“Do I feel a sense of responsibility? Absolutely and I love it. We are changing the Latino narrative.”
– Justina Machado
She is changing the Latino narrative everyday on ONE DAY AT A TIME, adamant that Diversity is not just Black and White, and happiest playing a universal part far outside of the stereotypical “Latina Boxes”: The Best Parts of actress Justina Machado’s Impactful and Candid Discussion with Zak Barnett and Martha Gehman.
In the wide-ranging Wonder Women of Hollywood event co-produced by ZBS Studios and Backstage and hosted by master acting teachers Zak Barnett and Martha Gehman, the One Day at a Time (Netflix) star discusses the wider scope of diversity and why there is more work to do, her dreamy ‘daily’ experience working with legendary TV producer Norman Lear, and much more. Here are the bits we thought you shouldn’t miss.
ABOUT JUSTINA MACHADO:
Justina is an American actress of Puerto Rican descent. She is known for her roles as Vanessa Diaz on the HBO drama series Six Feet Under, and as Brenda on the drama Queen of the South. Machado stars as Penelope Alvarez on the Netflix show One Day at a Time, and Darci Factor in Jane the Virgin.
Justina on Responsibility
“Do I feel a sense of responsibility? Absolutely and I love it. We are changing the Latino narrative. So, people are looking at this and saying, ‘Oh, my family is like that.’…It’s a universal story. It’s about family. It’s about love. And it’s also bringing back the Middle Class her, which I think is really interesting. It is doing a great thing for my people. (Lots of laughter). I appreciate it everyday and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
Justina on Activism
“I am from the inner city and I want people to know that they can do anything and anything can happen. So to me its so important to talk any time somebody asks me to talk.”
For more on Justina Machado and more incredible Wonder Women of Hollywood, click here to watch the entire panel discussion.
Justina works with PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES), a non profit organization committed to improving the quality of life for children and young adults with cancer and their family members. young children with cancer. And she is a passionate supporter of Planned Parenthood.
ZBS Video by Austin Heemstra
Photos by Austin Heemstra and Cullyn Doerfler
Want more ZBS Wonder Women of Hollywood?
Check out Zak Barnett’s featured article in Backstage
and
Casting Director Marci Liroff’s article about the event in Backstage
