind of therapy, even if it’s just because it makes us laugh and releases endorphins.” This is the medicine prescribed by a master of comedy, Gorka Otxoa (San Sebastián, 1979), on Blue Monday, known as the most depressing day of the year. This actor knows it works, people say so on social media: “When someone who’s going through a rough patch leaves you a comment saying that you’ve cheered them up, it’s the best.” In promo mode for the third season of Alpha Males, Gorka came to Café Comercial in Madrid to reveal his five favourite Spanish comedy series and, while he’s at it, campaign for Spanish talent in this genre. “There’s a lot of talent for comedy in Spain, but that’s always been the case—he reminisces—. We’ve also had (and have) great comedy actors and actresses. Spanish comedy is on good form and is now exported a lot.”
“When someone who’s going through a rough patch leaves you a comment saying that you’ve cheered them up, it’s the best”
Spanish comedy is exported so much that, to his surprise, Gorka is even recognised in Hungary! Because Alpha Males has turned into a global phenomenon. So, we ask him: What is the key to success for a comedy series? “The most important thing is to connect with the audience, either because of the situations or the gags. Another key is the rhythm, because comedy has a lot of musicality, like a score.” Before revealing his favourite Spanish comedy series, this actor tells us why no one should miss the new season of Alpha Males. “Laughter is guaranteed, as always, but this season is more layered, it delves deeper into the characters’ emotions and is much more natural, more human, without compromising on comedy.”
The best Spanish comedy series
Alpha males
“A series I hugely enjoy as an actor and as a spectator. For me, it has been a gift. I think the way it broaches such a serious topic as male chauvinism through comedy is brilliant. I’ve watched it several times, which I haven’t done with other series I’ve starred in (laughs). The dialogues are dynamic and the cast work well. It has been well received around the world. Last year, while travelling in Hungary, I was often recognised, but also in Brazil or Argentina, people are crazy about the series. In February, we will start filming the fourth season.”
Celeste
“It’s one of the last series I’ve seen, and I enjoyed it a lot. The story of this tax inspector, a character we’re not used to seeing portrayed in fiction, captivated me from the very beginning. And it’s starred by Carmen Machi, who’s always brilliant. It’s a dark comedy, almost a thriller. Diego San José usually works with this type of humour, far away from gags and jokes, and I’m fascinated by what he’s achieved with this series. Alongside Borja Cobeaga and Alberto and Laura Caballero, he’s the best comedy creator in Spain.”
I Don't Like Driving
“I’ve mentioned one by the Caballero siblings and one by Diego San José, so I’ll continue with one by Borja Cobeaga, whom I’ve also worked with. A pleasure, by the way. The series isn’t one joke after another, but it has that—I’m going to make up the word—Cobeagan tone. So hard to pronounce (laughs). It’s also starred by Juan Diego Botto, who hasn’t done much comedy—a few years ago he told me he really wanted to give it a try—and it’s amazing, like everything he does. I had a great time because, who hasn’t struggled to get their driving licence?
Vaya semanita
“Diego [San José], Borja [Cobeaga] and I started out with this series, which was a social sensation in the Basque Country, even though we were competing against Cuéntame or Big Brother. People still remember it fondly, also in the rest of Spain, because the series became universal. “You’re the guy from that Basque comedy sketch programme,” some taxi drivers in Madrid tell me, even though I’ve been in loads of things since! We touched on complex social and political topics from a humorous perspective without falling into propaganda. Credit goes to the scriptwriters. And we made a great team, a forever family.”
Vergüenza
“Finally, I’m hesitating between Vergüenza and Little Faith... It’s hard, but I’m going to say Vergüenza because it’s a type of humour, a sitcom, that I love to see and act in. It features Javier Gutiérrez, who’s sublime, and his character can’t stop screwing up without meaning to. He gets into all sorts of trouble... The more pathetic the situation, the funnier (and more uncomfortable) it becomes. The scripts by Juan Cavestany are wonderful. I know of friends who watched it with their heads in their hands (laughs).
Have you seen any of the series prescribed by Gorka? If not, what are you waiting for? Thanks to the talent for comedy we have in Spain, laughter is guaranteed. Cheers and lots of laughs!
