Bodie Olmos

Bodie Olmos
PerformerTRS
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Portrays:	Brendan Costanza
Date of Birth:	August 27, 1975
Date of Death:	Missing required parameter 1=month! ,
Age:	50
Nationality:	USA
Related Media
		@ BW Media
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IMDb profile

Bodie James Olmos (born 27 August 1975) is the youngest son of Edward James Olmos and Kaija Keel, and the grandson of actor/singer Howard Keel. An actor of film, television and theater, he portrays Brendan "Hotdog" Costanza in the Re-Imagined Series.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Olmos began acting at age 7 in 1982's The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, leading to instruction in acting from the UCLA School of Theatre, graduating in 2000, as well as additional instruction from Sanford-Meisner Center. In addition to acting, he was a triathlon athlete, participating in swimming, biking, and running, and was a cross-country runner. From this athletic background, he found a love for surfboarding, which he has done for the past 20 years.

Along with performances in the revival of the play Zoot Suit, of which his father was an original cast member, Olmos also worked with his father in the series 2002 series American Family as a younger version of his father's character, Jess Gonzales. Later, he would work again with his father on Battlestar Galactica as Brendan Costanza, also working with him on the HBO television movie, Walkout, which chronicles the 1968 East L.A. walkouts, and directed by Edward Olmos. This movie, where Olmos portrayed Moctesuma Esparza, inspired him to pursue writing.

Battlestar Galactica

Casting and Audition Process

Despite the obvious family connection, Bodie Olmos was required to audition for his role as Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza rather than being automatically cast. He was cast as one of Galactica's Viper pilots after auditioning for the show's makers, demonstrating that his selection was based on merit rather than nepotism.

On Battlestar Galactica, Olmos reflected on his motivation to read for the series: "I do believe my father had an influence on me wanting to read for it. I felt that he had such intrigue by it that it was so infectious. It really made me want to be a part of it and be a part of it. Any chance I get to work with my father I would!"

Character Development and Performance

Following Constanza's memorable debut in "Act of Contrition", Olmos continued the role on a recurring basis throughout the series. The character's role expanded significantly beyond what was initially planned, as producers David Eick and Ronald D. Moore had not expected the "nugget" pilots to become such central figures in the ongoing narrative.

Olmos brought a specific interpretation to Costanza, describing him as someone who "He's a bit of a rebel, he's got a bit of a crazy streak, he's obviously a flashy pilot, and he always goes full out to do what he's got to do. He'll risk his life to protect the fleet or do whatever needs to be done. He really pushes himself without reservation and has no fear. It's been a real joy to portray that."

Personal Fulfillment

For Olmos, the role represented the fulfillment of a childhood dream. His other acting credits include roles in American Family, Stand and Deliver, and The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit. As he explained: "I grew up watching the original Battlestar and Star Trek and all the other spaceship shows, so it's a dream come true to be a Viper pilot on this show."

Working with Family

The unique experience of working alongside his father on such a high-profile production was particularly meaningful for Bodie Olmos: "It's also been very exciting to play this role and work alongside such amazing actors. And it's just been great to work with my dad and share some time with him in a different environment. So I'm very grateful and proud to be a part of this show."