Exclusive Entrevista: Rodrigo Santoro

Forget the usual played-out hunks everyone is used to sweatin'! Rodrigo Santoro has the rugged good looks and A-list stamina that hypnotize even the most prideful of mujeres.

The 33-year-old is no rookie at his game either. He has captivated audiences as the untouchable Xerxes in the epic "300," and teased the ladies as the hunky Karl in "Love Actually." Now the Rio de Janeiro native is continuing his versatile career by playing Cuban heavyweight Raul Castro opposite Benicio del Toro in the latest movie "The Argentine." Check out our exclusive and intimate interview with Rodrigo Santoro right below the hood!

How did you prepare for your role as Raul Castro in "The Argentine"?

The movie is based on the Che diaries so I started reading a lot of material on the Cuban Revolution. After absorbing all of history, I decided to go to Cuba and I spent about a month and a half in Havana and the Sierra Maestra. I got to visit the house where Fidel and Raul were born, which is a museum now. I also got to check out old footage of the Revolution and spoke to a bunch of Cuban historians. It was a long process, but I wanted to do it for myself.

Did you get a chance to meet Raul Castro?

No I didn't get a chance to meet him, but I did get to meet a lot of people that know him.

Who do you think is more bad ass Raul or Fidel Castro?

I don't know. They are different. Fidel has charisma and a strong persona and Raul ties it all together. He was very responsible for the start of the Revolution. He also has very strong ideas and strong motives. In the movie you get to understand the history behind it. Fidel was introduced to Che because of Raul. That is just a part of his huge role in the political movement in Cuba.

Did you walk out of the trip feeling a little Cuban yourself?

A lot actually. There are a lot of similarities between Cuba and Brazil. The African roots tie us together. I found that in the music and the people. There are cultural differences as well of course, but I really had a wonderful time there. It was a good experience beyond just the character I was researching. I got to discover the country in a very special way.

Plenty of people have this notion that Brazil nests the most beautiful people in the world. What are your thoughts on how Brazilians are admired in pop culture?

I think there are attractive people all over the world. People probably have this idea about Brazil because there are a lot of models that become famous for their looks. Brazil has a lot of beautiful people, but I see them everywhere. It shouldn't just be about beauty. There is so much about my country that people don't know, but you can say that about anywhere. Stereotypical ideas are way to common.

That said, what would you consider the sexiest part about yourself?

About me? What do you think? [Laughs] I would say my hands.

Why?

They are the perfect size.

We are left speechless! Rodrigo may pride himself for his hands, but we definitely think he is the complete package! Be sure to check out "The Argentine" in theaters December 12th!
Photos via Claudio Carpi/Corbis Online

Tags Benicio Del Toro, Brazil, Che, Cuba, Fidel Castrol, Movies, Raul Castro, Rodrigo Santoro