Mr. Miranda, how are you feeling?
LUIS MIRANDA:I am doing very well.
I am a very good patient, contrary to what my family believes.
Credit: Michael Kovac/Getty Images
I still want to be around for a little while more.
His body would not be mad at him if he did this for us.
Mr. Miranda, what was it like preparing to have your life story presented in a documentary?
I’m used to being more behind the scenes, so that was the most difficult aspect.
Lin-Manuel, you and your dad are so close.
Did you learn anything new about him?
And the biggest reaction that the family had was when a picture of Luis' first wife showed up.
Everyone went, “Whoa!”
It was fun to watch that big reveal play out.
She lives in Chicago now.
I remember hearing a voice that said, “Luisito!”
I had the chance to introduce her to my wife of 43 years, Luz, and Lin-Manuel.
Why is this important to you?
We need more gender diversity in politics.
I’m very proud to have been able to be a part of that movement.
Why did you include this?
LMM:That scene in particular was included because that was part of the conversation.
We said we would meet with the UPR students, and we had an hourlong conversation with them.
The protest was five minutes of that, but it was an important part of that.
Therelease ofHamiltonon Disney+in July was alsomet with criticism, which you received and discussed.
Why is that important to you?
I was really proud that we were able to do that.
But I’m also keenly aware of what didn’t make it into the two-and-a-half hour musical I wrote.
These guys had complicated lives, and they were all flawed.
I know what’s on the cutting room floor.
I have to embrace [the criticisms] as a starting point for more conversations.
Family is something that must be nurtured.
Oh, and that it’s important they vote!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
