RICHARD ALVARADO

The first time I saw Richard Alvarado, I knew one thing for sure. He was the COOLEST guy in the room! I loved the candor with which he spoke and his overall earnest nature. I’ve always been a fan of Marlon Brando, and he really reminded me of him… My good friend Dominic Bogart was helping me (as he did many times throughout production) on the day that I filmed Richard riding his motorcycle. Trust me when I tell you that meeting Richard in a biker bar to discuss the logistics of that day may go down as one of the coolest aspects of production for me (and probably Dominic too). Richard will be kicking off our WHERE ARE THEY NOW series by updating us on his life since we last saw him in WHEN I STUTTER.

“These days I see stuttering as my greatest teacher. Without stuttering, I wouldn’t be the person I am.”

(1) What has been the response from others about you in the film?

People who have watched the film have said that they enjoyed it and learned from it. My godson Benny really enjoyed the film. He really connected with and understood the metaphor about the meditative aspects of riding a motorcycle.

(2) What was your favorite or most memorable part of the process of making the film?

I thought it was interesting how you and Dominic set the camera on your car window and followed me around on the motorcycle. That was kind of cool! The whole process was fascinating… It was too cool for words.

(3) What’s changed in your life since we saw you in the film?

So much has happened since the start of the film. I have retired from Home Depot and moved. I am, of course, older too… that’s life

(4) What’s your relationship with stuttering now?

My relationship with stuttering is better now that I have come to accept it. It’s been a long journey throughout my life to get to where I am now at 66. I still stutter, of course, and in some ways, I’ll always react to old fears and pains. For example, I still have trouble with my name. However, It doesn’t upset me as much as it used to. In years past, stuttering was my mortal enemy. There was a time when the rage would take over and it would stop me from thinking clearly. One’s feelings about stuttering can send you to a dark place that can really limit you as a person.

These days I see stuttering as my greatest teacher. Without stuttering, I wouldn’t be the person I am. I know it sounds corny but it’s true. I am happy to say that I now enjoy the light, the warmth and the love of the people around me. As we all age and move forward in our journey with stuttering, we have to remember it’s what we do and not what we are.

(5) What’s some advice for people who are on their journey with stuttering?

I wish I had magic words I could say but I don’t have any. I hope people who stutter watch this film and will get a sense of not being alone in this crazy world. The best we can do is not let stuttering get in the way of living a full life. We can find love and happiness- Namaste.