Freddy Miyares of the Emmy Winning Series “When They See Us” Joins Roster of Innocence Ambassadors

(New York, NY – September 25, 2019) Freddy Miyares of the Emmy award-winning series When They See Us has joined the roster of Ambassadors at the Innocence Project. Miyares plays the role of Raymond Santana as an adult in Ava DuVernay’s series depicting the personal experiences of the five boys who were wrongfully convicted in the infamous Central Park jogger case. 

Related: Jharrel Jerome Wins Emmy for Role as Korey Wise in When They See Us

“We’re delighted to have Mr. Miyares contribute his talent and enthusiasm to the Innocence Project,” said Maddy deLone, executive director of the Innocence Project, which is affiliated with Cardozo School of Law. “Mr. Miyares’ role in When They See Us offers insight into the causes and suffering behind wrongful convictions. We look forward to growing a meaningful partnership with him by educating people about wrongful convictions and encouraging their involvement in efforts to improve the system.”

Miyares, originally from Miami, Florida, studied at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduation, he moved to New York and landed the role of Raymond Santana in When They See Us. Miyares worked closely with Santana to gain a true understanding of his experience.

I can’t sit here and pretend that I’ve endured even one ounce of what Ray has. I could only come to [the role] from a point of empathy, understanding, and knowledge.

“Of course, I’m just an actor, and I could never really fully become Raymond. I can’t sit here and pretend that I’ve endured even one ounce of what Ray has. I could only come to [the role] from a point of empathy, understanding, and knowledge,” said Miyares.

“The most gratifying thing is to know there is the capacity for change through this medium. That’s why I want to get involved with the Innocence Project as much as I can, and continue to feel motivated and hopeful for change,” he explained. “I want to continue on this journey that I’ve already begun to embark on. Now that I understand the severity of this issue, I want to educate myself even further, and I think working with the Innocence Project is a good way to do so.”

The most gratifying thing is to know there is the capacity for change through this medium. That’s why I want to get involved with the Innocence Project as much as I can, and continue to feel motivated and hopeful for change.

DuVernay’s When They See Us is one of Miyares’ first projects, one that he knows may not happen again in an actor’s career. It taught him about the technicalities of working on a set and the responsibilities that come with playing an important role, and has expressed that working with DuVernay “was really something special.” Miyares’ next project will be a recurring role on Showtime’s The L Word sequel, The L Word: Generation Q premiering in December 2019.

Visit our website to read the full interview with Miyares.