10 Things about Constance Marie
Since the last time we spoke with you, you’ve done several projects that have taken you away from what we’ve previously seen you in before. What are some of the types of characters that you have been gravitating to?
I usually gravitate to roles that I feel proud to play. If I don’t believe in the role or project, honestly, I just won’t be good. For me, any role that I do has to portray my Latinx Culture with integrity, or in a way that moves people. I usually gravitate to roles that portray and celebrate strong women.
“With Love” is a Rom/Com! It’s my first rom-com, I have never been given an opportunity to do one before. Also, I come from a long line of strong women, and I think we need more of that. Most recently, I have been doing a lot of voice over work. My latest is on a Disney show “Elena of Avalor” where I get to play the most glorious diva villain, ‘Doña Paloma’! The best part of playing a villain is that I get to be mean and GET PAID FOR IT!
You’ve had the chance to work with some phenomenal actors thus far in your career. Which ones have you been dying to work with now, and why?
I would very much like to work with Oscar Isaac. He brings so much nuance and depth to every character he plays, be it drama or comedy! And, of course, there is MERYL STREEP! To be in a movie with her, or even just a scene with her, would check a very big box off my bucket list.
Let’s talk about some of your current projects. You previously mentioned the Amazon series, “With Love.” How were you first connected with this project and what made you join?
When I read the script for “With Love”, I was immediately filled with love for it (no pun intended). Even if I wasn’t cast in it, I was just so happy that it was getting made. It’s funny, sexy, deeply emotional and has so much heart at the core of this wonderful family. With all that is going on in the world, with Covid and how deeply divided we are on many levels, we NEED projects that uplift our souls. This show feels like the warm hug we all need right now. Oh, also that a Latinx family FINALLY made it to the upper middle class and were portrayed as so, was amazing. I thought, sign me up! This show is packed with diversity, ethnically, socially & sexually. Representation matters and “With Love” is chock full of it.
In “With Love” you play the role of Beatriz Diaz. What can you tell us about her personality and which aspects of her character that you enjoy bringing to screen?
The character of Beatriz is so multi-layered, it was a wonderful challenge. I really love that this show is a “dramedy,” so Beatriz gets to be funny and dramatic. I loved how the role dealt with the concept of what happens AFTER you get your happily ever after. When you find yourself mid-life, and now the relationship is on auto pilot, yet you still love each other, but forget to be a couple. Do you do the work or bag it? I like that it shows how a healthy relationship takes work.
What can viewers expect to see from Beatriz and the rest of the cast on “With Love”?
As far as Beatriz, she has a secret that I cannot reveal, but I can say it rattles the family a bit. I think in a good way. I feel many women are going to be able to relate to her situation.
THIS SHOW IS SO BINGABLE. I watched all the episodes back-to-back, and it made me laugh out loud, and then cry and then back to laughing again. Honestly, the entire cast has such great chemistry! They are both sexy and hilarious. Funny and heartbreaking. Gloria Calderon Kellett is so adept at writing scenes that transition back and forth from emotional to funny seamlessly. Lastly, not to sound like a cougar but, our show certainly has some super-hot men in it!
Your other project “Undone,” is also on Amazon. What can you share about the process of securing this role, and what was it about the script that made you excited to be a part of it?
When I started “Undone”, I wasn’t sure what it was going to end up being. It was animation, but we shot live action scenes. There were all these mental and physical transitions that we all went through in the script that would be added in later with CGI and impressionistic artwork as our sets and background.
We started the shooting process in an office conference room! We used minimal props, but the final product is gorgeous! I also loved that the main idea of the show is how the choices we make at any given moment can change the trajectory of our entire lives. In this show you get to see how each choice pans out. And, if the main character doesn’t like that outcome, she gets to do it over again! I wish we could do that in real life.
You’ve been vocal about the need for more Latin representation in the industry, both in front and behind the camera. What more would you like your audience to know about this movement?
I would want people to know that even though there has been progress since I started acting 30 years ago, when they would just slap some bronzer on Catherine Zeta-Jones and voila, she’s Mexican, it is still an uphill battle. Despite how we are often portrayed in TV & film, Latinx people didn’t all just arrive in America. WE HAVE BEEN PART OF THE FABRIC OF THIS COUNTRY BEFORE IT WAS EVEN AMERICA. I personally can trace my families roots in America all the way back to 1850. We need to insist on, and support shows that represent us in a positive light. When characters are written for projects, no matter what the medium, Latinx actors should be eligible and cast for ANY of these roles, period. There needs to be a balance of representation on the screen, not only roles as recent immigrants, drug dealers or maids, but ALSO the doctors, lawyers, mothers, neighbor, and friends. We have been part of this melting pot since the beginning, so we need to see ourselves on screen that way.
You are a very philanthropic person. What charities and organizations do you enjoy supporting?
I am very interested in supporting the future generations. I have a young daughter, and I want to do all I can to ensure that she has the right to make decisions about her body and her healthcare. I support the East Los Angeles Women’s Center. They have been a very important resource to help victims of rape and domestic violence. I also support Planned Parenthood because they help young women who may not have access to reproductive healthcare.
I want to do all I can to make sure that the younger generation has a planet with clean air, water & food so that they can achieve all they want. I truly think it is unfair that they are the ones who are going to have to clean up the messy planet we are leaving them. For this reason, I and my daughter are both vegetarians. Animal factory farming contributes to climate change more than the auto industry. For this reason, I support PETA & The Environmental Working Group because they are wonderful at raising awareness for the environment.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I am a sucker for the classics. I love Ralph Lauren, Prada, and Saint Laurent. Recently, I loved the Dundas x Revolve collection. I really like the flow of the fabric. I like designers that flatter a woman’s body, not ones where a woman’s body must conform to the outfit.
We look forward to seeing you in Amazon’s “With Love” when it premieres on December 17. What other projects do you have coming up soon?
Well, to be completely honest, Covid has not been kind to my mental state, my body or dating. So, I am embarking on the process of getting in shape, taking time to nurture my mind with some therapy and self-care time, maybe a vacation.
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Photos: Vince Trupsin