Rodrigo Santoro on ‘Runner,’ Real Heroes & ‘Love Actually’

Rodrigo Santoro joins NaVell J. Lee on The Buzz to talk about his role as Damien Zaldivar in Runner and why he wanted to create a villain who couldn't simply be labeled “bad.” Santoro breaks down the character's vulnerability, unpredictability and surprising playfulness, including the improvisations that made it into the final film.

Then, the conversation takes an unexpected and deeply personal turn. Realizing the interview is taking place on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Santoro reflects on Runner 's first-responder characters and the real people willing to risk their own lives to help complete strangers. “You don't need to wear a cape to be a hero.” Plus, Santoro looks back at Love Actually , why audiences still connect with the film more than 20 years later, and why Karl and Sarah's bittersweet story may be more true to life than a fairy-tale ending.

It's a conversation about villains, heroes, courage, love—and the humanity connecting all of them.