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Adam Del Rio has been in some big-budget movies opposite some big name stars.

His parts have been small; his lines few. But, that hasn’t kept the California native, who got his first taste of performing as a kid hamming it up in school talent shows, from staying positive while he waits for that big break.

After bit parts in 2002’s “The Hot Chick” and 2006’s “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Del Rio landed another part in one of this summer’s anticipated blockbuster movies, “Hancock,” starring Will Smith and Charlize Theron.

Del Rio, 27, plays a police officer in the film about a hard-living superhero (Smith) who has fallen out of favor with the public. “Hancock,” directed by Peter Berg,” is rated PG-13 and opened nationwide Wednesday, July 2.

“It’s a small part, maybe two or three lines, but it was a lot of fun,” said Del Rio, who just completed filming his biggest part yet in “Milk,” due in theaters this December.

“That’s before it’s edited, so we’ll see what happens,” Del Rio said. Directed by Sean Penn, “Milk” tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in San Francisco or any other major U.S. city.

In the film, Del Rio plays Jerry Taylor, a homosexual who was attacked and whose lover was killed outside a San Francisco restaurant in what was believed to be a gay bashing. The true incident has been documented in several accounts of the gay rights movement of the late 1970s.

Del Rio said making “Milk” was “a blast, an incredible experience.”

As for what appearing in big budget films with big stars could mean for his career, Del Rio is unsure.

“I’m not sure what it all means,” he said. “I guess I’ll find out.”

Melissa Rentería | 210SA Contributor