Maximo Salas is one of the standout young talents in Rooster, bringing charm, humor, and surprising emotional depth to the role of Tommy. In his interview with Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, Salas shared what made the series immediately special to him, what it was like stepping into a world shaped by Bill Lawrence, and how working with Steve Carell helped elevate the experience even more.

From the start, Salas made it clear that joining Rooster was a meaningful opportunity. As a big fan of Bill Lawrence’s work, he spoke about being excited to become part of a project that blends comedy, heart, and character-driven storytelling in such a natural way. For him, this is the kind of series that offers more than just laughs. It is the kind of show viewers can throw on, relax with, and still find themselves emotionally invested in by the end of an episode.

That description says a lot about what makes Rooster work. While the series has the easygoing feel of a comfort comedy, it also leaves room for real-life emotions and personal growth. Salas explained that the show has a way of pulling viewers in with its low-stakes tone, only to surprise them with moments that feel honest, relatable, and grounded.

Tommy Is More Than First Impressions

One of the most interesting things about Tommy is that he is not exactly what he first appears to be. Salas said he liked the idea that audiences might initially see Tommy as a stereotypical college kid or “dumb college bro,” only to slowly realize there is much more depth underneath. That layered approach became a key part of how he built the performance.

Tommy is someone still trying to figure himself out. He is young, a little lost, and still searching for purpose, which makes him easy to connect with. Salas leaned into that uncertainty and saw it as one of the most relatable parts of the character. Rather than making Tommy one-note, he approached him as someone whose emotional intelligence reveals itself gradually over time.

Salas also revealed that Tommy’s original description was pretty minimal, which actually helped. Instead of being boxed into a rigid concept, he had the freedom to help shape the role and find Tommy’s voice as the scripts continued to develop.

That freedom helped Salas bring a strong balance of humor and sincerity to the role. Tommy can be funny and laid-back, but he is also someone the audience can root for as they begin to understand what is really going on beneath the surface.

Working with Steve Carell and Finding the Right Rhythm

A major part of Tommy’s story in Rooster is his dynamic with Greg, played by Steve Carell. Salas described their connection as magnetic, noting that the characters come from very different places in life but still find something familiar in one another. That sense of shared uncertainty gives their relationship an emotional pull that goes beyond the comedy.

Tommy looks up to Greg, while Greg is able to let his guard down around Tommy in a way that feels natural and human. Salas clearly values that relationship as one of the most meaningful elements of the series, and it comes through in the way he talked about their scenes together.

Off camera, working with Steve Carell was just as impactful. Salas admitted that he experienced some imposter syndrome stepping into a cast filled with major talent, but Carell’s support and advice helped settle those nerves. One lesson in particular stayed with him: the importance of prioritizing life and happiness, instead of becoming so consumed by career ambition that everything else gets lost.

A Series That Balances Comedy with Real Emotion

Salas spoke passionately about the tone of Rooster, describing it as a show that feels easy to watch while still carrying emotional weight. That is not an easy balance to pull off, but he believes the series succeeds because it stays rooted in family, connection, and the messiness of everyday life.

Even with its humor, Rooster never feels shallow. Salas said there were moments while watching the early episodes that genuinely moved him, which speaks to how well the writing handles both the lighter and more serious sides of the story. One minute you are laughing, and the next you are thinking about something real.

He also enjoyed the way the scripts were rolled out during production. Getting material one episode at a time allowed him to discover Tommy’s arc as it was unfolding, which made the process more exciting. Table reads also helped him hear how the other actors interpreted the material and gave him a better feel for how the ensemble fit together.

What Fans Can Look Forward to from Tommy

Without going too far into spoiler territory, Salas teased that viewers should keep watching Tommy closely as the season continues. He hinted that later episodes include especially strong material for the character and suggested that Tommy’s emotional journey becomes even more rewarding as the story progresses.

When asked what he might want for Tommy in a future season, Salas had fun imagining new directions, especially opportunities to explore more of Tommy’s personal life in comedic and unexpected ways. It is clear he enjoys the character and sees a lot of room for Tommy to keep growing.

What stands out most is how much affection he has for the role. Salas said he would not really change anything about Tommy, and that makes sense. Tommy feels honest. He is flawed, funny, and still figuring life out, which is exactly why he works.

Final Thoughts

Maximo Salas brings a genuine spark to Rooster. His performance as Tommy adds warmth, unpredictability, and emotional honesty to a series that already has a strong foundation. Between the writing, the cast, and the show’s ability to blend comfort-comedy energy with real heart, Rooster feels like the kind of series people will keep coming back to.

And if Tommy’s early arc is any sign, Maximo Salas may end up being one of the most memorable parts of it.