Jessica Pimentel – Orange Is The New Black

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) Other than being an actress, I’m also a musician.  I play in two bands based here in NYC. One I front called Alekhine’s Gun.  The other band, Desolate, I play the bass in.  We are currently writing and recording new material and play often in the New York City area, but we will be hitting a few states in the summertime.  I’m also a student of Tibetan Buddhist logic, philosophy and meditation and the lineage of the Dalai Lama. I quite often take time away to study with monks of the great Tibetan monasteries.

Q) Please tease what is in store for Season 2 of “Orange Is The New Black” and with your character Maria Ruiz.

A) As far Season 2 is concerned, there really isn’t much that we can tell you because you wouldn’t believe most of it anyway.  In the first season, we leave María after giving birth and the trauma of being separated from her child. In Season 2, she must cope with that in all of the emotions that come along with it.

Q) Was there anything that you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) For the most part, the writers and producers gave me a a lot of leeway to make María come to life.  I found out about her week by week (just like the audience does) and I had to make choices early on with little information. So, basically, I just put myself in her shoes.  There were a few discussions about how old she was, where she was from and what nationality she was. All these things slowly get revealed as Season 2 progresses.

Q) The cast seems so close. Who are you closest to offset?

A) That is absolutely correct.  I don’t feel if there’s one particular person that is closest. We all hang out so much it’s like a big family, but Emma Myles and I always seem to find ourselves in the center of the party when there is a party to be had.

Q) What directors have you enjoyed working with the most?

A) Can I say all of them?  Michael Trim is fantastic and a pleasure to work with. He really knows how to get things out of us.  Getting to work with Andrew McCarthy and Jodie Foster is like a childhood dream come true.  Last, but not least, Phil Abraham was the director on some of the toughest scenes I had to shoot in Seasons 1 and 2. He really encouraged me to try many things in each take and knew exactly the right thing to say. I really learned a lot working with these great people.

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming?

A) There have been so many that it would be hard to narrow them down.  I did have quite a surreal moment Season 1 when I got to give Red (Kate Mulgrew) an intensely dirty look in the lunch line. I’ve been a “Star Trek” fan my whole life so that could quite possibly be my favorite moment on set…Working with her. Captain Janeway!  Also, I will never forget in Season 1 being wheeled back in after having my baby.  That was a very heavy scene and all the actresses on set gave me a wonderful energy to help me get through.

Q) We’ve seen some major celebs expressing interest in guest starring. Who would you like to see guest in Season 3?

A) Well, Rosie O’Donnell showed up on our red carpet for the Season 2 premiere and she fit right in.  She would be a blast to have on the show.  Also, I wouldn’t mind if Alexander Skarsgård made a guest appearance.  There are so many ladies on set it would be nice to throw another gentleman into the mix.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Are you looking forward to the instant feedback you’ll receive from fans when Season 2 airs?

A) Feedback from the show has been constant since the release the season one and what I think we all learned was to shut off or phones since we on the East Coast the night that the show first premieres.  We have some of the most creative, most diehard, coolest and most vocal fans on earth who constantly shower us with love. I cannot WAIT to see what they think about this season and they will let us know!

Q) Is there anything else you’d like to be sure to share with fans about S2 of “Orange Is The New Black?”

A) Cancel your plans. You will not be disappointed. Do not underestimate anyone! It is going to be a very wild ride.