It was a bachelor’s life for hard-working and fun-loving Ray Ray Dominguez (Joey Dedio) who dreamt of leaving the barrio for a more carefree existence in Miami. That’s until one day when everything changed – and he became a reluctant “Tio Papi” aka Uncle Daddy to his sister’s six children ages 6 to 16. Now, in charge of raising this energetic (and expensive) clan, Ray Ray must make important decisions on what life really is all about. Combining heart-warming drama with light-hearted comedy, TIO PAPI, directed by Fro Rojas from the original screenplay by Joey Dedio and Brian Herskowitz, is an upbeat story of life’s unexpected surprises and ultimately what matters the most – the love of family.
Acting
Joey Dedio's lived-in warmth anchors every chaotic scene.
Writing
Script born from authentic barrio experience, not focus groups.
Production
Genuine NYC locations vs. Hollywood backlot fakeouts.
Director
Fro Rojas
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Dedio wrote this partly to counter Hollywood's absent Latino father trope—Ray Ray steps UP, not out.
The 'tio' as caregiver reflects real multigenerational Latinx households rarely seen in mainstream comedy.
US
