__________
What was your first experience with acting and how did your idea of it changed and evolved through time?
__________
My first professional acting experience was in a comedy show I did in 2013. It was a web series, which I enjoyed so much! After that role, I started doing dramas, which is very different. My idea of acting continues to evolve with every character and team that I work with. Each day that goes by, I start to feel a bigger commitment to the craft.
“My idea of acting continues to evolve with every character and team that I work with.”
__________
In “Sons of Anarchy” Kurt Sutter accustomed the audience to strong female figures, more than capable to hold the strings of every situation. In these first episodes of “Mayans,” we are getting to know Adelita and her own strength. How did you prepare for the part? And did you also look for inspiration in characters of “Sons of Anarchy,” such as Gemma?
__________
Yes, indeed. I love how Kurt creates powerful female characters that move the story along. To prepare for my role, I did research on the “Adelitas” during the Mexican Revolution. There are so many inspirational stories about female power. I also come from a family with really strong women whom lived 2 world wars (my 2 grandmothers, in Italy) and they helped me to understand the soul behind a tough woman and that hunger for survival.
Of course, I always look to Gemma for some inspiration (metaphorically). I love the way she protects her family and how passionate she is for the things that she believes in. She is a rock, as is Adelita.
__________
Do you have anything that you feel might link yourself to Adelita’s character?
__________
Of course. We are both really stubborn and independent. I will do anything to protect my family, just like she does. I was born and raised in Venezuela, so I know how it feels to live in a world where you have to be aware and careful in order to survive. I think we both have that survival instinct.
__________
How would you describe Adelita in one word?
__________
Lioness.
__________
You have worked in both Venezuelan and American productions. Would you say there’s a difference between them, in your personal experience?
__________
In a way, I think that both countries have a different language for acting (not just in the literal sense). But at its core, you can feel the same passion and familial environment in both countries. I’ve been lucky enough to feel like I work with family, no matter which country I’m physically in.
__________
Lately, the industry and Hollywood are opening up to inclusion – with the Time’s Up movement for women and a more thorough representation of other realities different than the ones that we usually see on screen. What would you like to see in the future for the Cinema and TV industry? And do you think streaming platforms such as Amazon and Netflix are changing it?
__________
I would love to see more of that, especially in Cinema where I think we are missing that. Not just with women or Latinos, but in general. It’s so important to be aware of what’s happening in the world and to be sensitive about it. If we don’t see things the way they are, we can become ignorant. I see streaming platforms and TV/film as windows to sensitize us as humans, so we should really use them with consciousness and respect.
“I see streaming platforms and TV/film as windows to sensitize us as humans, so we should really use them with consciousness and respect.”
__________
What’s your happy place?
__________
Hugging my husband. It doesn’t matter where we are if I’m with him I feel so happy, calm and safe.
__________
What was one epic fail on the job, if you have had one?
__________
I guess when I go home after a long day and get the feeling that I could have done better. There’s really nothing you can do about it at that point. It’s hard to let go of that feeling.
__________
Your must have on set?
__________
My sketchbook, always.
__________
The last series you binge-watched?
__________
“FAUDA”… can’t get over it…!!!
__________
What was the moment when you felt the freest while acting?
__________
Acting, in general, makes me feel so free. With “Mayans M.C.,” I was able to express a part of me that I was not used to, which felt amazing.
__________
The most beautiful thing while filming Mayans M.C.?
__________
The brotherhood that we created. I love everyone on the show like family. Also, being able to work with the younger actors was so inspiring. I loved seeing so much commitment and potential.
“With ‘Mayans M.C.,’ I was able to express a part of me that I was not used to.”
__________
What’s your rêve (dream) for the future?
__________
To be able to support my family by doing what I love and to open art schools for kids in my home country. That is the dream. And of course, accomplishing all that by working with the people that I admire the most; directors, actors and artists.
Photo credits: Leslie Alejandro
Makeup: Jessica Ahn
Hair: Matt Fugate
Styling: Ami Lasser
