By Julio Martinez

Set in 1969, the Apple + ten-episode dramedy, Palm Royale, follows the story of Maxine Waters (Kristen Wiig) as she endeavors to break into Palm Beach high society. Her only way in to this closed and treacherous den of monied “royalty,” is her connection to the now infirm former grand dame matron, Norma Dellacorte (Carol Burnett) and Robert (Ricky Martin), a Palm Royale employee who assists Maxine in caring for Norma. 

Puerto Rican-born singer/songwriter Martin admits that acting in a comedy series with such stars as Wiig, Burnett and Laura Dern (also an Executive Producer) was a challenge. “Getting the role was a fluke. It all started at an Oscar party. I was dancing and happened to bump into Abe Sylvia (Series Creator/Executive Producer). He had a conversation with my agent after that night. And three days later, I had the script and a week later, I was flying from Puerto Rico to LA to meet with producer/director Tate Taylor. 

“It happened that fast for me, too,” says Burnett. “I didn’t even have to read the script. “All I had to do was hear who was going to be in it, Kristen, Laura, Ricky. I just wanted to work with these people and get to know them, and go out to dinner, and have some fun. Of course, in the first few episodes, I’m in a coma…but I still got paid. So, I mean, it was a slam dunk. And then to work with Ricky in some of those scenes was just heaven.”

“The energy that Carole brought on stage every day, was amazing, says Martin. “It didn’t matter if the call time was at 05:00 in the morning. It was incredible. I will always be forever grateful just to have the opportunity to be with her on set. We worked so well together…and I gave her a lot of massages, as well.”

Burnett adds, ”And Ricky’s very funny.” 

“It’s so contagious,” he laughs. “I just feed off what they give me, and then I just press play. You know, when I was 15 years old, I had the opportunity to do a TV series in Argentina for the first time, and for me, there was something about being in front of the camera and telling a story without music that really seduced me. Then, obviously, music did its thing, and it was easier to hop on the music wave and surf.” 

Carol Burnett as Norma Dellacorte in Apple TV Palm Royale (Photo: Apple TV)

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1971, Enrique “Ricky“ Martín began appearing in television commercials at age nine and started his musical career at twelve, as a member of Puerto Rican boy band, Menudo. He began his solo career in 1991, gaining recognition in Latin America with the release of his first two studio albums, Ricky Martin (1991) and Me Amaras (1993). Martin has since released several successful albums. As an actor, Martin took a role in the hit soap opera, General Hospital (1994–1996), while his portrayal of Antonio D’Amico in The Assassunaton of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018) garnered him an Emmy nomination. He also starred as Che in the Broadway revival of the musical, Evita (2021), as well as a Holiday TV film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.   

“Now, I feel it is very important to tell stories by owning the character and believing every word that I say. For me, music will always be there. I will always be forever grateful; but when I walk on stage telling my stories, it’s about owning the script, without wearing a mask. I’m in love with this work, and I hope this is only the beginning.

When asked if he is preparing any new music as well, Martin chuckles, “I am always preparing music. I’m telling you, the immediate reaction of the audience when I’m doing music is something addictive; but there is something about being in front of the camera as an actor that really fulfills me incredibly. I feel so much passion towards it. I hope I keep doing it, so let’s see what happens.”“Palm Royale” debuts March 20 on Apple TV+. It is based on the book, Mr. & Mr. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel. The series was created and Executive Produced by Abe Sylvia. Executive Producers: Jayme Lemons, Katie O’Connell, Laura Dern. Producer/Director: Tate Taylor. Theme music composer: Jeff Toyne. Production companies: Jaywalker Pictures; Pattiwhack Pictures; Wyolah Entetainment; Wyolah Entertainment; Platform One Media; Boat Rockert Media; Apple Studios.