Emmy nominee Carlos-Manuel Vesga on the unusually thrilling challenges of Pluribus
The Colombian actor is happy to be part of a show that "goes toward the realm of art rather than entertainment."
In 2025, the Apple TV show Pluribus premiered, initially marketed to Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn), a character portrayed as the most miserable person on Earth tasked with saving the world. However, it became apparent that Pluribus was not solely about Carol's mission; twelve others, like Manousos Ovieda (Carlos-Manuel Vesga), were immune to an extraterrestrial virus that transformed humanity into a perpetually smiling hive mind.
Season one follows Carol and Manousos' isolated yet parallel journeys: Manousos' silent rebellion against the alien invasion contrasts Carol's more outspoken and adversarial approach.
Manousos' performance earned him his first Emmy nomination this year, specifically for his role in the emotionally intense seventh episode, "Mind The Gap." The episode depicts Manousos' grueling, day-long trek from South America to Albuquerque, where he hopes to meet Carol and team up against the alien threat. The treacherous journey through the dense Darién Gap nearly claimed his life, only to be rescued by those he despised.
Vesga's performance in "Mind The Gap" was praised for its moving portrayal, earning him the Emmy nomination.
Carlos-Manuel Vesga, a Colombian migrant living in Paraguay, shared his thoughts on the acting challenges and experiences while filming "Mind The Gap." He expressed his desire to honor the real-life people who cross the Gap and his appreciation for the welcoming and supportive atmosphere on set. Vesga emphasized that the experience confirmed his love for acting and the joy he derives from working on such projects.
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