Don Darryl Rivera reflects on 'Aladdin' 10th year, SAG Awards nomination

Don Darryl Rivera worked with legendary actress Meryl Streep and the star-studded cast of “Only Murders in the Building” in the Hulu comedy’s third season which aired in 2023.

The Filipino-American actor said being part of the show allowed him to "see the cream of the crop do the craft."

"I asked a lot of questions," he said. "I kind of sat back also and just observed what was happening. I feel like I'm a better actor for it. I'm really grateful for that opportunity."

As part of the main cast of its season three, Rivera received a Best Comedy Ensemble Cast nomination from the Screen Actors Guild Awards in February.

Apart from his first TV nomination, Rivera is also celebrating a milestone in Broadway.

With over 3,500 performances, the musical “Aladdin” recently celebrated its 10 years. Since it opened on Broadway in 2014, Rivera has played the role of Iago, Jafar’s famous sidekick.

Performing eight times a week has become a way of life to the Seattle, Washington native.

Don Darryl Rivera plays Iago at "Aladdin" the Broadway musical's 10th anniversary celebration (Photo by Marc J. Franklin)

"It feels really incredible," Rivera said. "To see a show like that thrive on Broadway is really spectacular."

Asked if playing Iago ever gets old for him, the Fil-Am quipped: "Never, never. I have an older sister so I trained to be a Disney villain my entire life."

The actor also became emotional when he reflected on his overall experiences as a Filipino performer.

The most challenging aspect, he shared, is the occasional reminder "that we're all different, and not necessarily in a good way."

"I occasionally forget," he said. "I'm like, ‘Oh yeah, I am Filipino.’ Because everyone has been so welcoming, but every so often there's a couple of moments here and there where I have to overcome that and represent stronger and be prouder about it. "

Dennis Stowe (Jafar) and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago are shown in "Aladdin" on Broadway (Photo by Evan Zimmerman)

Asked what he tells himself when things like those happen, Rivera said: "I just remind myself that I'm here for a reason, and I can do the best I can to represent and make everyone proud."

Rivera added that his family’s support has been vital to his life and to his career.

"It really is awesome to have such a great support group," he said. "My parents moved from the Philippines during Martial Law so that their future family could have a great life and here we are. I'm really thankful for all of that."

Broadway’s “Aladdin” is performed daily in New York’s New Amsterdam Theatre.