Anthony Ramos

Is keeping it real…

Acclaimed for his dual roles in hit musical Hamilton, 27-year-old New Yorker Anthony Ramos shows similar flexibility in his burgeoning film career. He played Gaga’s BFF in A Star Is Born and now stars in Monsters And Men, which charts the aftermath of a police shooting. Next up, Godzilla: King Of The Monsters and a return to song with In The Heights.

What was it about Monsters And Men that interested you?

I grew up in this kind of neighbourhood – in Bushwick, in Brooklyn, in the projects – and Manny, I just knew him. It jumped off the page, it just felt real. And it’s important if a movie can promote a conversation or open a dialogue.

What was it like playing Lady Gaga’s bestie in

A Star Is Born? It was an awesome experience. Stefani and I didn’t have time to build a rapport because I was cast two weeks before filming. But she opened up to me and the chemistry just happened. People come up to me on the street and say, “Did you guys hang out for months before?!” – so it worked.

How did you enjoy working on a huge actioner like Godzilla: King

Of The Monsters? I would never imagine myself being a part of something like that, but the first day of filming we did this massive scene at Fenway Park with explosions, debris and rain… It’s going to be a behemoth of a film, ginormous! It gives you everything you want from a Godzilla film. I saw some clips and I was like, “Yo!”

You’re also reuniting with your Hamilton boss, Lin-Manuel Miranda, for a film version of

In The Heights… I’m just grateful that he called me. Sometimes you only get to work with a brave person once, I’ve got to work with him multiple times. He’s an artist. Being given an opportunity to hang out with the greats is a gift – I don’t ever take it for granted..

ETA | 11 JANUARY / MONSTERS AND MEN OPENS THIS WINTER.