THE CATALYST OF JOY: An Interview With Ruben Castillo

Ruben Castillo knows how to make an impression-literally. He’s always had a knack for vocal impressions and debuted his Elvis at a talent show. Most people get a round of applause for a middle school talent show; Ruben got a punch in the face from a jealous bully. It was the first sign that he had a talent people couldn't ignore.

Today, the "professional partier" and nightclub MC channel that energy into a roster of legends: Elvis, George Michael, Bon Jovi... But behind the glitter and the "Elvistory" lessons is a man who has fought through 160 pounds of weight loss and health scares to find his own voice...

Ruben’s journey is a family story at its core. He’s the son of a Peruvian immigrant father and an Irish-Italian mother, and for him, family is everything. He spent twelve years running his dad’s food truck while his father battled cancer- a testament to the kind of guy he is. That same family support fueled the start of his tribute journey. In those early days, his mom was right there with him, hand-sewing his costumes and hot-gluing rhinestones just to help him get on stage. It wasn’t about having a polished look; it was about his family's heart being in every performance. Even his career today is a team effort- his wife of 15 years, Pattie, is his world, and she’s the one who finally gave him the push to take the leap and do this professionally.

Me: So I always start with this question: How did you get into this?

Ruben: My grandmother was a big Elvis fan. I didn’t know who the guy was; to me, he was just a velvet Elvis on the wall. I was about 10 or 11 when I started discovering him. My mom would always play musicals and “Bye Bye Birdie” was one of them. Next thing I know, I’ve discovered Elvis. And that was the start of everything; I realized that I could do impressions, including Elvis. I didn’t start as a tribute artist until I was about 29. I was doing it here and there, some musicals, some karaoke… My wife is the one that got me started. We were dating at the time and she said “you’re gonna get a jumpsuit. You’ve wanted to do this.” 

While talking about his performance in the middle school talent show, Ruben casually mentioned that he got punched in the face over it. Not because he was bad, but because the bully was jealous of the positive attention he was getting. I tried (unsuccessfully) not to laugh, but it was just so absurd. I told him the headline for this article practically wrote itself. Ruben Castillo: A tribute artist so good that he was punched in the face.

Ruben began entering contests with mixed success, but it was the year he was gifted a weekend away to the Elvis festival in Ocean City that set things in motion. The next year, he was invited to return as a performer and he met a George Michael impersonator that changed his life. 

Ruben as George Michael

Ruben: His name was Michael Knight. I said to myself “I can do what you do.”

Me: George Michael, or just impersonating in general?

Ruben: George Michael. 

Me: -delighted gasp-

Ruben’s job is basically a professional partier. He MCs at a nightclub in Atlantic City, so he’s responsible for keeping the crowd hyped up. He even has a pocketful of characters he pulls out for themed events. 

Ruben: I have a character called Elvis Estrada, who was a disco character. My friend Dan would tell me I looked like Erik Estrada, so I sort of combined the two. Then there’s Mr. Miami, which is a tribute to George Michael. Jersey Johnny, a tribute to Jon Bon Jovi.

Gotta love copyrights, am I right?

Ruben: I switched back and forth between Elton John and George Michael for their duet.

Me: …What? You can duet with yourself?

Ruben: Yeah, I do that sometimes. 

Me: If there’s a video, I want to see that.

Ruben’s goal for his tribute performances is simple: he just wants to spread some joy.

Ruben: Part of my mission in life is to bring people joy. We could all use a little joy here and there, especially in the crazy times we’ve lived in. I’d rather be a catalyst of joy than a catalyst of chaos. 

Man, what a quote. 

Ruben also wants to educate people about Elvis. So many people only view him as a caricature, the man with the glimmering jumpsuits and larger than life personality. Ruben wants people to know the real Elvis, and does so through a show he calls “Elvistory.”

Ruben: It’s a musical history lesson featured at libraries and learning institutions. I like to educate people on Elvis and the world that he lived in. A lot of people forget their history, and there’s that quote about it repeating itself, but it’s true. I show people that there were events in Elvis’ time that are kind of happening right now. I also tell them things about Elvis they may not have known, little known facts and such. People come out of it like “Wow, I learned so much today.” It’s not just a tribute show; you’re getting more than that. 

When doing a tribute to Elvis, most people only color inside the lines, because they want to remain authentic to the man himself and his life’s story. Ruben likes to play a little.

Ruben: What if Elvis had survived beyond ‘77? I like to think about contemporary music he might’ve covered. “You Light Up My Life” is a good example. Something that works with the grandiosity of Elvis.

Me: That’s actually kind of a big thing right now. People are taking songs and using AI to put them in different styles. There’s one going around, it’s “The Thong Song” but in the style of a gospel choir. It’s shockingly catchy. But I don’t want to hear Elvis do “The Thong Song.” I don’t think I could take it. 

Ruben: That’s where you have to think about what Elvis the artist would’ve done and the songs he would actually perform. 

Bringing that 'grandiosity' to the stage requires more than just a voice; it requires a physical stamina that Ruben has fought hard to reclaim.

Ruben has faced some health struggles over the years. He’s struggled with high blood pressure since he was five years old and diagnosed with diabetes later in life. His weight would constantly fluctuate and, at his heaviest, was 300 pounds. He knew that his weight was holding him back in the competitions as well as things like musical theater, and for his own health and wellbeing decided it was time to make a change. Instead of weight loss surgery, he decided to do it his own way. With his trusty beagle sidekick, Waldo the Magnificent, Ruben lost 80 pounds. He underwent gastric sleeve surgery and lost ANOTHER 80 pounds. After his weight loss, he actually developed vocal issues and had to work on strengthening his diaphragm. He’s now learning how to move in a new body and has built up muscle tone.He says his health is a work in progress, but conquering his diabetes and physical wellbeing are some of his proudest achievements. 

Ruben and I have more in common than I realized. We’re both former librarians that have battled health issues, and we even have similar tattoos. On his inner arm, he has a tattoo in memory of his dog and as a reminder to himself. It says “Be magnificent.” I have a tattoo on my inner arm as well. Mine says “And here you are living, despite it all.” Clearly Ruben and I are meant to be besties. 

Beyond our shared history as librarians and our matching tattoo placements, we both know what it's like to fight for your health and come out the other side. His tattoo, ‘Be magnificent,’ is a daily reminder of that journey. He’s a guy who values research and history, but he values people even more. His parting words for anyone chasing a dream? Don’t lose your individuality to someone else’s opinion. Keep reading, keep learning, and as Ruben proves every time he hits the stage- never be afraid to be a catalyst for joy.

Ruben Castillo is an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist and the creator of Elvistory, a lecture series blending 20th-century history with the music of the King. With a background in theater and social service, Ruben’s performances are rooted in authenticity and heart. A resilient storyteller, he has overcome significant health challenges to share his passion for education and music on stages nationwide. Ruben lives and travels with his wife, Pattie, dedicated to honoring history through song.

You can find Ruben's schedule and information here:

Instagram: rubentheentertainer or elvistorymusicallectures

Website: www.elvistory.com