Carlos Diehz’s life story is a testament to the transformative power of passion and courage. After dedicating over 30 years to architecture, crafting spaces that inspired awe and functionality, Diehz made a leap that many would only dream of: he stepped onto the world stage as an actor. With his debut role as Cardinal Benitez in Conclave, he has not only proven his talent but has also captivated audiences and critics alike. This is his journey—a blend of introspection, artistry, and discovery.

The Leap of Faith

For decades, Diehz found fulfillment in architecture, a discipline that merges creativity with precision. Yet, as he and his wife entered a new chapter as empty nesters, Diehz felt a yearning for something new—a craft that would allow him to travel, meet fascinating people, and embrace joy. “I just wanted to learn and do something that would allow me to travel, meet new people, and have fun,” he reflects.

This desire led him to acting, an art form that shares surprising parallels with architecture. “Both jobs are creative,” Diehz observes. “In both, you have a mission and intent, and you have to comply with certain requirements outside of what you think should be. It’s an interesting challenge in both venues.”

A Role to Remember

Diehz’s casting as Cardinal Benitez in Conclave marked a significant milestone in his acting journey. His initial reaction was a mix of joy and cautious anticipation, especially knowing he would share the screen with Ralph Fiennes. “I was elated,” he admits, “but also mindful of the challenge of interacting with Ralph in every scene.”

To prepare, Diehz immersed himself in months of research, studying interviews, films, and performances to understand the nuances of his co-stars’ craft. He also drew upon his own spiritual journey from his younger years, when he considered becoming a priest. This blend of external study and personal reflection enabled Diehz to infuse Cardinal Benitez with authenticity and depth. His preparation paid off, as audiences lauded his performance as “powerful” and “authentic.”

Lessons from Legends

Sharing the screen with acting giants such as Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini could be overwhelming for any debut actor, but Diehz found himself in a nurturing environment. “The biggest learning is that you are never too high above in the craft to not give advice and support to a fellow actor,” he shares.

He recalls John Lithgow’s sage advice about stage fright: “It never goes away. It’s a sign that you care.” Edward Berger, the meticulous yet liberating director of Conclave, also left an indelible impression on Diehz. “He is meticulous, but he gives you freedom. His direction is brief and concise. When he asks for another take, it’s to give you the chance to do it better and better.”

The Magic of Rome

The setting of Conclave added an enchanting layer to Diehz’s experience. Filming in the historic city of Rome, with its centuries-old architecture, was nothing short of mesmerizing. “Shooting on these historic locations, 300, 500, or 1000 years old, was inspiring,” Diehz recalls.

Beyond the set, group dinners with the cast turned into heartfelt discussions about life, love, and art, creating a sense of camaraderie that enriched the entire experience. One particularly humorous moment involved co-star Lucian Msamati. Diehz recounts an evening where he delivered Msamati’s mistakenly delivered sushi in disguise, jokingly playing the role of a delivery person. “We laughed about it for days,” he says, exemplifying the light-hearted atmosphere on set.

Newfound Recognition

With Conclave receiving critical acclaim and Oscar buzz surrounding his performance, Diehz remains grounded. “Being part of this amazing project and company of actors is its own reward,” he says humbly. The recognition has only fueled his determination to pursue more meaningful roles.

A Message of Hope

At its core, Conclave explores the themes of power and faith. Yet, Diehz believes the story resonates because of its humanity. “It portrays different kinds of people in positions of power, from the cynical and crooked to the idealistic and faithful. There’s a message of hope that holds its ground among all the machinations and power struggles.”

Looking Ahead

Acting has reshaped Diehz’s perspective on life. What began as an experiment has transformed into a profound passion. He is already looking forward to exploring diverse roles and genres in the future. For those hesitant to chase their dreams, Diehz offers this advice: “Go for it. Give it your best effort. Worst case scenario, you’ll learn new skills and have the satisfaction of saying, ‘I did that.’”

Photography Credit: Kristine Cofsky Photography