Camila Pérez on Saying Goodbye to Apple TV+ Acapulco and Why Eugenio Derbez Is the Goodfather of All Latino Actors – INTERVIEW

For four seasons, Acapulco on Apple TV+ has been a vibrant, bilingual love letter to 1980s Mexico, filled with neon colors, big dreams, and the kind of heartfelt comedy that bridges generations. But for Colombian actress Camila Pérez, who brought the ambitious and independent Julia González to life, saying goodbye to the series was like parting ways with a dear friend.

"I see Julia like someone I met at a bar or on a train, and we talked for hours," Pérez told The Latin Times. "She inspired me. I learned so much from her. Saying goodbye was sad, but it was also emotional in a beautiful way, like watching a friend fly toward her dreams."

From Dream Role to Life-Changing Experience

Pérez first joined Acapulco in its debut season, playing Julia, a smart and driven young woman navigating the luxury resort Las Colinas in the sun-soaked coastal city. Over the years, Julia evolved from an idealistic worker to a confident woman balancing love, ambition, and self-discovery.

The show, created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros, and Jason Shuman, is narrated by Eugenio Derbez as an older version of Máximo Gallardo, who recounts his life in flashbacks. With its mix of Spanish and English dialogue, Acapulco quickly won praise for its warmth, cultural authenticity, and universal themes of ambition, friendship, and love.

For Pérez, the role opened professional doors she once thought were out of reach. "It changed my life in every way," she said. "In my career, in my personal life... thanks to Julia, I've been able to live my dreams. She gave me color, life, lessons, and visibility. I'll always be grateful."

The Final Season's Goodbye

Season 4, the show's last, tied together the storylines fans had followed since the beginning. For Julia, it was a culmination of her personal and professional journey. Pérez admits it was tough to close the chapter, but she feels the character's arc will stay with her forever.

She even mused about where Julia might be in 2025. "Julia and Máximo are both ambitious, which can make a relationship tricky, but it can also inspire. I think they could still be together. And Cha? He's probably still on an ayahuasca journey in Bali," she laughed.

Eugenio Derbez: The "Goodfather" of Latino Talent

Working alongside Eugenio Derbez, who also stars as young Máximo's older self, was another highlight for Pérez. She calls him the "Padrino" of Latino actors, not just for his mentorship on set but for the way he uplifts talent across the industry.

"In Colombia, I grew up watching him," she said. "When my family heard I was doing Acapulco, they weren't excited about my job. They were excited I was working with Ludovico Peluche!" she said referencing his character on the iconic Mexican sitcom La familia P.Luche

"He's exactly the same off-camera as on. That's rare, and I respect that so much," she added.

What's Next for Camila Pérez?

While Pérez bids farewell to Julia, she's keeping her options open and even joked about a possible Acapulco spinoff centered on her character. "I'd love to see Julia's story continue, maybe with Jaime Camil playing her mom," she said, laughing.

For now, she's inviting audiences to relive the magic. "You don't need an iPhone to watch Acapulco," she said. "Just download Apple TV+, watch all four seasons, and enjoy with your family or by yourself. It's a show that makes you feel good."

As the credits roll for the last time, Pérez takes comfort in knowing Julia will always be a part of her, a character who taught her about independence, love, and the power of dreaming big.

You can find the new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. The final episode will drop on September 17.

Originally published on Latin Times