What is your background and how did you get involved in the entertainment industry?
I got involved in the entertainment industry around the time I got to the US. I love art in all of its forms, so shortly after my arrival, I started taking acting classes and auditioning at the age of 15–16.
When you think back on “The Magicians”, how would you describe those years?
Looking back on it, I would describe the whole process of making “The Magicians” a really creative journey. When I signed onto the show in season one, I didn’t have as much to do as I have now in terms of acting. My challenges were very different in the beginning and most of them were just crafting the character. Margo grew up and became a very strong, courageous, and dynamic character. I tried to keep up with her and I feel like I learned the most I can ever learn on any set about what it means to act.
Were you aware of the impact the show would have?
Not at all! When I first booked the role, I just looked at it like I finally got a stable job. That was all you really hope in the beginning and I didn’t expect necessarily to get to series last for as long as it did because you sometimes sign on something and it never gets made. I tried not to attach myself to the idea that I would return every year but I really didn’t think that it would have the impact that it did. It was really lovely.
If you had the opportunity to talk to Margo, what would you say to her?
I would probably say “Thank you!” because having to coexist alongside her and her strength, courage was self-motivating but it was also sort of hard at times because maybe I was not growing at the same pace that she was. She’s a very hard measuring stick to use for progress because Margo is such a force of nature so there was a lot of catching up to do.
Are you content with Margo’s end of the journey?
I’m really content with the writing we received in the finale. All I could think of was that I wanted to make her look like Indiana Jones when she sacrifices herself. She made that decision at the beginning of the episode and it was something she was content with because it would allow for the people that she loved to be safe. I’m really happy with how she goes from the Destroyer to the Creator as they say in the finale. I feel like the writers really paid respect to her and her story.
If you had the opportunity to do another season, what would you like for Margo to explore next in her story?
I would like to see more of the joy that we left her with in the finale. I would like to see her grow into some parts of herself on the inside because we didn’t see as much of that from her in the past.
Were you nervous when you did the first musical episode as opposed to the ones in later seasons?
It was so funny because we found out we were going to do a musical episode and I’m not a singer at all. I don’t have any background in singing so I had nothing to compare it to but I also knew Margo would have a good laugh at herself for this. I just tried to put a lot of heart into it and if it sounded horrible, at least it was with intention. The musical episode in season four which came later on was my favorite episode because it was the first time I wasn’t wearing a lot of makeup and Margo was all-natural. I’m very happy with being outside so that episode was really interesting to do, plus I had more experience because of the past musical episodes.
What would you like to say to the fans of “The Magicians”?
I would like to say “Thank you so much!”. I’m really glad this character resonated so much with people. While filming, I was just focused on doing a good job so looking back on it now, it’s really overwhelming. When I do conventions and I hear from the people what Margo means to them, it’s truly wonderful. It’s nice to have that perspective on it and I’m just so glad that there’s a character that people can identify with out there.
What are you looking for in a character for a future portrayal?
I just want the next thing that I do to be a character as unique and challenging as Margo. Whether it’s a TV show or a film, I just want a character that manages to keep me on my toes as Margo did. I would love to grow along with the character.
What are some films that made you fall in love with acting and recommend?
Strangely enough, I kind of fell in love with “Edward Scissorhands” as a really young person. I didn’t know it at the time but I was actually studying his performance because I thought it was so interesting. “Midnight Express” is also a very interesting movie, as well as “Pulp Fiction”. I could go on forever with this because there are so many great films out there.
What do you hope to achieve through your art?
If I can spark joy or any other type of feeling in someone’s heart even for like from 3 seconds a couple of times and have that be seen by somebody, I feel like I’ll be happy. That’s kind of what I want to do, I just want to leave something behind that has value and leaves people wondering.As an actor, our biggest dream is to inspire people to pursue what their heart desires, without hesitation.
Did you remember a moment in your life in which you first felt like “I made it” as an actor?
Hm. I want to say, yes. I feel like I have those silly “I made it” moments all the time, but then you’re still reminded there is still so much farther to go. I suppose when I started doing fan conventions around the world, getting to meet the people that were impacted by my character’s journey and my acting. It always touches me to think I could have inspired someone, halfway around the globe. It really makes it all worth it.
What values are most important to you?
I’d say truth, honesty, what really defines a person. I start there when I character build. I’d like to think of their pillars, what are they made up of; the values are like ingredients. So, I view other people like that. I try to always find the goodness too, in others and my characters.
Who are some artists that have influenced your craft and in what ways?
I’m a huge Frida Kahlo fan, not just because she’s a Mexican woman, but because she was so revolutionary as a person, as a creative force. She had been through so much pain in her life, and you could feel it in her art, but she also never stopped expressing herself. Expressing hurt and beauty. She always felt to me like such a profound energy, and I admire her a lot. As far as actors, I love Meryl, and Daniel Day, all the Cates (Kate), and Christian Bale a lot. I love how they morph, change so much. You don’t know who they’ll be next. I love the idea of that, and I try to bring that to my characters.
What kind of roles do you prefer when you are looking at a potential character to portray?
It really depends on where I am in my life. Before I played Raven, I was kind of sick of Hollywood and their perception of women. It was always “hot, thin, sexual but virginal,” etc. It was just so uninteresting and, honestly, unrealistic to me.
I wanted to play a girl that didn’t care about being “pretty” or had to be “likable.” I wanted someone smart and strong, who could just be herself because that’s what I was searching for in me. So, as far as the future holds, I’ve really allowed for more calmness in my life, more gentleness. And happiness, I’ve been focusing on that a lot lately. I want a role that will challenge me creatively and intellectually, but with probably more lightness than the world of The 100.
How do you deal with the stress of the entertainment industry?
Haha, not great! I’ve been working on that. I kicked coffee because it would also stress me out, and now I meditate a lot, write about it in my journal, or talk to my therapist and friends. Pray about it and then sleep on it. I found approaching situations with calmness brings me the most clarity. Oh, and laughing! I used to stress so much about being perfect with everything, and now I just laugh at how silly it all can be.
What are some causes that you believe in and would love to bring awareness to?
I work with a great foundation called Active Minds that aids college-age students with tools for their mental health. Services, therapists, curriculum, etc. Mental health is a huge passion of mine, and with this program, we are actively trying to ban the “stigma” around it and create a much more open dialogue about ways one can be healthier or help themselves or others. I’m very proud of the work they do, and I hope to be more involved in the future.
What do you hope to achieve through your art?
Oh wow, so much. In the past, I think I was just so curious. I wanted to express the human story, explore every corner of it.I then went through a powerful phase of wanting to move others, inspire them, help or heal them through story. I think now, I’m in a place where I want to just revel in the joy of creation, in world-building and character building and connection.
