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Estrada following his dreams

Rigoberto Estrada was born into a family of horse ranchers in Mexico: “I was born in a town called Nuevo Casas Grandes in Chihuahua.”

When he was boy, his family sold their ranches after his grandfather was killed in a horse-related accident.

His father, Estrada said, relocated to El Paso, TX, to be with his own brothers and sisters, while Estrada remained in Mexico.

“I stayed with my mother in Mexico until she decided it was time to move to California,” said Estrada. “By the time my mother got our legal documents, I was 6 years old and my sister was 1 year old when we came to California.”

Estrada, his mother and little sister lived in Carlsbad.

In California, being part of the Boys Club played an important role for Estrada.

“It was an adventure for me, especially in the summertime,” he said. “We watched Saturday night movies where I got to see Tarzan.”

The Boys Club gave Estrada the extra attention and socialization he needed. “I met some really good people.”

There were three things that Estrada wanted to be when he grew up: a soldier, a police officer and an actor. “And I tried all three,” he said.

When Estrada was a mere 16-and-a-half years old, he joined the Army and was in the military for three years. “When I turned 18, I volunteered to go to Vietnam,” he said. “I was so proud to be an American and got my GED in Saigon.”

While in the Army, Estrada underwent on-the-job training in police work. “They allowed me to work with the local police department in Daleville, Alabama.”

His education ranged from police department work and fire department jobs to crash and rescue duties. “I learned the whole thing, and also had some FBI training.”

Eventually, Estrada attended Palomar College. At age 21, he enjoyed being exposed to live theater. His talent onstage was recognized, as was his flair for being a playwright. “I was one of the top three finalists in the Will Geer Festival.”

Ultimately, Estrada joined the acting union, which gave him studio access.

Estrada made some appearances in the 1980s television show “The A-Team.”

“I would always play the bad guy, and I would get shot, or Mr. T would beat me up,” he said.

Despite the TV punches he endured, Mr. T was a sweet person and a gentleman, said Estrada.

Estrada was also on the set of “General Hospital” donned in hospital garb. “I dressed up like a doctor and had a line one time,” he said.

On the big screen, Estrada played a cameraman in “Rocky II” and was a patron at a bar in “Raging Bull.”

When not on the movie or television production stage, Estrada would have modeling gigs. “I worked with Barbizon modeling.”

The thought of being an actor attracts many, said Estrada, but his advice to others is to always have a backup plan: “Acting is not secure work and there comes a time where you need to be realistic.”

Estrada was drawn back to school once again and attended California State University at San Marcos. He majored in Spanish and minored in sociology.

This education has helped him immensely, as he has been a property manager for the last 30 years. Currently, he is managing an 80-unit apartment complex in Fallbrook and enjoys being involved in and helping the community.

Estrada is happy that he tapped into all his childhood dreams when he was an adult. The phrase “I should have done that” doesn’t apply to Estrada.

Through all his careers and learning experiences, one thing remains evident: “It’s better to give than to receive.”

 

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