You probably know him as the flamboyant, scene-stealing Rogelio de la Vega from Jane the Virgin. Or maybe you recognize his voice from a dozen other projects where he brings that signature Mexican charm. But if you blink—or rather, if you aren't listening closely—you might completely miss Jaime Camil in Coco.
It’s kind of wild. He plays Enrique, Miguel’s father (simply credited as Papá), a character who is basically the grounded, hardworking heart of the Rivera household. He isn't the flashy villain or the comedic sidekick. He’s just a dad trying to keep his family together and his son's feet on the ground.
Honestly, for an actor known for his massive energy and operatic presence, Camil’s performance in the 2017 Pixar masterpiece is surprisingly subtle. It’s a grounded portrayal of a man caught between the crushing weight of family tradition and the genuine love he has for his son.
Why Jaime Camil in Coco Was the Perfect Casting Choice
When Pixar was casting Coco, they didn't just want famous voices. They wanted authenticity. They spent years traveling through Mexico—Oaxaca and Morelia specifically—to soak up the atmosphere of Día de Muertos.
Camil was brought in to voice Papá because he embodies a specific kind of modern Mexican fatherhood. He isn't a caricature. In the film, Papá is a shoemaker. He’s supportive but firm. He wants Miguel to join the family business not because he’s a "bad guy," but because he truly believes that the safety of the family unit is the most important thing in the world.
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The nuance of the "Papá" role
A lot of people think the "antagonist" of the first act is Abuelita or the memory of Mamá Imelda. But Papá is the one who actually has to deliver the practical reality to Miguel. Camil brings a certain warmth to these scenes that keeps the character from feeling like a killjoy.
When he tells Miguel, "You'll be a shoemaker," he isn't saying it as a threat. He’s saying it as a promise of belonging. Camil’s voice work captures that "gentle but unyielding" vibe perfectly. It’s a far cry from his usual over-the-top comedic roles, and that's exactly why it works.
Breaking Down the Character of Enrique (Papá)
If you look at the Rivera family tree, Enrique sits at a very difficult junction. He is the son of Abuelita (Elena) and the grandson of Mamá Coco herself.
- Occupation: Master Shoemaker.
- Motivation: Preserving the Rivera legacy and protecting his children.
- Key Relationship: The bridge between the stern Abuelita and the rebellious Miguel.
In one of the most poignant moments of the film, Papá is the one who tries to explain the ofrenda to Miguel. He isn't just talking about photos on a table; he’s talking about the literal survival of their ancestors’ spirits. Jaime Camil delivers these lines with a sincerity that feels deeply personal.
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Interestingly, Camil has mentioned in interviews—including a 2024 chat with People—that even though he grew up in Mexico, his family was quite "Americanized." He did Halloween and trick-or-treating. He says that working on Coco actually helped him understand the real, deep-rooted significance of the holiday. It wasn't until he voiced this character that the full weight of the ofrenda tradition really clicked for him.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Voice Cast
There’s a common misconception that Pixar just grabs any Latino celebrity for their "cultural" movies. That's not how they do things.
The casting of Jaime Camil in Coco was a deliberate move to include actors who understand the specific cadence of a Mexican household. While Gael García Bernal (Héctor) and Benjamin Bratt (Ernesto de la Cruz) got most of the "star" headlines, Camil’s role was the anchor for the "living" side of the story.
The Bilingual Factor
Did you know that while some actors only did the English version, many of the cast members are iconic in Latin America? Camil is a household name in Mexico. Having him in the film gave it immediate "street cred" with Mexican audiences. He understands the humor, the "no music" trauma, and the specific way a Mexican father speaks to his kids—with that mixture of deep love and strict discipline.
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The Impact of the Performance
Looking back at Coco almost a decade later, the film’s legacy is untouchable. It’s a cultural touchstone. Camil’s contribution might be smaller in terms of screen time compared to Miguel or Héctor, but he provides the emotional stakes for Miguel’s return.
If Papá wasn't a likable, loving character, we wouldn't care if Miguel ever made it back to the Land of the Living. We need to see a family worth returning to. Camil ensures that Enrique is that father.
A quick reality check on the "Rogelio" comparison
If you’re coming to Coco because you love Camil in Jane the Virgin, prepare yourself. You won't find any "Leopards" or "International Superstars" here. You’ll find a man with a hammer and a piece of leather, trying to teach his son how to build a life. It’s a testament to Camil's range as an actor. He can go from the most "extra" person in the room to the most quiet and humble.
How to Appreciate the Performance Today
If you haven't watched Coco in a while, go back and listen specifically for Enrique's scenes. Notice the way his voice softens when he talks to Mamá Coco, and how it hitches slightly when he's worried about Miguel.
To dive deeper into the world of the Rivera family and the work of Jaime Camil, you can:
- Watch the "Behind the Scenes" features on Disney+: There is great footage of the voice recording sessions where you can see Camil in the booth.
- Compare the English and Spanish dubs: While Camil voiced the English version, the Spanish dub is equally legendary and worth a listen to see how the cultural nuances shift.
- Check out Camil's other voice work: He’s also in The Secret Life of Pets and DuckTales, showing off a completely different side of his vocal talent.
Ultimately, the role of Papá in Coco is a reminder that some of the most important characters in a story aren't the ones with the most lines—they're the ones who give the hero a reason to come home.