Ricardo Gil grew up hearing of Michael Dunn, the famous dwarf actor who starred in Ship of Fools. Ricardo so admired Michael Dunn that he assumed Mr. Dunn's character in a grammar school presentation. Ricardo first realized his acting ambition when he moved to Los Angeles in the mid 1980s. After a short time, Ricardo grew disillusioned with the stereotypical roles presented to dwarf actors and left to study fine arts at the California College of Arts and Crafts. Ricardo, a fine arts photographer who documents his "dwarf perspective" met film director, Finn Taylor at a popular espresso bar in Berkeley. Finn invited Ricardo to try out for the part of Max, Zoe's downstairs dwarf neighbor. Max's character was originally written for Finn's best friend, also a dwarf. Unfortunately Finn's friend had died the year prior. Ricardo was moved by Finn's account of his friend. And, he felt Finn's script accurately portrayed the character of a small man. Ricardo was deeply honored and pleased to be eventually asked to play Max. Working with Finn and the whole crew of Cherish reinvigorated Ricardo and he now looks forward to acting again.