GALO: You’ve been on multi-episode series and had guest-starring roles on TV shows such as Chase, The Unit, Southland, and even It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Plus, you were in the remake of the film The Hitcher with Sean Bean. That is quite a diverse portfolio. Is branching out into different genres your way of challenging yourself as an actress? Do you see actors who constantly play similar roles as dull and playing it safe?

YM: I’m just always happy to work. I’m not at the point of my career where I say this is what I want to do and I’m just going to do that. I feel fortunate that I haven’t been typecast. It was difficult at the beginning because I’m 100 percent Latina, but I’m not exactly what people would imagine a Latina to look like on screen. It was difficult for people to accept and believe that, which is interesting, but I don’t feel that challenge anymore. I honestly think most actors just want to work and dream of creating a bunch of different characters. I would love to play characters that are way different than me. In school once, I played a character that was a 250 lb. Italian woman. It was so delicious to play. I think most actors dream of that, of being able to sink their teeth into different people, because people fascinate us. It’s exciting to be able to create this whole different world and forget about yourself.

GALO: Most recently, you were filming for the new show Alpha House that just piloted on Amazon. You play Adriana De Portago, the beautiful billionaire-heiress who is the new mistress of Andy Guzman, played by Mark Consuelos. Can you talk a little more about your character? Is there more to her than meets the eye? And can we expect any drama with her and Consuelos’ new housemates?

YM: You can expect a lot of orgasms [laughs]. And I’m not even kidding. I’ve never had to fake so many orgasms in my life [laughs]. But beyond that it’s interesting because Adriana moves into the Alpha House with the four men, and to me it just felt like her and Andy Guzman have a completely different soundtrack. There’s definitely a lot of drama and hilarity that ensues with all of these characters. One thing that’s interesting is you start to see the amount of power Adriana has because of her money. There’s a line that Robert Johnson’s character says about [Adriana] that is just spot on. He refers to me, saying, “She’s rich and powerful once you get to know her.” That just defines who she is and how things operate in this world from time to time, because of the power and money. But I think Adriana has a big heart and just wants to have fun.

GALO: What have your experiences been like on the set so far? What’s it like being part of a brand new show, and especially working with big-name actors like John Goodman, Bill Murray and Mark Consuelos?

YM: It’s been an absolutely wonderful experience, especially because Garry Trudeau is at the head of the ship. He’s such a genuine, authentic, and beautiful human being, who is truly curious about people and life. Whoever is leading the show sets the tone. It was a beautifully collaborative and fun experience. And if I’m going to have to fake orgasms and do crazy stuff, I’m really happy it’s with Mark Consuelos [laughs]. He’s so much fun and it was wonderful to work with him. It’s nice to meet people that are successful; and not just them, but other people that are successful. I don’t know how they do it, but they know how to balance their life — you can tell they are present and really enjoying every moment. It was really inspiring; not even from an acting point of view, but to just live life.

GALO: I understand that four female actresses were just added to the cast as supporting roles: Cynthia Nixon, Amy Sedaris, Julie White and Wanda Sykes. Can we expect a powerhouse female presence on the show as well?

YM: Without a doubt. Especially with those actresses, I mean, come on! There’s definitely a powerhouse. Amy Sedaris, even between takes, she was running the set. She’s so tiny, but she’s such a powerhouse. It was such a delight to see her on set and to work with her, and Wanda Sykes, too. It was a lot of fun and a very good experience.

GALO: Do you think with the political climate being what it is recently, and with politicians being even more scrutinized these days, that Alpha House adds some much needed comic relief to politics? Do you follow politics at all?

YM: I do follow politics. I’m not a political junkie. I was two years ago. All I was watching was political shows; I would just get irate, and it just really started affecting me. Now I just do my best to stay informed, to be a responsible citizen. As far as the comedic relief, I think the Republican Party in itself is comedic relief. There’s [HBO’s] Veep and [Netflix’s] House of Cards, and our show is not like either of those shows. It’s not like our show is trying to get anyone elected or impeached, but I think it’s always good to hold a mirror to the people that are in power, and show how ridiculous they look.

GALO: How do you feel about Amazon coming into the limelight by creating their own series, especially with the success of Netflix’s original shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards? Do you think this is a step in a positive direction for television, and what does this mean for the future of filmmaking?

YM: I definitely think it’s a positive thing. I don’t know what the future of filmmaking is going to be, but I do know, as an actress, it’s great to have another outlet. As far as creative content goes, I feel there’s more freedom and liberty for anyone that’s participating with Amazon. I definitely felt that from where I was standing. It’s exciting working on a network television that can be great in so many ways.

GALO: This year you have guest-starred on TV shows like Necessary Roughness, Hawaii Five-O and Criminal Minds. Do you hope to continue playing these kinds of supporting roles? Are there any particular roles or genres — perhaps more films — that you would like to take on in the future?

YM: I would definitely like to do more film. I really liked working on all of those shows. I don’t necessarily want to play a victim. I loved Criminal Minds but that was an exhausting week having to go to that place. I just like to work and I like interesting characters. I think it comes down to the character. If there’s a certain type of role I would like to play, I would love to play a psychotic and neurotic woman, and go in that direction. That would be really fun. It sounds kind of crazy, but I just want to be Jessica Lange. Can I say that? I want to play Jessica Lange.

Alpha House premiered on Amazon on November 15, 2013, with new episodes available every Friday. To watch or find out more about the series, please visit http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-HD/dp/B00CDBTQCW.


Video Courtesy of: Amazon/Akon Morrisson.

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Featured image: Actress Yara Martinez. Photo Courtesy of: Sebastian Smith.