Román Zaragoza is a talented actor, director, and producer making waves in the entertainment industry. Best known for his role as Sasappis on CBS’s hit sitcom Ghosts, román Zaragoza has captivated audiences with his humor, depth, and dedication to authentic representation. From his early career to his impact on Indigenous storytelling, Zaragoza’s journey is an inspiring one.
Early Life and Background
Born in New York City, Román Zaragoza comes from a diverse cultural background. His father, Gregory Zaragoza, is of Akimel O’otham and Mexican descent, while his mother, Shirley Zaragoza, has Japanese and Taiwanese roots. Growing up in a multicultural household gave Zaragoza a unique perspective on identity and storytelling.
When he was 11 years old, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he was exposed to the entertainment industry. His father, a seasoned actor, inspired him to explore the world of acting, while his mother, a business professor, emphasized the importance of education.
A Passion for Acting and the Arts
Zaragoza’s love for performing arts began in high school, where he participated in theater productions. His involvement with Native Voices at the Autry, a prestigious theater company dedicated to Native American stories, played a crucial role in shaping his career.
At just 15, he performed in Off the Rails, a Native Voices production that was later chosen for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This experience gave him the confidence to pursue acting professionally.
Education at CSUN
In 2014, Zaragoza enrolled at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), majoring in Cinema and Television Arts. CSUN’s strong film program provided him with opportunities to explore various aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, and producing.
During his time at CSUN, Zaragoza took part in several student film projects and theater productions. In 2017, he played Usnavi in the university’s production of In the Heights, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His time at CSUN reinforced his passion for storytelling and gave him the skills to navigate the entertainment industry.
Breaking into Hollywood
Zaragoza faced many challenges in Hollywood, particularly when it came to stereotypical Native American roles. Many scripts he encountered portrayed Native characters in an outdated or inaccurate manner. Determined to break these stereotypes, he sought roles that celebrated authentic Indigenous representation.
Here’s a bio table for Román Zaragoza:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Román Zaragoza |
| Date of Birth | August 13, 1993 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Ethnicity | Akimel O’otham (Pima) and Mexican descent (father); Japanese and Taiwanese descent (mother) |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter |
| Notable Role | Sasappis in Ghosts (CBS TV series) |
| Education | California State University, Northridge (CSUN), Cinema and Television Arts – Film |
| Career Start | 2010s (Native Voices, Autry Museum of the American West) |
| Known For | Ghosts (CBS sitcom), In the Heights (CSUN Department of Theatre) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @roman_zaragoza |
| Achievements | Helped ensure respectful representation of Native characters in TV and film; starred in “Ghosts” |
| Notable Projects | Ghosts (CBS), In the Heights (CSUN), This Is Their Land (CSUN senior film project) |
| Family | Father: Gregory Zaragoza (actor), Mother: Shirley Zaragoza (business professor) |
| Interests | Native American advocacy, filmmaking, storytelling, Native American culture |
| Awards | Nominated and awarded in various Native American and film-related cultural spaces |
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Landing the Role on Ghosts
In 2020, Zaragoza auditioned for Ghosts, a CBS sitcom about a couple who inherits a haunted mansion filled with eccentric ghosts from different time periods. When he first read the character description for Sasappis, a Lenape ghost from the 1500s, he was skeptical.
“I thought, ‘Oh no, they’re going to want me to do a stereotypical accent,’” Zaragoza recalled. “But then I saw the note that said, ‘Please use your normal accent,’ and that changed everything.”
Sasappis, or “Sass,” is known for his dry humor, love for pizza, and storytelling abilities. Zaragoza quickly fell in love with the character and was thrilled when he landed the role.
The Success of Ghosts
Ghosts premiered in 2021 and became an instant hit with audiences and critics alike. The show’s unique blend of comedy and heartfelt storytelling resonated with viewers, leading to its renewal for multiple seasons.
Zaragoza’s portrayal of Sasappis earned praise for bringing depth and humor to the character. He worked closely with the showrunners to ensure respectful representation, suggesting they hire a Lenape consultant. His input helped shape the show’s approach to Indigenous history and storytelling.
Advocacy for Indigenous Representation
Zaragoza is passionate about increasing Indigenous representation in Hollywood. He has been vocal about the need for more Native voices in front of and behind the camera. In addition to Ghosts, he has supported other projects that highlight Indigenous stories, such as Reservation Dogs and Prey.
He also worked on This Is Their Land, a short film about the Modoc War of 1872-73. As a producer, he helped cast Native actors and ensured the film’s script was translated into the traditional Mukluk language. His dedication to cultural authenticity has made him a respected advocate within the Native community.
Other Projects and Future Plans
Beyond acting, Zaragoza has explored directing and producing. He has directed music videos for his sister, recording artist Raye Zaragoza, and hopes to establish his own production company in the future.
He has also hosted podcasts and interviews featuring Indigenous artists, aiming to amplify Native voices in the entertainment industry. His goal is to continue telling meaningful stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate cultural diversity.
Personal Life and Inspirations
Despite his growing success, Zaragoza remains humble and grounded. He credits his family, mentors, and community for shaping his career. His father’s acting career has been a major source of inspiration, and he hopes to follow in his footsteps by taking on a variety of roles in film, television, and theater.
Zaragoza is also an advocate for education. He frequently speaks about the importance of learning history and understanding cultural heritage. His experiences at CSUN and Native Voices have reinforced his belief that storytelling has the power to educate and inspire change.
Final Thoughts
Román Zaragoza is more than just a talented actor—he is a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in Hollywood. His dedication to breaking stereotypes and promoting authentic storytelling sets him apart in the industry.
As he continues to grow in his career, Zaragoza is sure to leave a lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond. With his passion, talent, and advocacy, he is paving the way for future generations of diverse storytellers.
Here are five short “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) based on the article:
- Who is Román Zaragoza? Román Zaragoza is an actor, director, and producer known for his role as Sasappis on the CBS sitcom Ghosts.
- What is Román Zaragoza’s background? He is of Akimel O’otham (Pima), Mexican, Japanese, and Taiwanese descent and is an advocate for Native American representation in media.
- What role made Román Zaragoza famous? Román Zaragoza gained fame for his portrayal of Sasappis, a Lenape ghost, on the popular CBS show Ghosts.
- Where did Román Zaragoza study? He studied Cinema and Television Arts at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he developed his skills in acting and filmmaking.
- What projects has Román Zaragoza worked on? Besides Ghosts, Zaragoza has starred in In the Heights (CSUN production) and worked on the film This Is Their Land, a senior project at CSUN.
