JOAQUIN ON VEGETARIANISM
What made you vegan?
I was 3-years-old — to this day it is a vivid memory. My family and I were on a
boat, catching fish. As one fish was caught, he was writhing, then he was thrown
against the side of the boat. You couldn’t disguise what it was. This was what
we did to animals to eat them. The animal went from a living, vibrant creature
fighting for life to a violent death. I recognised it, as did my brothers and
sisters.
What is your favorite vegan
dish?
Tofu and lots of it. I like anything homemade, and if it’s organic, all the
better. I also love tabouli salad. I don’t even really go for the fake meat
stuff. I like veggies, straight up. I also wear synthetic stuff, especially
shoes. I remember when all I could wear were my Converse canvas All-stars, and
now it seems like most shoes are synthetic.
How does animal rights affect
your life?
That’s just it. Animal rights is a part of my everyday life. When you live by
example, you create a certain level of awareness. Friends of mine, people I have
never discussed vegetarianism with, are adopting vegetarian habits because they
see it.
Does your view of animals
affect your career?
Of course, and it has gotten much easier. My lifestyle is part of who I am and
therefore is always a consideration when working: I always discuss this with
producers, and they are very accommodating. Now there are so many cruelty-free
options available, people would be foolish not to take advantage of them. It is
also easier to work with computers and animatronics than animals, and that makes
a difference, too. Technology has allowed us to recreate animal images — like
the tigers in ‘Gladiator’.
You are often on the move —
is it easier now to find places to eat than before?
Ten years ago, it felt strange to be the only one objecting to fur and asking
for vegan stuff, but now doing that is a given. Everywhere I go, I find great
vegetarian food. I just got back from Toronto where there was a great health
food store, and even this small town in Germany had a vegetarian restaurant.
