The beloved actor finally addresses the now-viral Batista quote from 2006.
It’s been nearly two decades since Dexter first hit our screens, but one unforgettable moment from Season 1 is suddenly back in the spotlight. Actor David Zayas, who played fan-favorite Angel Batista, is finally breaking his silence about the now-viral quote, “La Pasión”, which has taken over TikTok and social media—15+ years after it originally aired.
Zayas, like many fans, was caught completely off guard by the resurgence of the moment. In a recent podcast appearance, the actor shared his genuine surprise that such a small scene from early Dexter history has become a cultural touchstone.
The Origins of 'La Pasión'
The iconic line comes from Season 1, Episode 5, titled "Love American Style." In the episode, Dexter and Batista share a night out at a lively Miami nightclub. As Batista gets a bit tipsy, Dexter—new to relationships—asks him for advice about his budding romance with Rita. Without missing a beat, a slightly inebriated Batista responds with a single, sultry phrase: “La Pasión.”
The implication? Keep the spark alive by embracing passion—both emotionally and physically. The delivery, the context, and the swagger behind the line instantly made it memorable. But no one—not even David Zayas—could have guessed how iconic it would eventually become.
David Zayas on the Unexpected Virality of 'La Pasión'
In a recent interview on Honey German’s podcast, Gracias. Come Again, Zayas finally addressed the viral revival of the quote—and admitted that for years, he didn’t even remember saying it.
“There’s something about certain lines I had in the first season that I’ve completely forgotten about—like ‘La Pasión’, right?” he said. “When that first came out again, people were wearing T-shirts, yelling it from their cars, and I was like, ‘I don’t even know what they’re talking about.’”
Zayas went on to explain how fans started showing him TikTok clips, reminding him of the now-iconic moment:
“It was just five minutes of one day… in either the pilot or the second episode we shot. And it goes viral years later. That’s the kind of thing you have zero control over. I’m not complaining—it’s great to be associated with anything that fans are passionate about. But sometimes it really catches you by surprise.”
A Full-Circle Moment for Dexter Fans
What started as a fleeting line in a dimly lit nightclub scene has now become part of Dexter lore, all thanks to the younger generation of fans. Whether it’s on shirts, memes, or social media reactions, “La Pasión” continues to strike a chord with viewers—old and new.
David Zayas’ candid reaction to the quote’s unexpected second life only adds to its charm and legacy. For fans of Dexter, it’s yet another reason to revisit the series—and to never underestimate the power of a well-timed line.
Watch the full interview with David Zayas on Gracias. Come Again, where he also reflects on his career, the legacy of Dexter, and more. It’s a must-see for longtime fans and newcomers alike.