‘Superstore’ actor relishes true-to-life gay Filipino role

Executive producer Justin Spitzer, from front row left, Ben Feldman, America Ferrera, Mark McKinney and from back row left, Colton Dunn, Lauren Ash, Nico Santos and Nichole Bloom participate in NBC’s “Superstore” panel during the NBCUniversal TCA Winter Press Tour on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Pasadena, California. AP

PASADENA, California, United States — For Nico Santos, the role he plays on NBC’s sitcom “Superstore” is personal.

The actor said Tuesday he never imagined he’d be in a project that celebrates his identity as a gay Asian man.

Santos said he also appreciated the comedy’s focus on what his character, Mateo, has faced after learning that he’s an undocumented immigrant.

He frequently hears from viewers who are grateful that the issue is being addressed, Santos said, and he’s glad his character is portrayed with “dignity and respect.”

Santos and his “Superstore” cast mates took part in a panel discussion on the show, which returns in March from a midseason break.

Santos played Oliver in the box-office hit “Crazy Rich Asians.” /cbb