Maria Quezada – Talia in the Kitchen

By starrymag | September 2, 2016

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

Q) Congratulations on your Imagen Awards nomination!

A) It’s such a huge honor and I feel really proud to represent my roots. I’m Latina! I’m proud! Just to speak up for diversity, I feel like we need that more in our industry. Diversity makes us stand out, but at the same time it brings us together.

Q) You are nominated for Best Young Actor.

A) And the show is nominated as well for Best Children’s Programing. So, I’m excited that we are both nominated. I can’t wait!

Q) Where were you when you learned of your nomination and what was your reaction?

A) Actually, I was in my bedroom. One of my castmates texted me saying, “I’m so proud of you! Congratulations!” I honestly had no idea what he was talking about. I texted back saying, “Thank you. Are you sure this is for me and you don’t have the wrong number?” He just sent me the link. I didn’t think about it, but he sent me the link with the nominated and I freaked out. I think I woke up everyone in my house that night, but I was so excited! It’s just incredible because it is also considered like the Latino Golden Globes. So, you can’t imagine how I feel to be nominated. It is just out of this world!

Q) The show is also based on the Nickelodeon Latin American telenovela. What made you want to be on it?

A) I auditioned for the series a few years back and I automatically fell in love with the project because I had never seen a show that blended both the Latin culture and American culture on one screen. And it’s for kids! I thought that was remarkable. Growing up, I never had any show like that I could identify with so I was really excited from the beginning. When I found out I got it, it was just incredible. I embarked on this journey where I got to, in a way, change the lives of kids. Kids come up to me no matter where I go and they say, “You’re my inspiration! You’re my role model! I want to be like you!” That just fills my life up.

Q) It must also be great for you then to be a part of social media to hear what fans have to say.

A) Definitely! Social media plays a big part. But the thing about the show is that there is a lot of positive and uplifting messages. My character, for one, is very determined and willing to go through any obstacles that get in her way. I feel like that is really important for kids to know – if they work hard at something they can do anything they put their mind to.

Q) There is a bit of fun and fantasy to the show. They can remember when Talia does I can do.

A) Definitely! I’m all for uplifting messages and showing my fans that I am there for them and that I love them. I feel like that is my responsibility. I take my job really seriously so I can be there for them and change their community with my ideas and beliefs.

Q) How was Talia originally described to you and how did she evolve from there?

A) She has evolved in incredible ways that I never thought possible. In the beginning, she was a new character and I was creating her from scratch. It was another ballgame! I had to learn how to cook. Me, in real life, I know how to make cereal. I know how to make toast. So, through this character I got to explore a whole different side of myself and the culinary world. It has been an incredible journey. It is funny because I would get to the table read and the character would say something the day before or do something that only I do that I had never told anyone about. I honestly felt the writers were spying on me! The things she would write were really crazy. I feel like I have also learned a lot from Talia’s confidence and determination.

Q) What is your favorite thing to make in the kitchen?

A) Now, I’ve learned! Before I didn’t know anything. I love to bake. I love to bake with my siblings, family and friends. I play music and dance around the kitchen. I bake sweets and watch people’s reactions to eating them. It’s incredible!

Q) What do you think it is about Talia in the Kitchen that has made it such a fan favorite show?

A) The series overall has a lot of aspects that makes it unique and standout. I think it is the messages, drama and comedy and the magic, definitely! I love how it also blends two cultures on one screen. You see the Latino culture and the American culture and you see how they collide and the things that come from that collision. I think it is really rare and cool in that way.

Q) What have you been doing lately?

A) I’m continuing to learn and blossom. I’m taking singing, guitar playing. I’m just getting ready and going for it! I’m also learning how to do weapons. I’m learning how to use them for stage combat. It’s really cool!

Q) Who are some actors and actresses that you look up to in the industry?

A) The greats like Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep and Michelle Rodriguez I love her! She’s a really great fighter. I look up to them because they make each character unique and make each role believable. You can’t really tell they are acting. You are really drawn into the story and you forget you are watching actors on screen. It takes you through the whole story on a ride.

Q) What have you learned about yourself from working on Talia in the Kitchen?

A) I’ve discovered a whole different side to me that I didn’t know existed. I found a stronger me, a more determined and resilient person. I’m a fighter. I’m a fighter and I’m always looking out for my team. I’m always cheering them on. I’ve matured a lot during this whole journey. It’s incredible I learned during this whole process and from my character. I feel so connected to her and I felt like I have learned from her and what she does and her determination and how hard she works to make her dreams a reality. I take pieces of the characters that I play, but I think she has had the biggest influence in my personal life. I’m more confident because I play her. When she wants to do something, she does. I have taken a few aspects of her life and incorporated it in my life.

Q) Is there anything you have recently been working on?

A) It’s all on the down low, but you guys can follow me on social media to keep up with what I’m doing and what is going on in my life. We’ll see!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you so much for all of your support and all you do for me. I love each and every one of you. I wish I could hug every one. I’m always looking out for what you are doing and I’m here for you guys. Fighters all the way! I love you all!