Timothy was named after his Filipino father, Timothy Granaderos Sr., a native of Zamboanga province in the Southern region of the Philippines who immigrated to the Midwest in the 1970s. As an homage to his dad, the FilAm actor has “Jr.” tattooed in his father’s handwriting on his right forearm. Tim grew up in Michigan, and having always been into sports, was fortunate enough to play soccer at Michigan State University while he majored in advertising. It was not until after college that acting came into the picture when he moved to Los Angeles to work as a production assistant for a reality show where his sister worked as a make up artist. Early on in his career, he was cast in several music videos including a cameo in Selena Gomez’s hit “Love You Like A Love Song.” He eventually started modeling and got into commercial acting. Then, in 2016, he landed the role of Ash Franklin in the web series “T@gged” which ran for three seasons. 

Tim’s most notable role to date is playing Montgomery De La Cruz in Netflix’s hugely successful series “13 Reasons Why.” Initially, Tim read for the parts of Justin Foley, Tony Padilla and Jeff Atkins (who was killed off after the first season) before landing the role of Montgomery aka Monty, a jock and a bully who was a recurring character in seasons one and two until he was given his own story line as the series progressed. The show unapologetically tackled serious topics from teen suicide, rape, drug addiction, homophobia, and bullying among others. In the second season’s finale, Tim, in his villainous character, delivered such an extremely graphic and intense scene that has been embedded in the minds of the show’s critics and followers. Tim played his part so convincingly that at the height of the series, some viewers were furious at the young actor…that he even received threats, due to Monty’s evil schemes on the show.

It’s been two years since “13 Reasons Why” aired its final episode but to this day the teen drama is still gaining traction from first time viewers and show fans rewatching the hit series on Netflix worldwide. Hiraya Magazine chatted with actor Timothy Granaderos Jr., talking about playing the role that changed his life, his younger years in the Midwest, his aspirations as an actor, and his experience growing up in a biracial home. 

Tell us a little bit about growing up biracial. 

I think growing up biracial made me a little unique. I mean, I knew of only one other Filipino/American family in my school system. Fortunately though, the town I grew up in favored cultural progressiveness and my family lived on an amazing street that nurtured community.

But to be honest, people just assumed I was Caucasian until they came over to my house and saw the 10-cup rice cooker on the counter. My closest friends all became Botan Rice addicts. 

What are you most proud of coming from a multi-ethnic background? 

I’m most proud of being instilled with values from both cultures and parents. I was raised in a loving and strict household, mostly from my father. He grew up on a small farm in Zamboanga in the Philippines — so his childhood was family and chores first. Do the work then play. And that is how we were raised.

I tell this story because it makes me laugh now, but at the time I felt it was the most insulting thing you can do to a kid. My dad used to make me do my laundry on Fridays after school. When all my friends were making tree forts and jumping on trampolines I was folding my clothes. I realize now, the invaluable habit that routine created. Work first, then play.

My mother is the sweetest person on the planet, confirmed by all my friends. She is the definition of empathy. 

What is your favorite Filipino dish? 

I would call myself a bit of a lumpia enthusiast. Some of my Filipino family lives in New York, and we used to drive all the way out there from Michigan to visit. It didn’t matter what time we arrived, my Aunt Edna would have a table full of food waiting for us. Then throughout our stay, she was like a single woman lumpia factory, turning out dozens of lumpia that I would devour by the paper towel full.

I don’t eat meat anymore, but last time I saw Aunt Edna, she whipped up a batch of veggie lumpia. God bless her! 

Can you share some of your best memories from your last visit to the Philippines? What did you learn from our people and our culture that you didn’t know before spending time there? 

Unfortunately I’ve only been to the Philippines once, when I was back in college. Something that I was aware of, which was completely affirmed on my trip back home is family, family, family! You eat together. Everyone is your Tita or Tito. The family is proud and supportive. 

Having grown up in the Midwest and now living in California, what do you miss most about Michigan? 

I miss the people and the seasons. Michiganders are proud and hardworking. My friends that stuck around are perfect examples of that. I also miss Fall. You just can’t replicate it here in Los Angeles. 

If you didn’t pursue acting, what field do you picture yourself working in? 

Tough question, because truthfully, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Hopefully, working with an eco-conscious organization pulling plastic out of the ocean. Either that or something in hospitality. My Filipino is showing. 

Can you share a lesson or two that you’ve learned in this industry that you didn’t know when you first started? 

It’s hard! I actually knew that already, but I was naive enough to go all in. This industry is about peaks and plateaus — make it to the top of one peak and find another plateau to navigate. You have to really love the journey.

Also, celebrate all the micro moments. Yes, booking a role on a show or commercial or whatever, is a major moment to be acknowledged — but don’t forget to celebrate the micro-moments. Maybe a tape was sent to producers, or you even get an audition in the first place. Those are the moments that keep you moving forward in this industry.

AND there’s not one path to success! I didn’t start acting until I was 25 years old. 

It’s been two years since the final season of 13 Reasons Why aired, and it’s still leaving an impact to everyone watching (or re-watching) the series. What has playing your character Montgomery taught you? 

That show, that character, changed my life. It gave me confidence to continue to pursue this crazy career. Montgomery taught me so many things but I think the most important was empathy. He was undoubtedly a bully. He was mean. But at his core, he was just in pain and wanted to be loved. I think that’s something we can all relate too. 

If you knew a real life Monty, what advice would you give him? 

Please, just talk to someone — a friend, a therapist. You’re not alone. Also, most things will make more sense as you get older. 

Do you have any favorite lines you’ve said in any of your shows or movies? If so, can you share to our readers a line or two? 

There’s a scene in Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why where Monty’s dad confronts him about his sexuality. Monty’s response is just “What if I was Dad? What if I was?” Monty in that moment is finally taking a piece of ownership over who he is in this world.

That moment has stayed with me since we shot it. 

What is your dream role? 

Literally…anyone…nice. Ha! I seem to always play the bad guy. 

Name three of your top favorite movies of all time. 

Good Will Hunting, Ex Machina, The Lord of the Rings anything. 

Which actor(s) would you love to work with? 

I worked with Florence Pugh once, early on in our careers, but I’d love the opportunity to work with her again. Watching her ascend to the top of this industry has been inspiring. 

Any upcoming projects? What should your fans look forward to? 

I have two fun indie movies coming out at the end of the summer. Who Invited Them, which is a super funny comedy/horror, and Devil’s Workshop, which is a horror/thriller. Both are very different from anything I’ve done in the past, so I’m excited for people to see me in a different light. 

Now that you’re in your 30’s, as you look back, what would you tell your younger self? 

I’ve always been pretty good at trusting the process, but I think I would remind myself of that. Life is so unpredictably amazing. This industry is rewarding, and humbling. Stay on path and work hard, and the opportunities will come. I say this as a currently unemployed actor starving for work. Ha! 

The name of the magazine is “Hiraya” which means imagination or vision. What do you envision for your future? 

So many things! A husband, a father, and just a more well rounded actor. Managing the balance and beauty between all those things is what I aspire to be.

I’d also like to continue to explore my heritage and help facilitate and tell stories that resonate with people that share my experience growing up as a half American half Filipino. I’m actually working on a script with my brother and another buddy that ties into that theme. Stay tuned! 

Any last message to our readers and / or to your supporters? 

Hug your parents, take care of the planet, and be a good person — and thank you to every single person who has lifted me up and helped me along the way. SALAMAT!

Timothy’s latest movie “Who Invited Them” now streaming on Shudder 
Cover and Top photo by FrancisGum
Grooming by Alyson Granaderos