All that's on Jonathan Goldsmith's mind right now is the snow.

"It's supposed to go all night," he says. "It's gorgeous. It's beautiful."

The actor, famously known as Dos Equis' original "Most Interesting Man in the World," is enjoying life in Vermont with his wife, Barbara. Goldsmith embodied the character—known for his remarkable, often impossible exploits—for nearly nine years, inspiring countless memes and putting up numbers for the brand along the way. In 2016, Dos Equis replaced Goldsmith with the French actor Augustin Legrand, as a younger, but supposedly equally interesting version of "the man." It didn't take.

AdAge reported Wednesday that sales of Dos Equis have slumped and the brand is retiring the character—and Legrand with it. It seems the fans decided there could only be one "Most Interesting Man."

As for Goldsmith, who acted opposite guys like Clint Eastwood and Burt Lancaster decades before his stint with Dos Equis, he's moved on from slinging beer. The actor now works with an award-winning tequila and mezcal brand, Astral, and seems like he couldn't be happier.

Esquire talked to the former M.I.M.I.T.W. to find out what happened with Dos Equis, his thoughts on his replacement, and what comes next.



Goldsmith at a book signing in 2017. Getty Images

It brought back a lot of memories; I had such a good time. I'm sorry that it didn’t continue on, but it wasn’t the actor’s fault. He was a charming fellow. I think when they changed it, they lost some of the gravitas that had built up for nine years. Also, the creative team was different, and well, it took a different turn, shall we say.

Goldsmith never met Legrand, but wishes him well.

An intermediary wanted to arrange a meeting, but I didn’t see any reason to do that. I hear he’s a wonderful fellow, a gracious guy. I hope that the same wonderful opportunities open up to him that have opened up to me through this campaign.

He didn't want to leave the character he created.

I was told that I was the most meme’d person in the world! We had heard rumors that they wanted to go younger for a year or two, so it was not a surprise to me. But I thought, if the campaign was so successful, double-digit growth each year for nine years, why not wait and change later? I was sorry that they did that. I understand that all things come to an end, but I thought the timing of it was ill-advised, and apparently it was. One door closes, ten open.

"I thought the timing of it was ill-advised, and apparently it was."

These days, tequila and mezcal are his passion.

I like tequila straight, on the rocks, with a little chunk of lime. The best Bloody Mary I've ever had is with mezcal. Do try it. It will do wonderful things for you. I used to drink some tequila, and I never really liked it because it was like sugar water to me, but the nice thing about [Astral] is it has body; you can really taste the richness.

And he still drinks Dos Equis.

I have an affection for Dos Equis—I have a long relationship with them, so when it’s hot, and I reach for a beer, sure. And Heineken was always a beer that I enjoyed. I drink them both.

His only regret seems to be Donald Trump.

I feel very bad. The Mexican people are some of the most charming, lovely people I've ever met. I've done a lot of apologizing, I feel terrible about it—it's sad and it's a shame. It's time for bridges, not walls. Not separation. You know, we're all on this planet for a short time. Why not make it beautiful for everyone, in every way you can?

And he has one last message for Esquire readers.

To be interesting, you have to be interested. Broaden your horizons, step out of your comfort zone. Life is like a parade that most people watch, and I think very few people get in and participate. Partake in your own journey. And also give back! The more you give, the more you get back. And the better you feel.

Nate Erickson Senior Lifestyle Editor Nate Erickson is the senior lifestyle editor for Esquire.com.

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